Happy freaking Monday! Hopefully your weekend was filled with lots of love and good times.
I hope everyone took a moment to tell someone how much you love them and how much they mean to you. We should be doing this more often, not just because tragedies occur.
For me, this was a chance to open my eyes and appreciate the love and life I’m blessed with each day.
What did everyone get up to this weekend? I tell you mine was spent with lots of good workouts, coffee, food, friends and family. In my opinion, the perfect equation to equal a fantastic weekend!
First up, weekend workouts. If I don’t have time to workout first thing in the morning, I’ll simply do a pre-workout that consists of 10 minutes of HIIT.
I actually really enjoy “sleeping in”, followed by a quick workout to wake myself up and get my metabolism boosted first thing; always followed by a delicious breakfast.
On Sunday, this happened to be Gina’s protein pancakes. They really do turn out perfect looking. I was quite excited with that fact.
Later that afternoon, I did another longer workout that consisted of some planking and arms.
Lots of planks. My arms and abs were on fire. It was quite painful to get through.
Coffee with my Mom is always lovely. She even puts up with my super annoying blogging picture taking.
Now that is love.
I’m excited that this week we’ll have even more family at our house to spend Christmas with.
My Aunt and Grandma are heading over here from Toronto on Tuesday, so it will be exciting to see them!
Good eats happened as well, obviously.
I happened to have Chelsea’s pumpkin chili saved and I finally got the chance to try it this weekend.
So delicious!
I made a few small changes, instead of corn, I used zucchini and left out the onion and garlic as well.
Thanks for the awesome recipe Chelsea! I’m pretty excited to have leftovers of this awesomeness!
I also made my favorite snack as of now, a protein muffin (made with a mix of teff and almond flour) with a side of coconut frosting.
I’ll leave you with a thought provoking quote, that I love.
“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.”
-Buddha
I hope you’re making this Monday a marvelous one.
What was the best thing you ate this weekend?
Do you love Starbucks as much as me? 
Do you like early morning workouts or later in the day?
Sending love your way!
About Lisa
Love the food and workouts! Definitely need to check out those recipes. Yay for christmas celebrating with your family! So exciting! I am totally a morning workouter. If I don’t get it in first thing in the morning I really have to kick myself to get it done later in the day.
I’m the exact same way! If it’s not done right away, most likely it won’t happen!
I love morning workouts because they leave me energised for the rest of the day. It always makes me feel like I’ve accomplished so much AND still have a whole day to do more!
And moms! Mine keeps up with my annoying photo-taking as well, even if her food gets cold in the process
Hahaha happy Monday girl!
Definitely agree Shreya! Haha, love it. Mom’s are always supportive, right.
Hehe, I need t start doing that morning HIIT workout to wake me up.
I haven’t been to Starbucks for what, like 2 weeks. Not cool, not cool. 
Not cool at all Shannon
I think you should head there today!
I don’t know who loves starbucks as much as you! Oh maybe my mom! She goes twice a day! They know her well there!
Your eyes POP in that read sweater, so beautiful!!
Glad you had a great weekend! <3
Haha! Your Mom and I are Starbucks twins. It was kind of embarrassing, but also so sweet but I went in there yesterday and they had a Christmas card for me! So kind. Thanks Katie! Happy weekend to love! xox
So much Marvelous happening in this post! Is that a new lip color your wearing? Love it!!
I got it like 3 months ago! So it’s a bit older hah.
early morning workouts all the way!
I used to be an early morning exerciser, but over the last few months I’ve changed into a mid-afternoon. I discovered I love being able to take my time in the morning, rather than rushing to get a workout in. Fortunately, student schedule allows for 2-3 pm workouts!
That’s very true! I’d probably like that time as well!
I love early morning workouts but they haven’t been happening lately! I really need to get to bed earlier!
I feel you Amanda! I always get to bed far too late!
I love your equation for a good weekend. I think that’s what mine is too! In definitely a morning workout person. This morning I woke up late and still had to get in 15 minutes of weights. The people at the gym probably think I am using them for the showers lol.
Haha, hey, 15 minutes is better than zero!
