Bikini Boot Camp Rewards
Happy Sunday all!
This morning I woke up craving oats and I realized it’s been a LONG time since I’ve had them. I decided to put my latest farmer’s market fruit finds to work with my oats.
1/2 c Quaker Old Fashioned Oats
1 c water
Dashes of cinnamon and vanilla extract
2 Tbsp Trader Joe’s Berry Blend
1 apricot, chopped
handful of blueberries & a few raspberries
sprinkle of organic unsweetened coconut
Heaping Tsp organic apricot preserves
1 Tbsp freshly ground almond butter (on my spoon)
This totally hit the spot – so fruity, creamy, nutty and sweet – I devoured every bite. During breakfast, I was thinking about rewards. Ever since Angelea asked me to be her Bikini Bootcamp Buddy I have been trying to figure out what my “carrot” should be for successfully completing the challenge. I like having something to look forward to for ANY challenge ~ it gives me that added motivational boost.
My first instinct was something like a massage or a pedicure or facial. Then, I thought, oh wait, I am doing all THAT along the way. So, then, I thought about the real meaning of the challenge ~ Bikini’s. I LOVE Venus suits so I broke out my latest catalog.
I liked the red one of the cover, but, I also LOVED the teal, brown, patterns on these pages. I am not sure, but, I am thinking I’ll be picking and ordering one or two soon!
After breakfast, I went grocery shopping to stock up for the challenge. I thought of taking pictures but I didn’t think it reflected it all since I have alot of stuff on hand already. Getting all stocked up really made me excited to start the challenge tomorrow!
When I came back, I decided it was time to break out the PB&A Nut Mix that I picked up at TJ’s yesterday for snack. I poured a 2 WWP serving.
I had one nut and continued putting away groceries. The Husband helped me out and when I turned around ALL the nuts were gone! So, after I repoured some more, I got excited when I saw a huge, nutty, fruity, chunk.
I have to say I LOVE PB&A Nuts! TJ’s really out did themselves with this mix ~ they taste just like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (peanut/fruity ones) and then, the almonds taste just like the fancy flavored ones you get. They are made with both raspberries and strawberries along with vanilla ~ YUM! I’ll definitely buy these again.
What is it about when you know your parents are coming over you feel the need to clean?! We just finished cleaning house since my parents are stopping by to check out the new concrete and go to lunch. Yeah, I am excited to see them and glad our house is now clean.
GIVEAWAYS:
* My GNU Bar Giveaway ends tonight at Midnight. Be sure to click HERE to enter so you don’t miss out.
* Do you want to get a copy of the Bikini Bootcamp Book? Angelea is giving away a FREE copy to one Bikini Bootcamp recruit. Angelea will draw a name on Tuesday from those that have emailed her to join the program, so SIGN UP NOW!
Ok ~ The parents will be here any minute so I am off to finish getting ready. I think we are doing more house stuff shopping later then a movie, so I will catch up with everyone later tonight.
For now, here is my question to you all!
What reward would you all pick for completing the Two Week Bikini BootCamp Challenge?
I LOVE My Secret Bloggie!!!
Do you all remember that I said I was participating in Megan’s Secret Bloggie Exchange? If you did, I am proud of you because I actually forgot that I was RECEIVING something. When the package arrived in the mail today, I was like did I win another contest? Hmmmm….Yup, that was the blonde in me coming out a bit! My Secret Bloggie is totally on top of things ~ she managed to make and send her package to me already!!!
My Secret Bloggie is non-other than Chickpea at The Broccoli Hut! Not only is her blog amazing, SHE is amazing! You really spent alot of time getting to know me and my blog without ME even know. She put togethet the coolest Summer Menu Plan for me!
I opened up my box to find a super sweet letter (The Husband said he LOVED the paper) and a Summer Menu all planned out for me.
In my secret package, she included a FABULOUS Mexican Food Cookbook and Picked out the Spicy Chile Shrimp Tacos for dinner!
And, here is the rest of the stuff I NEED to complete my meal!
She knows I LOVE pre-portioned things and Kavli so she gave me some NEW stuff to try out.
* 100 Cal Raw Almonds ~ LOVE THESE!
* Akmak Crackers ~ Never tried, but, I cannot wait to with Laughing Cow Cheese AND Apricot Preserves (a girl after my own heart – who doesn’t LOVE cheese and crackers!)
* Annie’s Naturals Lite Raspberry Vinaigrette (one of my favorites!)
* DESSERT ~ Erin Bakers ORGANIC Brownie Bites! I’ve been dying to try Erin’s stuff so I am soooo excited.
Thanks so much Chickpea (didn’t know if you wanted me to use your real name!). I CANNOT wait to make the Summer Meal Plan you picked out for me and to try out ALL my goodies!!! You honestly made my day!
After I spend time going over all my super cool Secret Bloggie Stuff, I hopped in the car and headed to Trader Joe’s to pick up some last minute stuff to finish off my Secret Bloggie package and to send out for somebody’s Bday present. Before heading out, I snacked on some pistacios (3 WWP).
How I WISH I waited for snack! While I was at Trader Joe’s I came across a NEW PRODUCT that I am dying to try out now. PB&A (Peanut, Berry & Almonds).
They look and sound so amazing and everyone at the store was raving about them! I am trying to hold out until tomorrow to bust open the bag.
