Mini Getaways

Almost a month since my last post. I guess it's time to update?

I was able to go home for the 4th and enjoy time with my family.  It felt good to have an extra day off and visit. I was able to come back feeling recharged.  It's been beautiful out and I feel the need to enjoy the weather and not just be stuck in AC so I got a nice set of patio furniture to enjoy out on my balcony.  A small herb garden, wine and solar powered lights (re-purposed ones made for a walkway) really make it feel like a mini getaway.

Working out regularly and having a place that isn't in front of the tv is allowing me to get a lot more done and feel more productive.  Also, I've been making myself smoothies in the morning. I know! Look at this girl eating fruits and veggies! I've been doing V8 splash, plain greek yogurt, some frozen fruit and sometimes some pre-pureed veggies.  My old blender is dead so I've been using a stick blender.  It's been working pretty well but I don't trust it to do leafy greens.  But I found these on amazon recently.  They are more expensive then buying the veggies but they are pre-portioned and blended to a smooth consistency already.  I added spinach to my berry smoothie this morning and didn't even notice it.  I'm thinking of trying this recipe in the future with greek yogurt and a spinach pouch.  

I need a plan when I go to work out, so I have been using New Rules of Lifting for Women.  It's a great program.  It has a nice slow start to get you into lifting and setting up proper form.  I like that the workouts are full body routines.  Stage 1 workouts include a dead-lift/squat, core, push, pull and lower body portion. I don't feel like I'm overworking one area but feel like I still pushed myself in a good workout.  To assist me in getting back into lifting I started reading the blogs "Lift like a Girl" and "Girls Gone Strong."  I'm really enjoying their take on food and how it should be delicious.  You should love every bite you put in your mouth.  I'm trying to be more mindful of what I put in my mouth and ask myself if I'm enjoying it and if it is good for me and my goals.