Running around in circles

Well at ten to ten Monday night i had no idea what i was going to post about today 


Well except for that recipe i made Sunday and already teased you about


Don't worry it's coming


And its fanfrickintastic!


Seriously though my mind is still all jumbled up


At lunch time i mentioned to dave that i had no idea for once what i was going to blog about and he said its only noon, there is lots of stupid $hit we can get into 


I love my man ;o)


So i just decided at exactly 10:00pm i'm going with Running Around in Circles because


a) i'm off for a run with hilary this morning and i'm SO hoping my shin holds out!  I went and bought a compression sleeve yesterday, keep your fingers crossed for me and i'll update you tomorrow!


b) we only got about 3 things crossed off our to do lists because everything we tried to accomplish led to issues, kinda felt like we were... wait for it.... running around in circles!


So what were the issues donna you ask?


Well let me tell you...


In order of course...


- i had issues returning dresses i bought a few weeks ago, like at Zara i was 3 days too late, totally my fault but since they don't do store credit (who doesn't have store credit???) i had to spend it right away, only for once in my life i couldn't find anything to buy and i ended up with a $19 tank top and BF got a $60 t-shirt, pfffttt!


- dave tried to feed me in an effort to cheer me up (when in doubt just feed the grumpy donna) but the 12 grain bagel with light cream cheese did not cut it, i was just uber pi$$ed that Tim Hortons didn't have cucumbers to put on the bagel, booooo


- according to the flooring specialist, dark hardwood is out??? so now our floor color is changing which stresses me out to no end and my mum and dave liked one kind while i liked the other and it took all my energy not to have a full out tantrum on the show room floor - still no decision was made


- a bunch more issues but i won't bore you!

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I do have a review for you to make up for listening to me whine

It'll make up for the fact you can't give me that look in real life


You know the look


Its the one that politely asks


"Would you like some cheese with that wine?"


Yes, yes i would! :o)

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TRX

Christina and i finally made it to the infamous TRX class today - woot woot!
We talked to a few people in the line up who have taken the class already all had the overall review of OMG its hard and it hurts soooo good!

TRX is

What is it? A system consisting of two ropes with handles anchored to the ceiling or a frame. It introduces instability to traditional exercises, thereby engaging the entire body.

How hard is it It’s challenging enough for U.S. Navy SEALs, but can be modified for a senior with little fitness experience. The determining factors are the position of the body and how much body weight goes into each exercise.

What does it work? The entire body, with particular focus on the arms, chest and back. It’s also killer for the core because the muscles help stabilize with every move. It will not meet your cardio quota unless you integrate jumping jacks and burpees between sets.

What are classes like? They’re typically small, almost like semi-personal training. Expect a range of styles across gyms. Some may be high-octane, others more methodical.

Who’s taking it? TRX takers are loyal to the core. Fit young men and women, they book classes weeks ahead, often shutting out newcomers. At some gyms, reserving one of the systems can be more difficult than scoring a table at a hot new restaurant.   SOURCE

Let me tell you, this was H-A-R-D! It only took about 5 minutes for me to be dripping with sweat, at one point i remember hearing almost every member of the class (there was 25 of us) grunting in unison!  Putting our legs in the ropes created crazy cool resistance and i'll be feeling it tomorrow for sure, my favourite exercise was the pike completed with your legs up in ropes - ccrraaazzzyyyy, I'll definitely be going back next week

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Okay recipe time!


Did you figure it out from my teaser? 


Nope, i didn't roast a giraffe


I hear they are too chewy


I made my famous BANANA BREAD.... and then I made BANANA BREAD OATMEAL!!!!!!!!!!!

Banana-ana-ana Bread

3 anas cause there are 3 bananas!

adapted from a recipe i found online 3 years ago, sorry don't know from where

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
1 cup of sugar

1 tsp of baking soda

1/2 tsp of salt

3 over ripe bananas 

2 eggs
1/4 cup of melted butter


Directions

1. Combine dry ingredients
2. Mash up bananas and add slightly beaten eggs (you beat those eggs!)
3. Mix dry ingredients and bananas and eggs
4. Stir in melted butter
5. Bake for 55 minutes at 350 degrees
6. Wake up in the morning thinking of banana bread and top your banana oatmeal with some for a little bit of monkey heaven to start your day 

Now i know there are 2 kinds of people, banana bread lovers and banana bread haters


Question of the day: Which one are you?


Catcha tomorrow ;o)

Stop and smell the roses

i used to write tales of
an elf that loved peanut
butter and lived in
my closet

There are so many layers to my title as usual! 
Layering isn't just for outfits you know bloggie friends :o)

Layer 1. Literal: My allergies are making me crazy, but i can't help but love all the flowers and even the weeds blooming here in Ontario - might we say spring is finally here?

Layer 2. FYI: I just want to point out that if you are stopping i think that peonies are WAY better option to smell then roses fyi

Layer 3. The meaning of the phrase: No matter how bad of a day you are having you have to remember the good things and appreciate what you have

How did i inhale the plants on Friday?

