A Picnic on the Beach!

Going on a picnic is #68 on my list.  It has been so beautiful on my holidays - I wanted to get this done!    I was grateful my neighbour agreed to come on a picnic with his kids. Kids love picnics & beaches! To add to the fun, we decided to walk to the beach on the bike path - which is about 6km round trip.

Dylan - 4 yrs old, he doesn't look impressed, but he is actually quite excited!

Blurry pic - but we are about halfway there! No complains by the kids yet!

Having our picnic & then a swim in the river

Even the puppy was tired when we got home!

There is something about true stories...

A couple of weeks ago - I read a book written by my uncle, Jacques Kahale.  He is currently retired, and his dream was to write a book about his life so his kids could have something tangible about his past.  As much as I thought I knew my uncle, reading his book helped me learn more about him.

His book was an easy read - I learned a little about Egypt, the war, the culture. I was amazed at some points of the book I laughed out loud and at other points my heart was hurting. 

This book starts with the life of his parents (by stories told to him by his father) and finishes with him leaving Egypt and coming to Canada. He is currently writing his next book in which he will talk about the beginning years in Canada - including when he met my aunt, my mother's sister! Can't wait!

Many people have the aspirations of writing a book - but never put the plan in to action.  I am very proud of him! 

Another book read for #13 on my list! 

Am I 14 years old again?

When I was younger, I used to be in a 5-pin bowling league. I stopped playing when I was about 14 years old.  #84 on my 101 list is to go night bowling - which is what I did this weekend.  My husband and our friends drove to Watertown, NY for the night, shopped, and went to Seaway Lanes for the evening.  

Even though this was 10-pin bowling, it brought back a lot of memories.   I did well the first game!

Me in front of our lane

My score: 102  ---don't listen to the others if they say I cheated ;)

 

April Challenge with the Hubby :)

Living a paleo lifestyle 90% of the time is what I strive to accomplish.  It can be difficult when the person you spend most of your time with isn't quite on board with this way of living.

In March, I asked my husband (who loves his sandwiches, snacks and beer) if he would do a 30 day Paleo Challenge with me in April.  After some consideration, he agreed and for 30 days we did not have any sugar, grains/bread, dairy, or alcohol.  What we did eat was meat, fruits, vegetables, seafood/fish, nuts.

The first week was a challenge, but after 2 weeks - it got much easier. We both noticed after 30 days we were calm, collective, our communication with each other improved drastically, we had a lot of patience and we were sleeping much better at night.

He is now starting to understand why my goal to live a Paleo lifestyle is important to me and we now try and make all our meals Paleo.  Of course with him having the occasional sandwich and beer on the weekends ;)!

Below are some photos of the types of meals we ate and continue to eat after the challenge.

Breakfast was by far my favorite meal of the day. 

Paleo Pancakes, Organic Sausage & Organic Bacon

Organic Bacon, Scrambled Eggs with left over beef, fruit & avocado

boiled egg, avocado, fruit and pecans

Here are some examples of our dinners (which we often had left overs for lunch)

Grass-fed steak on the BBQ!

organic chicken meat pie with sweet potato
    

Organic Chicken & Veges with Salad

Organic meatball soup - big hit in our house! Lots of leftovers

Organic Beef Goulash

Organic Shrimp with Asparagus

Here are some photos of the snacks we had:

homemade beef jerkey

Larabars if really having a bad day. I usually cut them in 3 pieces for 3 snacks

Tuna Balls

Organic Dates with Pecans - tastes like pecan pie!

coconut milk ice cream - expensive, but delicious!

It was a fun challenge and it helped that we did it together.  It's something that we are proud of! I can't wait until he does the challenge with me again.....he thinks otherwise ;)

This challenge allowed me to scratch #10 off my 101 list!

Almond Coconut Balls

Remember those peanutbutter balls with coconut?  Well here is a Paleo version.  I found this recipe in one of my Paleo Cookbooks from http://www.paleocookbooks.com/  but I didn't have hazelnut meal in my cupboard so I changed it slightly.

These were SO SIMPLE. Honestly took me 10 minutes to make.  This would be a perfect recipe to get the kids involved too!

No cooktime. Just mix, form balls and put in fridge.
Definitely satisfies my sweet tooth too!


Recipe

1 cup of almond flour
1/2 cup of coconut flour
1/2 cup of almond butter
4 tbsp of honey
2 tbsp of cocoa
coconut

Mix ingredients, roll coconut on balls, cool for a few hours in fridge.