Looks like a great weekend! I LOVE Starbucks but have cut back quite a bit. For one, I’m a stay at home mom and two I was drinking way too many calories! I’ve discovered a few ways to make really yummy mock Starbuck’s drinks at home
I like to workout in the mornings more than later in the day. It’s nice to get it out of the way.
That’s great you’ve figured out ways to make them at home! I only get the americanos, no cream/sugar so I don’t have to worry about the extra calorie fortunately.
My poor girls have been getting hugged way too much. But I just can’t stop.
That HIIT workout looks fabulous and so does that pancake. I am going to have to give that recipe a try.
I also wanted to let you know I nominated you for the Liebster Award, go over to my blog and check out the details.
I don’t blame you Renee! It’s a really good recipe! Thanks for the award, checking it out!
I love working out first thing in the morning, it makes me feel so accomplished early in the day! I’m definitely going to be working on my planks this Christmas. I’m shooting for 5 minutes by January!
Agree with you there Devon! Early morning workouts rock. I think that’s awesome you’ll be working on your plank!
Foodie twinster, protein muffins are my current snack love too, more specifically ,your banana coconut one!!!( <-I tried to convey my extreme adoration of this muffin with exclamation points. Obviously).
Served up with the coconut cream, it has literally become an everyday occurrence over here. I <3 it so much.
I keep wanting to email you a picture of it – actually , I've toyed with the idea of sending you tons of pictures of your recipe creations. Like the sweet potato/parsnip soup & fudge I made just this weekend .
But then I'm like naaaah. She probably actually doesn't give a hoot that I made these things, plus , my Blackberry pictures are like a crime against photography:p.
AWESOME workouts. I can't wait to try them, once I've eveeentually got a Gymboss timer at Christmas( I know! Can't believe I don't already own one…imma loser). But that 'Wake up' ?? 60 seconds of jumping lunges, 1st thing in the morning? Yowza. Wake up indeed.
.
On Sunday I completed a mash-up of Zwow 46( fabulous. Zuzana always is), and Amanda Russell's 6oo rep workout- have you tried this? If not, do it! You'd like it
Xxx
OH yes, the banana coconut is probably my favorite!! And with coconut cream = tropical decadents! You can SO e-mail me a picture of that! Obviously I love foodie pictures:) haha. I think that would be awesome! It’s a bit painful in the morning, but my brain hasn’t really woken up so it makes it more manageable I think;) I’m checking out that workout asap!
I’m pretty sure you are Starbuck’s #1fan girl!
You wear red so well… most people can’t pull that off!
I think I just may be haha. Thanks Brittany!
Ooo! Me, ME! I might love Starbucks as much as you
I was away in Vegas this past week but you better believe I was scoping out all the Bux locations and making sure to get my fix in every day… I even brought back a Las Vegas Starbucks mug with me. I have to admit that I missed my local place, though – it’s good to be home 
Totally Starbucks loving twins! Thank gosh I have another fellow lover:) It’s so true, there’s nothing like your hometown Starbucks!
Your smile radiates! I love you, babe. <3 That Buddha quote gives me the chills!
Isn’t it a wonderful quote! Love you!xo
Sounds like a great weekend! I’m more of a morning workout person. I can’t get motivated at night but lately I’ve been doing 11:30am CrossFit classes and it’s perfect. I have to agree with what Heather said above, love that Buddha quote!
Such a great quote! I can’t really get motivated at night either. Otherwise I end up super hyper before bed, which is never good.
Lisa. Hi! I just wanted to say I LOVE your Buddha quote. So true. It’s all about consciousness. Our mind is ALL there is of us. Not even the body. So profound and that is the truth. I don’t comment often, but read you every day. Love your freshness and honesty.
Francoise
Thanks Francoise! I totally agree, the quote really is SO true! And it’s summed up so perfectly!
You’re beautiful – flawless in that photo, really! and you look soooo in your glory with that venti cup in hand lol, cute! Great quote btw – exactly how we should alllll be living – mantras like these matter most
have lovely week hun xo
Thank you Maria! You are too kind! I think this is my favorite quote at the moment:)
I really do love Starbucks as much as you! And it’s perfect with your matching red. I’m so excited to see family soon too!!!
It’s such a great time for family gatherings! Yay for other Starbucks addicts!