Can't wait for this house to be our HOME

Only 24 days

Not that i'm counting

Till this house

Yup thats the one on the right

Becomes our home

Want to know how Dave calms me down when i stress about all the moving drama?

He whispers "granite countertops" and "sliding drawers in the pantry" into my ears

Works like a charm!

Want to know what i whisper in his ear when he gets overwhelmed by all we have going on?

CENSORED *$%*#*@($*$&(*$+#**&@*&^% CENSORED

Bahhahaa kidding!

I say "glass shower, man cave and flat screen tv above fireplace"

So on todays What I Wednesday

I'm going to show you a few pictures on how the house progress is coming along

New house stats
# of times we had to switch our lot - ONE
# of jokes our builder has made - NONE (this guy is made of stone, great builder but its a serious mission of mine to get him to crack a smile)
# of fights we had over hardwood - FIVE
# of contractors we have seen in the house - THOUSAND (slight exageration there)
# of times i've done the seal clap in glee over progress made - MILLION (no exageration!)

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So todays recipe is practice for yummy recipe i can serve visitors at the new house!

Salty Chocolate Lime Cookies

Follow basic vegan chocolate cookie recipe!
Add in sea salt dark chocolate and rind of one lime
Cook for exactly 11 minutes at 350 degrees

Drool over the deliciousness that is these cookies!!!
Then share with your parents who are grumbling over your dairy milk chocolate confession yesterday
If you get a sec you should read my mums comment on yesterdays post - as my friend Diane says she knows where i get my sense of humour from!


Have a great Hump Day and i'll see you tomorrow for some fitness fun xoxoxoxoxox

Redemption

Forgive me???

Hi Hi!

Its confession time

Geez, don't look so scared

Its just that i've been a bad blogger

No recipe on Friday (the horror)

A post with no words few words on Monday and still no recipe (oh the humanity)

Donna is NOT following the blogger rules (gasp)

• Though shalt not eat food without photographing it first
• Though shalt not fall asleep without composing at least 2 different blog posts before the sheep come (you know counting sheep, stop being dirty here!)
• Though shalt not let an embarassing/mortifying/ridiculous moment go by without recaping it in some way for the blog
• Though shalt never mention sheep on the blog again!

So i am redeeming myself today

With a recipe no less!

And a hint of where i'm hopefully finally heading to this fall

Its Redemption AND Travel Tuesday!

Redemption for me as a blogger

Redemption for BF as he FINALLY commented on his first blog post yesterday (maybe its cause it was written directly to him - alternate title was "Dave for the love of all that is holy please write a comment already")

Redemption for our builder as he moved the light into the middle of our closet instead of in the right hand corner - not sure what that was about

Redemption for my poorly leg as i'm staying off it again today and giving it a break - it needs to get better asap as BF bought me a Garmin 305 for my birthday and i want to use it SO bad

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So what recipe am i gracing you with today?

Well our anniversary celebration today was interupted by the fact that a) i had to work and b) we are in the middle of moving our house into my parents garage for a month - so while i Whole Wheat pizza graced our table at dinner time - i made sure to have a insanely FABULOUS dessert to eat


Ready for it?

2 Step Indoor Smores

Ingredients
Cookies with chocolate tops
Marshmallows
Candle (preferable with multiple wicks*)
Sticks (if you could buy some bbq spears instead of sticks from a forest its preferable!)


Directions
1. Toast your marshmallow (that sounds sexy eh?)
2. Place it between your cookies - chocolate side in (i did it wrong the second time - blonde)
3. Eat your fabulous anniversary dessert while watching The Bachelorette and pine for Thailand

*Something about saying multiple wicks that makes me very happy :o)

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So while we can't head to Thailand this year no matter how many times we drool over pictures of Phuket


We are *hopefully* heading to New York!


Can't believe i've never been before - we won't be heading there till around September but if you have advice on the big apple let me know, i want to know where the musts are 

You know the must eat, must go, must see


The MUSTS :o)

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So i know my recipe was a little pathetic but you have no idea what our house looks like right now, you might tomorrow because as you saw in the blogger rules i must share mortifying things like what a disaster my house is


Thanks for your patience while we finish this move - only one week to go!


Donna xox

Deep breath...

I've been saying deep breath to myself a lot lately

Its a coping mechanism

You see when i get stressed out my stomach turns on me

It becomes my mortal enemy

In times of BOTH stress and excitement

My tummy decides it don't like me very much

Excitement of the holidays? Cue the *$%*$#

Stress of moving?  Wait for it, oh wait there it is: the *$%*$#

Panicking about packing? Eeee gotta *$%*$#

Upcoming birthday excitement?  Here come the *$%*$#

*$%*$# = code for toss my cookies/be sick/throw up/i don't think i need to keep elaborating :o)

Yesterday i woke up to the most fantastical Thunderstorm

Little did i know it was forshadowing of the turmoil i would feel in my belly

BUT

So far i have yet to actually *$%*$# and i've decided to take a stand!

You will not defeat me stomach

You will be eating a lot of ginger and seeing a lot of tea though

Take that!

