Things I Love…Right Now

Happy Sunday!

Good morning beautiful people, I hope your weekend is turning into a fabulous one!

What better way to cap off a Sunday than making a little love list. You can never have a bad attitude when you’re listing things you love, no matter how small those things may be.

Clearly, I’m super behind on posting this, since you know Valentine’s was basically a month ago. It’s never too late though…

1. Valentines Candy I Love: Shockingly enough, I’m not in love with Valentine’s related candies, since I feel like most of them are in the form of those candy heart messages and gummies and I really, really dislike both those things. I hate when things are overly chewy, ick. It’s a teeth phobia thing I have.

dark chocolate

[Read more...]

11 Fun Facts

It’s finally Saturday! Hallelujah for the weekend time. I think this was possibly the longest week ever.

This week, I’m suffering with a little illness and have been complaining to anyone who will listen. I’m a real gem. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get out of the house and get together with friends…

Remember how you all asked me to post random facts about myself? Fine, no one did but it’s Saturday and I wanted to finally write this post.

I’ve been nominated a few times for this Liebster award, but I figured I’d finally get to posting it!

liebster award

I always love learning new, random things about other bloggers, so here we go. [Read more...]

Currently – January

Happy weekend friends! Hope it’s going lovely for you so far!

We all know I love my Saturday surveys! Time for another one. I try to keep things pretty light hearted and low key on the weekends, so these are the perfect way to do just that.There are so many things that are currently happening that you don’t get to hear much about so obviously this is the best way to spread them! I can’t help myself when these pop up on blogs.Let’s get straight to it…Current books -Clean the book

Um oops. I haven’t talked too much about my recent books because I haven’t exactly been reading a ton of them! Which makes me extremely sad, because reading is one of my all time favorite things to do.

I do want to read Clean and have plans on starting Drop Dead Healthy as well. I’ve heard good things about the two of these books!

And no, I don’t want to go on a diet, I just like reading on these!

Current music -

Absolutely obsessed with Thrift Shop.

Like, listening to it on three-peat (repeat x 3). I’m sure I’ll be sick of it by the end of the weekend though.

Yes, I realize this means I have lame taste in music.

Current guilty pleasure - 

coffee

Honestly, I don’t really feel “guilty” in the pleasures I enjoy. Otherwise that wouldn’t make them pleasurable would it?

If I had to choose though…I’d go with two.

Weekly Starbucks trips. I got about 8 Starbucks cards for Christmas, so I actually don’t feel too bad about this one.

And online shopping. How can I pass up all these wonderful things now available online?!

Current nail color - 

nail polish

{ excuse moi by O.P.I. }

I just painted them this colour yesterday and already I’ve ruined them. Typical.

I’m too impatient for my nails to dry.

Current drink - 

tea

{ cinnamon & spice tea }

Water, coffee, tea!

I always have a water bottle next to me, got to keep up that hydration!

Current food - 

oat bran bowl

I just finished breakfast, which was a repeat of an oat bran bowl (same base as buckwheat, but with 1/3 cup oat bran).

Obviously topped off with peanut flour frosting. Ohhh man, it’s good stuff.

Current favorite show -

real housewives of beverly hills

Loving Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Got to love those Real Housewives. I miss the Orange County ladies though!

I know this is an awful show to be interested in, but I can’t help it. I love the drama.

Current wish list -

Honestly, I got pretty much everything I asked for for Christmas. So I’m pretty content with wishful thinking items right now.

I do really want a puppy though. Wishful thinking, I suppose!

Current needs -

Time, sleep. Always these two! An extra day added in would make life easier.

Or if we could live on less sleep.

Current triumphs -

Finally cleaning my car out. Is it just me or does it suck majorly to clean your car in the Winter time?

Current bane of my existence -

The fact that I still seem to have laundry to do even though I just did it. How does this even happen?

Current celebrity crush -

ryan gosling

I don’t really have any celebrity crushes…but I wouldn’t complain over some Ryan Gosling photos every now and then.

I think everybody loves him though…

Current indulgence -

coconut butter

Does coconut butter count?

I like it by itself, frozen, on veggies, on squash, on a spoon, on toast.