Well, let me tell you!  Friday was one of those days, you know the kind, the weather is gloomy and it makes everyone uber grumpy, and it wasn't just me, but about 95% of clients had their grumpy hats on as well but i made the executive decision to stop vegan week for 1 meal and get our pizza on - wholewheat with tomatoes, pineapple and cheddar, mmm mmm mmmmmmm

 

A big arsed glass of wine might have accompanied it as well!  Then i had some great cuddle time with the BF and we watched the Social Network (again - she says in a resigned voice)

How did i sniff the blooms Saturday?
I jumped (like a jump that contained leaps AND bounds) at my coworkers suggestion to pick up star bucks and i sucked back this skinny iced caramel macchiato - perfect start to the day

where did you go yumminess?

it was jaclyns birthday!

My outfit that was thrown together in 30 seconds this morning totally rocked my world, nothing makes you have a good day more then a cute outfit you feel confident in

i was rocking the turned

up collar look with a bun

and dangly earrings

white blouse, wide black belt
poufy grey skirt, black tights
and black patent flats

Once work was over i spent WAY too much time shopping for presents for 2 little men i adore - i might have enjoyed a brownie fudge frozen yogurt while i was shopping, it was okay but i really don't like super sweet stuff like that, i prefer fruit frozen yogurt - makes me feel healthier ;o)

After picking up the monkey doodle at my parents i totally raided their pantry, one day when i'm grown up i want a pantry just like this!

Then i took advantage of BF going out to watch to finally get started on this ridiculous pile of laundry that needed organizing, folding and hanging up



i am SO embarrased but this is after it started to look organized

How did i take in the flowers Sunday?

I got to meet my BFF's new son, he is an absolute sweetheart! I had just as much fun sniffing his adorable baby smell as i did playing bowling with her just as adorable 2 year old
Things got crazy on the drive in though, i had a very animated conversation with a couple of geese and i attempted telepathy with a couple of deer trying to cross the 401 highway!

seriously wish this blonde would stop making "why did the chicken cross the road jokes"

You want to know some of the excitement that awaits me Monday?

Lol, at least i have Zumba tonight and The Bachelorette to look forward too!

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So remember when we were talking about layers at the start of the post? You don't? Well just not and pretend for my sake okay? Thanks!!!  I have a recipe for you today inspired by Katies new crockpot recipe for layered mexican lasagna, but since she has crazy patience to wait for the crockpot, i do not - in the end this is what i came up with!

Mexican Fiesta for your Mouth

Ingredients

Whole wheat tortillas
Ground turkey
Tomato sauce
Chopped tomatoes
Organic taco seasoning
Red kidney beans
Light old cheddar
Spinach

Directions

1. Cook turkey with sauce and add seasoning and simmer while you...
2. Cut tortillas to fit your pie pan
3. Layer as you wish!
4. I went with meat sauce, spinach, beans, cheese
5. Repeat!  I went with 4 layers!
6. Cover with tin foil and cook for 40 minutes at 400 degrees
7. Enjoy!!!! 

So let me tell you how i healthified this recipe!

- I used turkey instead of ground beef

- I used light old cheddar
- I used wholewheat tortillas

- I grated using a finer grate so the cheese spread further

- I made sure to use reduced sodium salsa, beans and seasoning


Here is you hint for tomorrows recipe:
Stay tuned :o)


QUESTION: How was your weekend? Did you take the time to stop and smell the roses?

Here are a couple more photos to brighten your monday!


Colours of my summer

If Summer had a colour


This is what it would be


Aqua, Teal, Gold and Coral
totally not teal i know!


I love these colours so and today, fashion friday!, i'm telling you about it!


Here they are wrapped up in one gorgeous necklace!

Here is a dream outfit of mine in some of the colours

These are a few of the items i already own in my beloved summer colours

So this is the post that blogger lost and i just know i can't recreate so i'm going to put you out of your Donna is nattering again misery and share a recipe!

But first a rolls be gone update!

- I have stuck to veganism all week, i don't find it very challenging and i reap, reap i said, the benefits
- BF has cheated on several occasions but i'm cool with that, he puts up with a lot when it comes to my food quirks
- I'm desperately sore today, like i need a crane to get up and down, stairs are my mortal enemy yet i hit up zumba yesterday and today i'm heading to Functional training, i gotta say, considering how my muscles are screaming i'm not sure how fun functional training will be, hahhaaa get it? yeah i thought it was lame too

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Spicy Lentil Sloppy Sandwiches

1 can of lentils (i was too lazy to soak dried ones)
1/2 can of tomato sauce
1/2 can of diced tomatoes
1 package of organic spicy chili seasoning
Multigrain flatbread
Becel vegan margarine
Garlic Powder
Ground Pepper


Directions


1. Throw (not literally just figuratively) the drained and washed lentils, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes in a pot and slowly bring to boil - add in seasoning and additional veggies, i think i threw in onions? Can't remember sorry!
2. Toast multigrain flatbread - i only had a flat bagel the day i took this photo, it wasn't as good as the multigrain flatbread, i pouted a little
3. Mix a little garlic powder into the margarine and spread on flatbread
4. Top with Kale and Lentils
5. Enjoy and relish BF telling you this is one of his most favourite dinners EVER

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And its Friday Funny time!!!