Thanks for letting me vent and telling you What I am currently dealing with this Wednesday :o)

PS: I'm not the only person that goes so excited about Christmas in my 30's that i still get sick right?

Oh gosh i hope not, that would be embarassing :oÞ

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So in honour of my topsy turvey tummy i'm making a recipe from a VERY reliable source that contains Ginger

So why Ginger?

Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments for centuries. Now, science is catching up and researchers around the world are finding that ginger works wonders in the treatment of everything from cancer to migraines. Here are ten health benefits of this powerful herb.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.
Colon Cancer Prevention
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
Morning Sickness
A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.
Motion Sickness Remedy
Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.
Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment
Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.
Migraine Relief
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.
Menstrual Cramp Relief
In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.
Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy
A study done on diabetic rats* found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage). SOURCE

* How on earth does one find a diabetic rat? Hang around the sugar free aisle in your local grocer???

Ginger Beanie Brownies

Ingredients

1 cup of giggles

1/2 Tbsp of you are TOO funny

125 ml of You GO girl

Directions

Yes yes the above recipe belongs to Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen and since i didn't change a thing, check out her recipe!

Now i LOVED this dessert but my favourite parts were the brownie pieces along the side of the pan - and i wouldn't recommend keeping them around too long - they taste better fresh!

Please make these and smoosh* them in your mouth till my tummy feels better

Thanks!

* Is smoosh a real word?

Wait for it....


Below you will find investigative journalism at its best

Smoosh:  verb, [with object] North American informal
squash, crush, or flatten:use a sharp knife so as not to smoosh the broccoli SOURCE

Well there you have it - it IS a word!

Wishing you all settled bellys and a lovely day :o)

Could i BE wearing any more tank tops?

Hi Hi!

Look - i survived a spin class AND zumba even with post UFC class bum soreness


I'm even still smiling!


So on to more pressing issues...


I've gone something like 4 weeks without buying lululemon

I think i'm having symptoms of withdrawl....

I twitch whenever someone mentions wicking

My hands shake when i read my lululemon blogs

I've started petting all my luon and calling it precious

My denial of new Lulu products has caused me to take some very silly pictures

Remember that epiosode of friends where Joey wears all of Chanders clothes?

I decided to recreate the idea with my beloved Cool Racer Back tanks

Think i have enough at 18 tanks?

please ignore the crazy post gym hair!

Trick Question!!!!

You can never have enough CRB's :o)

That is today's Fashion Friday! lesson

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You know what Friday means? A newish tradition here at LRT

Friday Funny

Daily News Headlines Worth a Second Look - source



Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers

Drunk Gets Nine Months in Violin Case

Iraqi Head Seeks Arms

Prostitutes Appeal to Pope

Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over

Include Your Children when Baking Cookies

Clinton Wins on Budget, But More Lies Ahead

Miners Refuse to Work after Death



Two Sisters Reunited After 18 Years at Checkout Counter

If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last a While

Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges

Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead

Kids Make Nutritious Snacks

Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors

Man Struck By Lightning Faces Battery Charge



This is actually what i look like when
i laugh!

I just can't help but love Friday Funnies, i love things that make me laugh out loud - nothing makes your heart sing like a good hearty chuckle, hopefully these Friday funnys help spread some giggles

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Want to see some progress pictures of the house?

Hi!!! This is me thinking wearing 4 inch heels to tour a house under construction might not be the best idea :o)

Here is the outside! Notice the arch above the garage door? Totally BF's idea, its going to look fantastic

This is our master bedroom, i am so excited for the vaulted ceiling and our giant window that i got to design

Here is where our glass walk in shower will be, i'm crazy excited for the way it will look, not so much for how hard it might be to clean??? 

We are going to pick paint colours this weekend, any suggestions? We get to choose 3

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Well its finally FRIDAY - you probably picked that up from the fashion Friday or Friday funnies post but i'm just reminding you cause its FRIDAY!!!

So far this weekend we are planning to see Hangover 2 - not super excited about this but BF has been talking about it non stop since it was announced they were coming out with a sequel

BBQ and Hockeyfest concert - can't wait to see Finger Eleven and Three Days Grace

Other then a few trips to the gym we will be packing, packing, packing and heading into round 2 of the hardwood floor debate - bahhhhhhhhh    

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Since i'm totally deciding that my curry chicken salad was such a success for my tastebuds yesterday i'm not going to compete with it and create another dinner recipe for you - instead... Hilary reminded me about banana soft serve yesterday and i've always wanted to create a mint chocolate chip version for the BF so here goes!

Healthified Mint Chocolate Soft Serve

Ingredients

1 frozen banana

1/8 tsp of mint essense

2 drops of green food colouring

1 Tbsp of dark chocolate chips chopped up

Directions

1. whip up frozen banana till smooth

2. add in mint essence and food colouring

3. stir in chocolate chips

4. love, adore, worship this new perfect for summer recipe that makes you feel like you are being naughtier then you really are :o)

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Thats all for me friends

I sincerely hope you have a lovely weekend

And i can't wait to catch up with you Monday

Question: What are you up to this first weekend in June?

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)