I feel like Sam I Am talking about his green eggs and ham.

Current blessing -

IMG_0386

{ ladies in the family }

Too many to list! Family, life, friends, this could go on for a while.

Current slang -

Just one? I’m queen of the slang words.

Right now, the big one is “twinning” twins + winning = twinning.

It’s gotten out of hand. Plus,it doesn’t make me sound like the most intelligent person either, clearly.

Current outfit -

sweater dress

Sweater dress + leggings. This one to be specific.

One of my favorite outfits ever. Only because I’m about to go out, otherwise I’d probably be in my sweats or workout gear.

Current excitement -

Seeing friends tonight! Hopefully this will include some light gossiping;) and a little wine sipping.

Current mood -

Hmm. Is that a mood? I’m unsure at this moment. Tired, but I think the coffee I’m sipping on will fix that pronto!

Current link -

The time vortex that is Pinterest. I can seriously go months without using it, then I pin one thing and get addicted all over again.

Dang.

Your turn!

What’s your current wish list?

Current link?

What’s your current eats or drink?

Back to the festivities!

Have a splendid weekend!

Health Questions

Happy Sunday friends!

Time for another weekly survey. These are my favorite posts to do on the weekend when I’m not feeling particularly wordy. That makes sense doesn’t it?

I’m pretty excited that today will be focused purely on Christmas movie watching. Lazy Sunday’s at its finest!

Let’s get straight to it.

1. What did you eat for breakfast?

Pancakes! It’s pancake Sunday after all. I enjoyed these delicious pancakes again. Topped with almond butter.

Yum.

2. How much water do you drink a day?

I drink a ton of water.

I always have those 1 litre bottles and carry it around with me everywhere.

I’m going to guess I drink about 3 litres a day, it depends how busy I am during the day.

3. What is your current favorite workout?

Right now I’m enjoying spin (obviously) and actually really loving pilates.

So much so, that I haven’t been doing as much HIIT throughout the week, which is super weird for me.

I love how I can work all my little muscles in pilates and really put focus into my mind and body connection.

4. How many calories do you eat a day?

Calorie counting is dangerous territory for some people.

Even though I *try* not to count calories, I must admit, after years of constantly counting every single thing that I consumed, I definitely know how much I’m eating.

I’m a little afraid to completely give up my calorie counting ways. Judge me if you must, but it works fine for me right now.

I’d say I eat around 2000 calories a day, when it all adds up.

5. What are your favorite healthy snacks?

I have lots of snacks I love, I definitely go through phases though.

Right now I’m loving protein muffins and pumpkin fudge!

6. What do you usually eat for lunch?

I try and vary it up.

I love omelettes, kabocha, duh. Sometimes sandwiches, if I get a bread craving which is rare. Salads and soups are another favorite of mine too. Does chili count as soup? I guess not, but I like chili as well:)

7. What is your favorite body part to strength train?

I actually like strength training almost every body part, except biceps. I definitely think triceps would be by favorite though! I like the burn.

8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train?

Oops, answered that one above. Again, biceps are by far my least favorite.

9. What are your “bad” food cravings?

I’m a weirdo and don’t get “bad” food cravings.

I don’t think it’s a great thing to label food as good and bad anyways.

So much negativity when you view food as “bad or good” and let’s be honest, moderation is the key when eating all different types of food.

I guess my favorite indulgence is wine. I never crave ice cream, cake, chips, or anything like that.

10. Do you take vitamins or supplements?

Yep! I’ll do a separate post on this later, since I’ve received some questions about what I take.

11. How often do you eat out? 

Not a lot at all.

Maybe once a month, sometimes not even that. I much prefer eating at home, I just like preparing my own food most of the time.

Probably due to my control issues, but I’m getting better at being open with going out to eat.

12. Do you eat fast food?

Not really. I honestly can’t remember the last time I had fast food.

Maybe when I’m travelling and pick up a salad. It’s never something extreme, no McDonald’s or anything.

I prefer healthier stops, like Subway or salad bars.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?

My Mom is probably my number one supporter.

Followed by my Dad, Step Dad, the rest of my family and friends. Plus all my readers!