Source

1. On a Sears hairdryer: Do not use while sleeping.
(and that's the only time I have to work on my hair.)
2. On a bag of Fritos: 
You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. 
Details inside. 
(the shoplifter special?)


3. On a bar of Dial soap:
"Directions: Use like regular soap."
(and that would be how???....)


4. On some Swanson frozen dinners:
"Serving suggestion: Defrost."
(but, it's "just" a suggestion.)


5. On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom):
Don 't turn upside down."
(well...duh, a bit late, huh!)


6. On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding:
"Product will be hot after heating."
(...and you thought????...)


7. On packaging for a Rowenta iron:
"Do not iron clothes on body."
(but wouldn't this save me more time?)


8. On Boot's Children Cough Medicine:
"Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication." 
(We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get
those 5-year-olds with head-colds off those forklifts.)


9. On Nytol Sleep Aid: 
"Warning: May cause drowsiness." 
(and... I'm taking this because???...)

10. On most brands of Christmas lights:
"For indoor or outdoor use only."
(as opposed to... what?)

11. On a Japanese food processor:

"Not to be used for the other use."
(now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious.)


12. On Sainsbury's peanuts:
"Warning: contains nuts."
(talk about a news flash)


13. On an American Airlines packet of nuts:
"Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts."
(Step 3: maybe, uh... fly Delta?)


14. On a child's superman costume:
"Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."
(I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one.)


15. On a Swedish chainsaw:
"Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals." 

(Oh my God...was there a lot of this happening somewhere?)

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So I work Saturday AND Sunday boooooo so its up to you to have all the fun for me :o)


Question: What are you up to this weekend?

Puppy Love

So i'm kind of obsessed with my dog

She is one of the great loves of my life


Even though her chicken farts are legendary


She knows when i need a cuddle


She knows when what i really want is a good long walk in the park


Wait a second, that sounds like something she would really want


Guess that leads me to the fact my dog is a little bit manipulative


In a cute way of course


She knows how to get your attention

I feel like a mum who understands her babies cries only i know what kind of bark means i need to poo, i would like my night time treat, and dear god mummy can we go home yet?


The reason i'm talking about dog lovin?


Because Sydney is getting a new cousin


Her name is Lulu and she is the cutest little thing


Sydney isn't quite so sure


She still hasn't got used to her new cousin (and Lulus new sister) Alice


Outside Alice and Sydney are running buddies and best friends


Inside Sydney would very much like to be left alone thankyouverymuch


But now i've had enough time to forgive my sister for stealing my doggie name


I'm madly in love with the newest edition to our family


Sydney is still deciding


When she has lots to ponder like this she enjoys keeping me company in the kitchen


Remember when i said i was in the kitchen for 8 hours?


Well she stayed with me the whole time (except for the weird bathtub incidents)

Obviously for my good company


Not to stalk dropped bits and pieces of scrap food

Oh no, not for that reason AT ALL


She deems this one of her most favourite things cooked on Monday probably because it contained Peanut Butter!

I will share the recipe soon, once i remember what i did and try to recreate it, lol!


I also created this since i'm obsessed with the Starbucks version and it was going to put me in the poorhouse if i didn't come up with my own version soon!


Don't worry i didn't forget its Thirsty Thursday!!!

Donnas Starbucks be damed Iced Coffee

Ingredients
1 container of unsweetened chocolate almond milk
2 sleeves of starbucks instant coffee (oops probably shouldn't damn the company providing me with one of the ingredients for my drink!)
3 packs of Splenda or your preferred sweetener (sorry guys, but i do love my splenda, you could use stevia or organic sugar if you wish!)


Directions
1. Put all in the almond milk container
2. Shake
3. Make sure the lid is on properly
4. Shake the iced coffee out of your hair because your lid was not on properly!
5. Pour over ice one cup at a time, 45 calories baby!!!!!!!!!!!

So yesterday TRX was cancelled boo boo boooooo so Christina and I went to the UFC class where it was non stop exertion for 45 minutes straight and since we are gluttons for punishment we went to Physique 57 after, but little did we know an instructor from Guelph was teaching and we got our asses handed to us in a not so pretty way


I got home and could only make it up 3 of the 4 stairs that leads to our living room!  I'm not kidding, i really wish i was, my body is still shaking


My eats were still super good today even though BF and I had the day off together which is usually our down fall, we want yummy food when we get to hang out with each other!  I have made 2 epic (Daves words) vegan dinners in a row, very proud of myself!!!


Okay thats all for me, have a great Thursday!


Ps: We missed you at UFC Monica, next week you are SO coming with us!!!