Gotta love Massages!

I put 4 massages per year on my 101 list (#58) - but I really believe I need to get a massage more frequently. 

February, I had Ted Casselman, who owns Serenity Massage & Wellness in Cornwall give me a relaxation massage.  My goal is to get a massage at least every 1-2 months.  I asked Ted to focus on my back/neck (bad bed) and right arm (blackberry usage).   I always feel so much better after I get the massage!  

Luckily, I recently purchased a new bed - so my back issues have improved a great deal.  However, I'm still a chronic computer/blackberry user.  I want to avoid carpel tunnel as much as possible, so will continue to get Ted to massage out the tension!!

The Happiness Project

The Happiness Project is my 20th book out of 30!  I'm lucky I have a book club that encourages me to finish books within the month!

This book was a unique book.  It's not like any other book I've read - as it's a women telling her story about trying to improve herself in order to be the happiest she could be.  I could definitely relate to it because I am always trying to improve myself. Probably one of the main reasons I started this 101 list! :)

For those who enjoy reading self-help books you will probably enjoy this one! For a full review of the book - check out the book club blog :
http://www.womenwholovewords.blogspot.com/ .  If you've read it, feel free to comment!

My IMAX Experience!

It may sound strange to some people,  but until recently,  I had never experienced an IMAX movie.

#65 on my 101 list was to go to an IMAX movie. A friend and I went to the Cineplex in Gloucester and the only movie that was playing in the "IMAX experience" was I AM NUMBER FOUR. 

Not exactly the movie I would have chosen - but it was the only option.

It was a good overall experience. The screen was bigger, and at times I felt my chair shake from the surround sound.

Would I go to a movie because it is playing in IMAX, no, not at all.  Would I recommend the IMAX, yes I would especially with movies with a lot of special effects. I could see it making a big difference in these types of movies.

I am just happy I can scratch another one off my list! :)

Livin' Paleo & Lovin' my Body Change!

For the last month -eating 95% Paleo and going to Crossfit 3-4 times per week, I am already seeing my body composition change. 

I am less concerned about the scale and more concerned about how my body feels, looks and how much stronger I am getting!

Looking at my 101 list - my top 4 goals are pretty hefty and I have less than 500 days to reach them.

To make things simple for me:

I will update my Crossfit progress once a week - under "Lovin' my Body Change".   I will do my best to write about:

• any personal records (PR's) for lifts,
• any personal records for times
• increased/decrease in energy
• inches lost

Of course - without eating correctly, working out would be pointless - so once a week - under "Livin' Paleo" I will highlight:

• daily meals / snacks
• caffeine consumption (my downfall)
• cheats / non-paleo choices
• overall feelings after certain meals.

This will be great for me - as it's a good record & gives me some accountability for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Also, it would be great to get feedback and ideas and learn from each other!

For those of you new to Paleo & Exercise (crossfit style) below are a few videos from http://www.paynowlivelater.blogspot.com/

Food



Exercise

February Meal - Meatball Soup

This is by far one of my favorite winter meals.  This is my February meal - and follows Paleo guidelines. 

I got the recipe off of http://www.cavemanstrong.com/ .

It took no time at all to make and we had leftovers for the next two days!

Definitely recommend!

Women & Words

A group of friends and I started a book club - every month we pick a new book, meet and discuss.  I was happy about this because "joining a book club" or "starting a book club" is #62 on my list!

We decided to start a blog about it, that way anyone can be a part of our book club and leave comments about how they liked the book etc.

Get a group of friends together and follow along with us. Otherwise, read on your own and leave comments!

Suggestions for books are welcome!

The blog address: http://www.womenwholovewords.blogspot.com/

Heart of the Matter

Just finished another book for #13 on my list: 19 books in total - 11 more to go. 

I love Emily Giffin's writing - it's easy, realistic and usually all of her books are page-turners.

Some may find Emily's plot a little too close to home that's how realisitc it can be.

For a full review of the book - check out the blog http://www.womenwholovewords.blogspot.com/.

Photo is worth 1000 words!

#39 on my list is to complete 1 month of the 365 project.  I've blogged about this project before - basically you take a photo every day for a year and the photo should sum up what your day was about. I thought it was neat - but also thought a whole year was a big commitment!

Doing this project really had me conciously thinking about what was important about my day.  Somedays, it was so clear I would say in excitement "That's going to be my photo for the day", and other days I was going through a few pics that day and couldn't decide.

All in all, it was fun. I have my father and sister now doing the project - so I may just continue and see how far I can get! 