You all are amazing for reading my blog each day and asking questions and e-mailing me. I really appreciate every single comment I get!

14. Do you have a gym membership?

Sure do.

I only use it to attend spin classes twice a week though.

I do all my own weight workouts, pilates, yoga, etc. at home.

I’ve spent a bit of money setting up a home gym and love being able to get in a kick butt workout right in my own living room.

I can always get tons of great workouts from my fellow fitfluential friends too.

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night?

Man, these days not a ton.

I probably fall asleep around 12:30 and get up on average, at 5:30. That’s only about 5 hours each night, which is definitely not a lot.

On weekends it’s worse.

This week I should really working on changing that…

16. Do you have a “cheat” day?

No. I don’t like the idea of “cheat meals” or days.

I eat what I enjoy and if it happens to be not so healthy one day then so be it. I’m pretty healthy every other day of the year, so I don’t see myself denying foods just because it’s not a “cheat day”.

I used to be a huge fan of them a few years back, and it honestly didn’t end up too great.

I just got into a bad cycle and viewed food in such a negative way. Good food and bad food.

Food is for nourishment, energy and life not for judgement.

17. Do you drink alcohol?

Occasionally. I drink maybe once a week, if that.

I do love to enjoy a glass of wine or cocktails with friends, but I don’t drink more than once a week.

Just my preference.

18. Do you have a workout buddy?

Just my Mom. I’m really cool.

We go to spin every Tuesday and Thursday morning together.

She’s the one who actually got me hooked on spin since she’s been a spin instructor for the past 20 years!

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?

There are tons of amazing things that have happened since adopting a healthy lifestyle.

I’ve been both overweight and most recently, extremely underweight. It’s been a long and very hard journey to find out what works right for my body and not all of it has been fun.

I think my attitude is number one. I used to be very depressed and couldn’t say one positive thing about myself. Now, I view myself in a completely new light. I don’t focus on negatives, but all the positive attributes about me instead.

I also love experimenting with food, creating healthy recipes and enjoying food without the fear I once held.

I’m also happier that I’m no longer a slave to exercise, rather do it because I love it so much.

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?

Meditated for 5 minutes.

Do you have a cheat day or meal? What do you think of cheat days?

Are you a calorie counter? Why or why not?

Favorite body part to train?

Have a fantastic Sunday!

Enjoy it to the fullest!

First Things First

Hey friends, hope you’re having a great weekend so far!

Did anyone get some good items Black Friday shopping? I must admit, I definitely got sucked in from a few websites.

Dang those tricky sales.

Seeing as it’s the weekend, I think its appropriate I keep it low key with another survey.

1. First thing you do when you wake up in the morning? 

Check the time and make sure it’s appropriate to get out of bed. Usually it’s not. I wake up way too many times throughout the night.

Chug water, then I usually grab my phone, avoid looking at any missed calls/texts/twitter messages. I suck at social media.

Then, it really depends on the mornings, usually Monday to Friday I grab my (already laid out) gym clothes, brush teeth, slip into my gym shoes and drive over to the gym, or workout at home.

Coffee always follows next!

2. First thing you reach for when you open the fridge?

In the morning? Breakfast!

After I workout, I’m pretty much ready for my next meal so that happens first and foremost. I’m not pleasant without fuel.

Obviously, Lunch and Dinner I most likely grab the veggies first from the fridge, to start preparing.

3. First things you do when you go to the gym? 

Check in, run upstairs and hide my face from all my morning gym go-er friends.

I’m sure I don’t look too appealing first thing in the morning. Especially when coming out of the gym. Yikes.

I don’t understand those who don’t leave sweaty messes. One of my friends just doesn’t sweat, no matter how hard she works and I’m slightly jealous of this fact. I sweat like crazy (I’m sure you all wanted to know this).

 4. First thing you do you when you get home from work?

Since I get home late, I change into PJ’s instantly. Then snack, since I’m most likely starving. At this point it’s around 10:30 or 11, and yep I still eat then. I have to eat Dinner around 4, so by this point I’m pretty darn hungry.

5. First car. 

I got my license later in life, since I was afraid to drive. I guess I was 18 when I finally got my drivers license.

