June 2013 – Duchess of Windmill

Sunday Survey

Do you remember when it was really popular to forward email surveys around to friends and coworkers? I do, and I absolutely loved it. I am unsure why, but perhaps it was because you were talking about yourself (which everyone loves to do whether they admit it or not) and you always know the answers!

I came across this fitness survey on one of my favorite blogs, Peanut Butter Fingers. I thought it would be fun to do on here as well.

1. What did you eat for breakfast?

An egg scramble. One whole egg with two egg whites. Ground turkey with onions, black beans and asparagus mixed in. Yum.

2. How much water do you drink a day?

I am not even sure, but I tend to drink a lot of it! (which results in many trips to the restroom!!! Dang tiny bladder.) I am known for always having a water bottle with me. If I don’t drink enough water I can totally tell by the way I feel. So drink up everyone!

3. What is your current favorite workout?

I love running outside on nice days! But I also love Turbo Fire by Chalene Johnson.

4. How many calories do you eat a day?

Too many. That is my weak spot. I tend to over eat in the evenings. I am not big into calorie counting even though it is really effective and an eye opening experience! If you haven’t done it before, I would suggest it for a week just so you get a close look at your eating habits.

5. What are your favorite healthy snacks?

I am in love with Chobani yogurt. I love the Pineapple and the new Chobani Flips. Mmm. I also love Shakeology.

6. What do you usually eat for lunch?

This varies depending on how well I have planned for the week. Often I bring leftovers, enjoy an egg salad sandwich on Ezekiel toast, or try to have a chicken salad and a Chobani yogurt.

7. What is your favorite body part to strength train?

I hate strength training, but I am really trying to get into it. Right now I’d say it is my arms.

8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train?

Legs. It hurts so bad!

9. What are your “bad” food cravings?

Sugar. Anything and all things sugar!

10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?

I take Vitamin D and an Omega 3 supplement. Women in Minnesota especially need to be taking a Vitamin D supplement. We just don’t get enough of it up here!

11. How often do you eat out?

Too much! Justin and I are really working hard to limit it to once or twice a week. Not only do we typically consume way more than we need to, but we also spend a lot of money eating out. We always order one to two drinks with dinner and that really adds up!

12. Do you eat fast food?

Rarely. However, I am a sucker for Vanilla Cones from McDonald’s, and I may have tried ~~one~~ two Doritos Locos Tacos from Taco Bell.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?

My husband. Thank goodness he is down with trying to live a more healthy and active lifestyle. It makes it SO much easier.

14. Do you have a gym membership?

Yes. I should probably use it more!

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?

Typically seven but I would love up to nine or 10. I LOVE sleeping, but not in a totally depressing way.

16. Do you have a “cheat” day?

I cheat every day. Hello sugar addiction! Plus, a friend of mine always says, “Everything in moderation.” I am just working on that moderation part.

17. Do you drink alcohol?

Mmm, hmmm. 🙂

18. Do you have a workout buddy?

Yes, I often workout with my husband, my doggie Selby, and my friend Christy at Fit Reflections.

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?

I’ve come to the understanding that it is ok to have set backs as long as you don’t quit. I have so much more energy, and I just feel a heck of a lot better. I don’t get sick nearly as much as I used to either.

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?

Blogged. I really enjoy it so that is good for my mental health.

Now it is your turn! Comment below and share some of your answers!

Pinterest Party

Although Pinterest has been around for a while now, I can still lose hours and hours to it. Luckily, I have kicked the habit that was originally developing and now only log on once or twice a week. I have enough distractions in my everyday life to have let that one take over, thank goodness.

I was, however, super psyched when a creative friend brought up the idea of having a Pinterest themed get together. We were planning to meet that upcoming weekend with another couple who recently had their first baby. We decided that baby gifts had to be inspired by something seen on Pinterest, as well as the food consumed.

Here is what we came up with:

Motorcycle Diaper Cake is what I decided to attempt. I was super happy with the way it turned out!

This is what I started with.

photo-106 — Pinterest Version / My Version

Needless to say, I think I did a pretty good job. And a Pinterest project can really go either way. It was pretty easy to make and you can find a step-by-step tutorial on Pinterest.

Diane, my creative friend, made a DIY Canvas Art for the baby’s nursery and DIY Mounted Gold Animals. She noted that the Gold Animals turned out so neat she almost kept it for herself. It would look great any where, not just in a nursery.

And we can’t forget about the food. We had a lot of it so I will just highlight some of the best creations.

Diane made Baked Tacos, Lisa (new baby mama) made some amazing Guacamole, and I made Skinny Funfetti Dip.

A table full of food and only six people, plus a baby.

Skinny Funfetti Dip
1 box Funfetti Cake Mix
2 cups non-fat plain yogurt
1.5 cups lite cool whip

Mix it all together and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving. Prior to serving add sprinkles on top for extra pizazz. Serve with graham cracker or Nilla Wafers. (I liked the Nilla Wafers the best.)

I’d say we had a super successful first Pinterest themed party, and I hope we have another one soon. And just for good measure, here is a picture of Baby B. Truly the star of the party.

Have you ever been to a Pinterest themed party?

London, My Love

A year ago today I was spending my first day in London as a student. I cannot believe it has already been a year. Going to London was not just a fun experience, but it was also an experience that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve always loved the thrill of traveling, but I had never done it alone.

Experiencing life in a dorm room, and having a closer to traditional college experience than I had ever had before, was really what I was looking for. It was just kind of awkward that it was happening at the age of 27 and as a married lady.

Luckily I was blessed with a lovely 19-year-old roommate who wasn’t a mess and understood my old lady ways. Her innocent, up for anything attitude was inspiring.

I loved spending some of my days exploring the city by myself. I got a lot of thinking done as I navigated the tube or walked through the beautiful parks. Life can be so beautiful.

But walking around alone has its negatives. Like awkward selfies.

Princess Diana Memorial in Hyde Park- So Artsy.

Hanging on for dear life on the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

I had a lot of fun with the other students though as well. Like our trip to Brighton, on the Harry Potter Studio tour, Zoo Late and Silent Disco-ing.

And of course I wasn’t really alone when I arrived to London. My friend Jenny, from high school, was living in London so we had some great times as well. Like when we saw the QUEEN!!!

I could go on forever, but I won’t. I will just remember the good times I had, with the good people I met.

National Running Day

Who would have thought I’d ever celebrate National Running Day? I used to HATE running. Honestly, I despised it and thought people who enjoyed it were absolutely crazy. Then two years ago I ran my first 5k. It initially started as an attempt to avoid aging, but then, it grew into something more.

(Source)

Now, I am one of those crazy people, but still consider myself a beginner. I am not fast. I can’t go very far, and I often look like I am in pain (which I usually am). But there is something about it that makes me feel strong and accomplished. Awe, now I wish I could hug running!

I celebrated by running just over 3.5 miles today. Did you celebrate National Running Day? If so, how far did you go?