Can you say ass-kicked?

As much as I have worked out the past few weeks at home - nothing compares to going to a physical gym.  I'm thinking it's because we tend to push more because we see others working out as well. Or at least I do.

To the right, you'll see yesterday's workout of the day (WOD) from (www.cavemanstrong.com) . A year ago - it would have been simple and I probably wouldn't have been sore.  However, I had a hard time with this WOD as it was my first day back.

It won't take me long to build back my muscle, power and flexibility as long as I keep working at it.   The front squat to the box - my max was 85lbs.  For the cashout - I didn't use any weight because my hips/legs are very tight and I had a hard time actually doing 15 full lunges to the ground.  Pullups - I used bands to help me - My time for the cashout was 11mins:24secs.

Move that Body

Let's review the Top 4 items on my 101 List:

These things aren't going to get accomplished unless I put it in my schedule to practice them and get better. I've been working out at home (easier with my schedule) for the last 2 weeks  - but it's just not the same as going to the gym.

I was able to fit Crossfit in 4 times this week - currently in my schedule! Anxious to get back to it and make progression toward my top 4 goals.

I will keep you updated on the workouts & my times - that way it holds me accountable too!

Just for your enjoyment - haha!:)

On Top of the World

Saturday, I spent the day with my mother. We don't often get to do this , so it is nice when it happens. We decided to make the day a "Cleanse Day". We always have a lot of laughs on cleanse days, and feel really good after - so we were both looking forward. 

It was a great day - we read, watched a few movies,  played cards, and talked.

We use products from the company called Isagenix - and cleanse days consist of drinking this liquid 4 times a day, along with lots of water & snacks. If you are really hungry then you can have boiled eggs, vegetables, and nuts.   They also provide you with these special chocolates which really help you stay focused!  As you see in the photos - we are wrapped in a blanket because we tend to get cold when we're cleansing!

For my 101 list,  I need to do 10 deep cleanses like these - so this is the 1st of 10!  It was fun!. Whether I'm cleansing or intermittant fasting, as much as it's a bit uncomfortable at first  - after I always feel clearheaded, full of energy and on top of the world! Can't wait to do another!

Below are a few more photos!

Me sipping my Want More Energy

Mom dealing the cards!

Let's talk about LOVE baby!

My sister sent me this book for my birthday.  I have read The Secret before and was anxious to read Rhonda Byrne's book The Power.

This book is a very quick read - and it really opens up your eyes to how we can be swept away by negativity.  The more negative we are, the more negative we get back.

The theme was Power of LOVE.  It is impossible to love something or someone and still be on a negative frequency.  The book was much more than that - but it made me realize I don't love enough - or vocalize my love enough.

Something I will work at applying in my life!

Paleo is the Solution!

Crossfitters believe in a certain way of eating - the Paleo way. Anytime there is a book on Paleo I read it and take in whatever information I can. 

Robb Wolf's book The Paleo Solution was an easy read (with a few chapters that were detailed - but I could still follow)

He gives some great - easy movements that anyone can do anywhere - plus gives a 30 day meal plan.

I was surprised by some of the humour Robb Wolf used - especially when explaining the different types of people that he has helped (or tried to!)

I recommend for anyone who wants to be healthy and avoid disease!

365 Project

I am currently working on #39 on my list - Completing 1 month of the 365 project.  The project basically is about taking a photo every day - and posting it. The photo should represent something that happened that day.

I thought taking 365 photos was a big committment, so I decided to start with the 1 month. Who knows, if I like it, I may continue past the 365 days.

So far I have posted 8 photos..... I'll keep you posted.

If you want more info about the project - check out 365project.org

Paleo Spaghetti

My goal for 2011 is to eat 90% Paleo.  January's meal is Spaghetti, but instead of pasta, using spaghetti squash.

It was so easy to make!!

The spaghetti sauce was already made and I froze it last week - all I had to do was heat up the sauce and cook the spaghetti sauce.

Took 30 minutes!

Very easy on a work day during the week!


Spaghetti Sauce

1-2 lbs of ground beef / chicken
1 can of diced tomatoes (drained)
1 can of tomato paste
Onions
Celery
Red Pepper or Green Pepper
Bay Leaf
Chili Pepper to taste
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 tsps of Oregano

Spaghetti Squash

1 spaghetti squash,
Cut in half – scoop out the seeds and insides
Lay face down on cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 30 mins
Remove and scrape with fork the sides of the squash (this takes the place of your noodles)


ENJOY!! :)