And since I was living in Calgary, my whole family contributed so I got a (used) BMW, it’s pretty old though. I still have that baby to this day!

6. First car accident / traffic violation. 

Never had a traffic violation or been in an accident. Go me! Clearly I’m an awesome driver.

Actually, I overheard my sister and parents making fun of me one day, since apparently I drive like an “old lady”, that was awkward.

Oh wait, I got pulled over once, since my insurance expired (oops), but luckily the officer told me to just quickly drive home.

7. First thing you wanted to be when you grew up? 

Oh god, this could be a very long list.

I wanted to be an orthodontist, dentist; basically anything to do with teeth.

 * clearly I chose this simply because Christmas is coming up *

Does that make me weird?

Also things like “a famous person”, veterinarian, marine biologist; you know things I’d never do now.

8. First choice beverage.

I have three. I guess that’s cheating, isn’t it? Oh well. Water, then my beloved cup of coffee, and lastly wine!

9. First choice breakfast. 

Tough call. I love all breakfast foods. I’d definitely have to say my top picks are oat bran and buckwheat.

Pancakes are probably a pretty popular option, but I find I do better with oat bran or buckwheat.

Just my preference!

You can basically have any flavour and add anything to these to make an awesome meal. However, oats always need toppings. I’m talking to you nut butter.

10. First choice dessert. 

I’m not a huge dessert fan, for some reason. I guess I’d have to pick either coconut milk ice cream or does wine count as dessert?

Wine would win.

 

11. First song that comes to mind.

Is it embarrassing that I like Justin Beiber’s Christmas album? Yes, okay. Let’s forget that question then.

 

12. First major purchase.

Wow, I can’t really remember everything. I don’t think this would be anything major, but I totally remember the first pay check I ever got and being able to buy my own clothes without asking my parents for money. I felt pretty darn cool.

13. First job. 

I had lots of little jobs, I guess besides babysitting, my first job was working at Orange Julius ha. It was probably one of the worst things ever.

Man, there was drama going on in that place.

 

14. First time you flew on a plane. 

My other family members live in Toronto, so when I was a lot younger (probably 2 or so), we used to visit my Aunt, Uncle and Grandma, although I don’t remember those trips at all now.

What are some of your firsts?

Answer any of these questions! 

Have an excellent weekend!

Looking Forward

Hello friends! I saw this survey on the beautiful Paige’s blog last week and couldn’t resist.

What’s new? I’m just a sucker for a survey.

Since it’s Saturday, I thought it would be appropriate to do a fun post, let’s keep it fun for a Saturday, yes?

Looking Forward Survey

1. What you’re looking forward to in the next couple hours:

Coffee! Clearly, I’d have to agree with Paige on this one.

But I’m sure none of you are surprised by now.

I love spending weekend mornings lounging around with a cup of coffee and some reading materials.

Perfect start to the weekend, in my opinion.

2. Who you’re looking forward to seeing?

My friends, who I will be seeing later on tonight!

You can never have a bad time when you’re with friends!

3. Which meal you’re looking forward to eating?

Well, since I just picked up a lovely bag of kabocha squash.

I’d have to say roasted kabocha for sure! Which I will be having at Lunch, along with an omelette I believe.

4. Workout you’re looking forward to doing?

I have a leg workout on schedule for today!

I actually have gotten myself to liking leg days more, the day after…not so much.

Although, wearing heels tonight after a leg day isn’t always the best of ideas.

5. What you’re looking forward to this weekend?

Spending a night out with a some friends.

Hopefully it will entail some wine and girl talk.

Wine is always a nice treat on the weekend, correct?

6. Show you’re looking forward to watching:

Right now I have New Girl DVR’d, I’d say that’s a pretty decent show to look forward to.

Jess is just super duper awesome.

7. Recipe you’re looking forward to making?

Oh man, I have so many on my radar right now!

I definitely want to make some vegan banana bread, that my lovely friend Sara posted!

And I have a few holiday dish ideas up my sleeve. So hopefully I can test those out sometime in the near future.

8. What you’re looking forward to most for the holidays?

Don’t even get me started on how excited I am for the upcoming holidays!

Anything directly geared for Christmas makes me extremely happy.

