September Shred: Day 4

I think I hit a turning point. Here's why:

• My muscles didn't scream in agony as I dragged myself out of bed this morning.
• I even try to stop or pause for a few seconds during the workout (except when I paused the entire DVD after the warm-up for a potty break).
• I don't feel my body jiggle as much during the jumping jacks
• I was trying to think up fun names (like the Double Crappy Lawnmower) for the exercises instead thinking about how annoying Jillian is.

Check out more from me and the rest of the Shredders at http://septshred.blogspot.com/

September Shred: Day 3

I'm shredded! Just finished my workout. How do I get so sweaty (and stinky) in just 20 minutes? That Jillian is tough.

After weighing myself this morning, I've been wondering, "how is it that weight can creep on soooo fast, and it is so slow to come off?"

Oh well, I'm 27 day from a new, lean, smokin'-hot body!

Great Offer: OshKosh and Carter's September Coupons, Free Chocolate and Other Sale Updates

Ann Taylor Loft

Pima Cotton V-neck Sweater...on sale for $15. Check it out here.

Disney Store Labor Day Savings


You can get up to 25% off depending on how much you spend. Make sure to enter Promo Code "COOKOUT" while checking out to get these discounts.

Gymboree Sale



Crate and Barrel Sale
Crate and Barrel is having a 60% off out and out sale this weekend. Shop online here, or visit a Crate and Barrel Outlet store this weekend. I guess it is time to move out the summer product line to make room for Fall and Christmas products.

Free Chocolate Fridays
Would you like a coupon for FREE Chocolate? Participate in the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act. The sign up is only good on Friday's. You can find more info about this in an earlier post. Click here to learn more about Free Chocolate Fridays if you missed it.


Carters and OshKosh B'Gosh Coupons:
Here are some coupons for OshKosh and Carter's. Oshkosh and Carters are having a 50% 0ff everything in the store sale from September 3-7. Plus you can get an additional 30% off clearance merchandise. I may be checking this out this weekend!

OshKosh B'gosh coupon for 20% off any purchase of $50 or more on September 3-9.


Carter's coupon for 20% off any purchase of $50 or more on September 3-9.

September Shred: Day 2

2 Days Down, 28 to Go!

I could feel my muscles being shredded into shape this evening! Jillian's 30 Day Shred is one tough workout!

If you are just stopping by for the first time, In the Trenches of Mommyhood challenged her followers to join her doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred in September, and I was up for the task — or at least I thought I was!

I think I will be sore tomorrow and will probably use the elevator. Maybe I'll take a soak in the tub with Epsom salt.

Anyone got a tip for sore muscles? I'd love to hear it; leave a comment!

By the way, you can check out my updates (and the updates of the rest of the group) on the the September Shred blog here!

Aspiring Photographer: Conundrum Creek Trail

These were all taken pre-Baby! We use to go backpacking once a year with our neighbors. This was our first trip. We did a 9 mile one way, 3000 foot elevation gain hike up to the highest natural hot springs in North America, Conundrum Spring. The trail head was located just outside of Aspen, Colorado.





In June, this water was icy cold. I couldn't feel my feet by the time I got across. My neighbor was kind enough to take this picture (above)and pass it along.



He took this picture too! I feel so small in the midst of God's creation here.





There were waterfalls everywhere!

September Shred: Day 1

So I came across In the Trenches of Mommyhood a few weeks ago. I enjoy Sarah's blog, so when she challenged bloggers across the blogosphere to join her doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred in September, I opened my big mouth and committed to doing it and blogging daily about it. (What was I thinking?!)

Today is Day 1. I'm exhausted (before I even started)! I have dreaded starting all day today. Baby Boy is cutting teeth and was up several times during the night (he's been drooling like a St. Bernard lately!). But I'm a glutton dedicated, and since I said I would "Shred," I did. I even survived. Now I'm going to reward myself. I'm heading to the freezer to grab myself an ice cream. Is that bad? Does it make it better if it is a Skinny Cow? Maybe by Day 30, I'll be motivated to break my ice cream habit!

Check out my updates (and the updates of the rest of the group) on the the September Shred blog here!

Tasty Treat: Adobo Pork Chops

My friend, Rebekah, made this marinade for us the week I went back to work after Baby Boy was born. I believe she got the recipe from her bake and freeze club at church. This has marinade become a favorite at our house. Sometimes we substitute chicken for the pork chops. By the way, this recipe freezes well. I like to serve it with black beans, sweet potatoes, and mixed veggies.

Adobo Pork Chops

PREP TIME 10 Min
COOK TIME 12-30 Min (depending on the thickness of the meat)
READY IN 2 Hrs and 20 Min

Servings 6

INGREDIENTS

• 6 each Pork Chop Loins
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice
• 2 Tablespoons Cilantro (chopped)
• 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Cumin
• 1 Teaspoon Oregano (dried)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon (ground)
• 3 Cloves of Garlic (minced)

DIRECTIONS

1. For the marinade, combine brown sugar, oil, orange juice, cilantro, vinegar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cinnamon, and garlic. Pour over the pork chops in a gallon Ziploc bag. Marinade in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or freeze it).
2. To cook, (thaw chops if necessary) grill the chops on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium heat until juices run clear (160 degrees), turning halfway through grilling. I like to brush with the marinade a few times while grilling.
   

Chit Chat: You Can't Turn It Off

So the other night, I had a headache. I took two Excedrin PMs and went to bed. I was sleeping fine until this horrible noise started coming out of the baby monitor. I started rooting around trying to figure out how to turn this thing off.

My hubby said to me, "What are you doing?"

And I replied, "Trying to turn this thing off before it wakes everyone up." [My parents are visiting, so I guess that is what I meant by everyone.]

To which he said, "You can't turn that off--it's the baby. You gotta get up and check on him!"

And to think I thought it was the alarm! Hum...maybe I should rethink the Excedrin PMs.