I can’t wait for all the baking, family, friends. I always love decorating the Christmas tree everywhere, listening to Christmas music, watching Christmas movies.

Oo, I also really want to see the Nutcracker ballet. I just find ballet so beautiful!

Basically anything and everything holiday related I’m pretty pumped out about. I should really calm down at this age.

9. Thanksgiving dish you’re looking forward to eating?

Well, since Thanksgiving has already passed in my neck of the woods I guess I don’t have to answer this one.

I’d still like to make this delicious looking salad from Two Peas And Their Pod, minus the mustard (I’m allergic) and using coconut oil instead of olive.

It looks magnificent!

And just for kicks I’ll just tell you my favorite Thanksgiving dishes anyways.

Which happen to be brussels sprouts and turkey. We get an organic free range turkey every year, and it is just so gosh darn delicious.

10. A goal you’re looking forward to achieving?

I don’t usually set too many goals for myself, but I definitely am looking into a few plans I’ve been wanting to make happen in the near future.

I also want to be able to keep up with meditation each day. Sometimes, I don’t get it in every morning and I can definitely tell a difference.

Also, I’d like to be able to do 100 push-ups in a row;) That sounds like a fun goal, right?! Who’s in for a 100 push-up challenge?!

What’s one goal you’re looking forward to achieving?

What are you looking foward to most for the holidays?

Anyone else want to do an 100 Push-Up challenge? 

Hope everyone has an excellent weekend!

Last Chance

Happy Saturday!

Oh boy, I thought today deserved a survey, since I’m officially sick and too lazy to think of actual content.

Does this survey title remind anyone else of their college days and last calls at the bar? Just me then? Ah, the good old days, how I miss those times (just realized it’s the last chance survey, not last call. Duh. Sometimes, I’m dumb…)

Anyways, I got this survey from Brittany who got it from Ashley who got it from somewhere…

Last food you ate?

Don’t be too surprised.

I had roasted kabocha squash cooked in coconut oil and cinnamon and an egg omelette with spinach.

Last beverage you drank?

Besides water? Coffee!

In a holiday cup too, I must add. Which made it all that more delicious.

Yes, it does taste better from a red cup.

Last workout?

Since injuring my neck, I’ve been a bit out of commission.

I’ve just been limiting to the spin bike and planks. So, the last workout I did was a spin class.

Last thing you pinned?

Oh man, Averie’s homemade vanilla extract.

I need to make this asap! I bet it’s so amazing.

How did I not think of this before? And it’s simple too, which makes it my kind of recipe!

Last text message you sent?

“Ha ha, you were awesome.” to my friend, Laura.

Last blog you visited?

Brittany’s to retrieve this survey.

Last tweet you sent?

On that note…does anyone have a favorite place to buy online?

Victoria is kind of lacking in the clothes department…everyone basically has the same clothes as each other;)

Last place you visited?

Starbucks…I truly have an obsession.

I walked in and was SO excited (like a 6 year old) because they had all the Christmas decorations set up.

Last time you did ab work?

Two days ago. I plank every Monday, Wednesday, Friday!

Except today, since I feel like death.

Last show you watched?

Modern Family. Such a classic.

I think this is one of the last comedies out there, that are actually funny. Like make me laugh out loud funny.

Last thing you baked? 

Oh…get excited.

I baked up protein pumpkin bars on Monday, so stay tuned for that recipe!

What is the last thing you Instagrammed?

My green juice from this morning.

I don’t think I’m going to be able to stomach one of these guys for a while now though.

Last item on your to-do list today?

I don’t have a list written down, but I know that I have a few things that still need to be done before the day is over…you know like laundry, cleaning and cooking.

All that fun stuff that everyone loves to do.

Do you like sprints, or do you like steady state better?

Sprinting! I’m a weirdo who loves sprints.

In spin class I always get so pumped up when the teacher says we’ll be sprinting.

Weeeooo.

Do you need coffee to get going in the morning?

I don’t think I need it. However, I think it’s pretty much essential for me having a somewhat productive and functional day.

I mean obvi I adore the stuff.

P.S. Does anyone else highly dislike when people short form words like that; like totes, gorge, probs, EVOO, etc.)

I hate it, but I totally do it…just to be that annoying person.

I sound so fun, don’t I?

Last food you ate?

Tell me where you shop!

Any plans for the rest of the weekend?

Happy Saturday!

Meal Questions

Morning! Or afternoon…or whenever you’re reading this…

This week seems to be passing by slower then most weeks, maybe its because September is rearing its head right now.

And once September hits, it will be October, which will be my birthday…yah, I’m one of those super annoying people who starts counting down their birthday days as soon as the day is over.

Yikes.

* Creamy buckwheat overnight cereal, with pumpkin, banana, egg whites, protein powder, and chia seeds. Topped with peanut flour paste. *

Anyways, since I’m such  a sucker for surveys, I saw the beautiful Sara post this one a few weeks ago and thought it would be a fun post for today.

I also realized I need to finish up those Healthy Living Summit recaps, hopefully I’ll finish that next week ha ha. I didn’t want to post these too soon after the conference, since everyone was doing theirs then and all that reading on people doing the same things can get old fast.

Anyways, now that I’ve got off topic like usual, let’s get to those questions.

Breakfast questions!

1. Favorite cereal as a child?

I feel like I have to call my mom and ask her the answer to this question, because I honestly can’t remember.

I do know that Vector was one of my favourites though, when I was about 10-15. Wow, that cereal addiction actually lasted a really long time. My swim coaches always reccommended that one, so I went with it and loved it.

I wasn’t much of a breakfast eater as a kid, so buying crappy, sugary cereals were about the only way my parents could get me to eat in the mornings. Clearly lots has changed since then!

2. Coffee or Tea? With milk or without?

Well, clearly I’m a coffee lover. If I haven’t made that obvious yet;) I always, always drink coffee black. I’ve actually never even had coffee with cream or sugar added, it just seems so wrong to ruin that coffee flavour. I do like pumpkin lattes and stuff like that though! That is about the only way I’ll drink coffee with added stuff. David’s tea has changed my opinion about tea. I used to think of tea as just mirky, boring hot water, but now I actually really love the taste and will switch to tea after I’ve had my coffee in the morning.

3. The one food you eat most often at breakfast?

Oh boy, I eat so many different food groups at breakfast so this is a hard one. Can I choose eggs, oat bran, and some sort of fruit. I go through a huge carton of egg whites each week, they are probably my favourite protein source (along with the whole egg), since they are just so versatile!

Lunch Questions!

1. Sandwiches are generally considered a “lunch food.” If you had to choose between a grilled cheese and a peanut butter and jelly, which would you pick?

Toughie! While I don’t love peanut butter, I do love almost any other nut butter. And I also love goat cheese. I think I’d go with a peanut butter sandwich though. I’d change it up with cashew butter and homemade strawberry jam! I absolutely love love strawberry jam, no other stands in comparison in my opinion. Now I have a huge craving for strawberry jam, I think I’ll have to make some.

2. You can only put four ingredients in your salad (not including greens); what do you throw in the mix? Additionally, which greens and dressing do you pick?

The base of my salad would have to include a few of my favourite greens, kale (roasted and raw) and spinach. And the four ingredients I’d chose would be avocado, grilled chicken, and goat cheese. For a dressing I’d probably just do some sort of lemon vinaigrette. I love the combination of lemon, avocado, and chicken.

3. One food you can’t live without at lunch?

Definitely some form of vegetable. And some sort of fat like coconut butter, coconut oil, avocado, goat cheese, I could go on. Yikes, I’m no good with these one answer surveys, I’m way too indecisive.

Dinner Questions!

1. It’s the end of the day. You’re tired, hungry, and your fridge is empty. If a fast food (from a chain) is your only option, where do you go and what do you order?

Oh man, this is tough. We don’t have too many options where I live for big fast food chains. I guess I’d have to say subway. And I’d probably get a salad with basically all the vegetables available (except onions, ew), with grilled chicken, and tons of guacamole. The best dressing for anything, ever. I rarely treat myself, but maybe I’d challenge myself with a treat from Dairy Queen, like ice cream!

2. TV/computer on or off while you’re eating?

Well, when I’m with others I clearly am not in front of the TV or computer, that would just be rude. However, when I eat alone I am most of the time always on the computer or watching TV. Oops. I know its not always the best to do this, but whatever it works for me! I get way too bored if I am just sitting with nothing to distract me.

3. The one food you eat most often at dinner?

Most of the time I try and include some sort of protein in my dinner meals, and always include (again) roasted vegetables. How can you possibly chose one thing?!

Dessert Questions!

Choose between these two American desserts: cheesecake or apple pie?

Cheesecake definitely. My mom used to make the best cheesecake when I was a kid. That stuff was pure bliss. And confession: I’ve actually never tried pie in my life. I tried the crust once when I was about 8 and hated it, so that officially turned me off from pie forever.

Choose between these two foreign desserts: tiramisu (Italy) or flan (Spain)?

I’ve actually never had either. However, from reading on the descriptions I’d have to say tiramisu sounds more up my alley in terms of dessert.

Ice cream: cone or cup?

Definitely in a cup! That way you get more ice cream, right?

Grilled cheese or peanut butter and jelly?

Answer one of the above questions!

Have an amazing day and don’t forget to enter my coconut oil giveaway!!!

The Simple Things-The Rest

Good Morning everyone!!

Right now, I will be packing up and leaving the hotel and getting ready to board the plane.

I probably won’t be recapping until I get home from the trip, so stay tuned for fun times to come up some time later this week!

I just wanted to review how much fun this entire trip was! I’m incredibly happy I made the decision to purchase a ticket and spend the weekend was some truly inspiring and amazing people, who I consider true real life friends after this conference. I always considered them friends, but now it makes it more real since we were able to meet in person. It was an excellent time!

I totally left you hanging with that survey from Thursday so off to complete the rest;)

N – Nutritional Yeast.

I eat copious amounts of this stuff. It packs a serious nutrient punch and is fantastic on just about anything. I use it in sweet recipes to create a more “nutty” flavour and it really brings out the sweetness I find, and obviously it tastes super great in savoury recipes! Like savoury oat bran…Yum…

O – Overnight Oat Bran.

Really, how could you not see that one coming? I am obsessed (another O word!). It suits me better than oats since it keeps me fuller longer, and I adore the creamy factor.

P – Peanut Flour.

I just love the stuff. It most definitely does NOT taste like peanut butter, in any way or form but I prefer it. I’m not much of a peanut butter fan because I find it quite savoury and strong tasting, and have just never been the biggest fan, but with peanut flour it is a much milder peanut-y taste and you can control the sweetness and saltiness of this particular product.

Q – Quiche

With my more recent discovery of my joy in eating eggs, quiche is going to become a new favourite, well when I decide to actually make one which may not actually be for a while. We’ll see when some inspiration hits. What’s easier than throwing eggs and vegetables in the oven for a few minutes?!

R – Raw Cacao Powder.

[Source]

I love this brand of cacao powder! Its delicious and super rich tasting. Hot chocolate have been my jam lately. Even though its still quite warm out. I don’t mind though. This plus some full fat coconut milk and stevia is just pure bliss.

S – Spin

Clearly I really like to attend spin classes. My mom has taught them since spin first came out and I grew up with her teaching it. I also was a competitive swimmer, and really liked taking these to cross train. I’ve always been a crazy spin lover and continue to be!

T – Tea.

I’ve got to have my tea, as soon as my one cup of coffee is done in the morning, I’ll switch to tea so I don’t get the crazy shakes and hyperactivity. I don’t love it as much as my girl Meg does though;)

U – Universal Foods.

I don’t enjoy typical American or Canadian cuisine most often. I can easily pass on burgers and fries, and love me some indian, mexican, and japanese cuisine! I mean mexican, give me some guacamole and I’m a happy lady!

V – Virtual Friends.

[Photo curtesy of Meg]

After meeting some of my favourite people this weekend, I know that these people are some of the most caring and wonderful people I’ve ever met! I loved each and every person I got to meet and am so happy to have found an online community filled with people that share the same passions in life and relatable stories!

W – Walking.

After spending a lot of this weekend going on many walks, I remember why I enjoy them so much. Its a time to reflect with what is on my mind or discuss things with others. Its also an awesome form of exercise that many people neglect to see as this.

X – X-Rays?

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This one is um…not a favourite of mine, but I have got a lot of them before! Way too many to count. That’s probably not a good thing though

Y – Yogurt.

Specifically, greek yogurt. I love how creamy and delicious greek is compared to regular yogurt. Plus you can’t beat the extra protein punch and decreased sugar in this awesome stuff!

Z – ZWOW’s

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If you’ve read my blog before, you know one of my favourite forms of workouts are Zuzana’s workouts of the week. They are HIIT based and are a blast to complete. They are intense, hard, fast, and effective. Can’t get much better than that for me!

With that, I’m off to get started on packing…oh the joys!

Choose a letter from this survey and answer it yourself!

Have a lovely day!

Its The Simple Things

As you are reading this, I will be on the plane on my way to Boston….well no that’s a lie. I head to Toronto first then have to transfer planes to head on over to the final destination Boston.

I am currently bouncing up in down half with anxiety the other in excitement. As I’ve said before, I am a very nervous flyer. So having to take two planes is making me a little crazy! Hopefully when I get to the hotel, Ill finally be able to get in some rest since I’ve been neglecting it the past few days because of the nerves flying creates for me.

Since I’m off travelling, I figured a survey post would be appropriate for today.

Ever since I saw Chelsey do this, I decided I wanted to be as cool as her and put together this post. A list of all those simple things that make me joyful in everyday life.

A – Americanos.

I mean, I think we all know I am a coffee addict by now. Most specifically, americanos. Did you know a shot of espresso actually has less caffeine than a cup of regular coffee? Which is a win for me, because it allows me to not be a shaky, crazy, caffeine crazed mess.

B – Burpees.

Yes, I enjoy this awesome exercise. Its fun while hard, and I kind of want to kill yet hug them at the same time I am doing them. I believe them to be the perfect full body exercise!

C – Coconut Butter.

This is my favourite nut butter of all time. Well, I guess its not a nut butter….I’m confused about this one. There are different things said about this delightful item, saying it’s considered a fruit, a nut, I don’t know which to believe and frankly don’t care. It’s simply magic in a jar and that’s all there is to it.

D – My Dad(s).

I consider myself lucky to not only have one dad, but two. Who are both great support systems in my life!

E – Eggs.

I’ve been loving on the eggs lately. They used to be something I never ever ate. Now I eat them daily. In the form of egg whites and the whole egg. I make sure my eggs are free run and organic, since that’s an important for eggs in my honest opinion. Except, I got a major sad face when I read this article the other day. I’m choosing to just not believe it;)

FFitFluential.

I am so grateful to be an ambassador in this wonderful community! A group of people who help inspire others to live a truly healthy life. Spreading a positive message about health is such an important thing and I truly believe in their message. Being healthy means living a balanced life in all aspects of food, fitness, sleep, and happiness.

G – Greek Yogurt.

I have recently discovered the deliciousness that is 2% or full fat greek yogurt and can’t believe what I’ve been missing out on all this deliciousness the past few years.

H – Home.

Home is where the heart is!

I – Inspiration.

Being inspired by blog readers, bloggers, friends, people, and family is one way that allows me to stay grounded and make changes to improve my life. I love seeing others succeed and share their passions in life! It is truly an amazing thing.

J – Jam.

I guess this wouldn’t be considered jam…at all But, my goat cheese spread is jammin’. I could eat it on anything and it would be amazing:) Its the best of both worlds. Sweet and savoury!

K – Kabocha.

I just adore this squash. I may look like an oompa loompa, but despite this little flaw, I’m not giving up my orange food.

LLululemon.

I wish I could afford just about everything in this store, since it is just too adorable to be considered workout clothing.

M – My Mom.

Could that be a more obvious answer? She’s my best friend and the most amazing person I’ve ever met.

Well, this is already super duper long. So I’ll continue with the rest for tomorrows post, as well as checking in with all the happenings of Boston thus far! Wish me luck in my travels today, and let’s hope I don’t die of an anxiety attack.

Pick a letter and tell me what brings you happiness!

Have a great Thursday!