Lunch was fantastic but not so eventful. I picked up 4 pizzas for our concrete workers for lunch and made sure one was a cheese pizza with STUFFED Crust. I had two pieces and was completely stuffed (no veggies or fruit on the side).
After everyone was finished and about to leave our adopted kitty decided to show up. Guess how?! By jumping off the neighbors fence, right onto the new concrete – booooooo! I actually think it freaked her out more than us. Luckily they were able to fix it and all was well again. She was happily spoiled inside sitting on her mat and is now sleeping (like a dog at The Husband’s feet).
Doesn’t it look great?! We are completely happy with it. I promise more pictures when everything is all done up, but, one thing at a time, right.
Since we decided we are now poor after paying for the concrete and neither of us wanted to cook, I threw together a fast dinner making up a
Layered Turkey Quesadilla
1 oz lowfat, finely shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
1/2 c Turkey Taco Meat (I used the one I made the other night)
5 cherry tomatoes, sliced
1 sliced scallion
2 chile lime corn tortillas (I get these at the Farmer’s Market too!)
Start off by spray your nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray over medium heat. Add your first corn tortilla and top with 1/2 the cheese. Add the meat and top with the remaining cheese, tomatoes and scallions.
Add the other corn tortilla and flip cooking until both sides are crispy and the cheese is all metly and gooey. (6 WWP’s). I thought of adding avocado and/or salsa but not until AFTER I was half way through (I was hungry!)
I have been craving fruit ALL day, so I decided to cut loose at dinner time. I had 2 WWP’s worth of a blueberries, raspberries, cherries, watermelon and cantaloupe.
All together it was a totally fun dinner to eat that hit the spot. I was missing fruit and veggies (still missing these) ALL day.
We are currently staying home to “watch” the concrete (The Husband is hilarious!), but, after ALL that we did today and being up at 6 am, I am ok with that. We may still venture out for a movie, but, we will see if he is ok (leaving the concrete) LOL.
Click HERE for your chance to win some 2-3 WWP GNU Bars! Contest ends tomorrow night so don’t miss out!
I LOVE Gigantic Blueberries
Today is going to be a busy day, but, all in good ways. Our concrete is getting poured as I type – soooo excited to show you all the final pictures! We still have to do some more cosmetic stuff with adding in our rock wall and rails, changing out our door and such, but, it’s going to look so amazing when all is said and done. The best part of it all is that it makes The Husband so happy ~ like a little kid in a candy store.
So far today I have gotten gas, gone to the bank, to my Weight Watchers Meeting, to Starbuck’s and the Farmer’s Market. Up next, finishing up my “secret blogging” package as well as a birthday package for Janetha. Then, it’s off to the post office, shopping for the Bikini Bootcamp Challenge and all the usual weekend stuff all before DATE NIGHT! Tired yet?
To get things started this morning as I ran out the door, I quickly toasted a 100 calorie (1 WWP) Lowfat Banana Nut Vitatop.
It was seriously the perfect way to start my day! It was hot, crunchy and moist and toasting it made the walnuts really stand out.
I washed it all down with my favorite summer time treat. a 2 WWP 105 calorie, iced, decaf, nonfat latte with a little caramel sauce drizzled on top!
Are you all tired of seeing the things I get at the Farmer’s Markets? I can never get enough of ALL the great stuff they offer and each market is different. Today I picked up a ton of great, new stuff.
Fresh organic raspberries
A few peaches, NECTARINES, and organic apricots.
Gigantic Blueberries ~ I had a few handfuls of these as I was putting them away and I froze a batch too for smoothies!
Look at how big they are! This is just one sitting on top of an apricot.
Organic Squash & Organic Asparagus
Homemade Pomegranate/Blueberry Jam PLUS Crunch Almond Butter. I also bought some Butternut Toffee and Tamari Almonds for The Husband.
I cannot wait to use my new jam ~ OMG – they taste amazing. I am thinking of getting a little adventurous and using them to make a nice sweet italian dressing ~ YUM!
This is another thing I totally LOVE about the Saturday market ~ Check out ALL the recipes I picked up using the fruits/veggies that are in season now! (are you surprised?!)
My reusable cloth bag was full at this point so I stopped! 
Alright, I am off to start checking more things off my list!
My GNU Bar Giveaway is going on until tomorrow night ~ Click HERE to enter for your chance to win 1 in 3 prize packs!
June Challenge: Bikini Bootcamp
Are you searching for ways to incorporate healthier eating, exercise and lifestyle decisions, but not sure how to start?
Want a two week fitness spa vacation without the hefty vacation price tags?
Then, stop looking now & join Angelea and I as we designate June as Bikini Bootcamp Challenge Month!
We will be following the two week holistic wellness program designed by Melissa Perlman and Erica Gragg, the authors (and founders of Amansala Resort in Tulum, Mexico) of Bikini Bootcamp: Two Weeks to Your Ultimate Beach Body.
Perlman and Gragg founded their fitness retreat after seeing a need for healthy, mindful fitness getaways for active minded people.
With the book, they have recreated the Caribbean sea spirit of Amansala with a home based program. Get a two week kick start to a healthier mind and body through a simple Latin and Asian flavored menu, meditation, journal writing, walking, yoga, invigorating cardio circuit training and core strengthening exercises. Each day concludes with a pampering at home spa treat with recipes for that too!
Sounds great, huh?
Here’s all you need to start the program:
the book
yoga mat
light weights, soup cans or coconuts (for an island flair!)
exercise shoes
towel
journal
As far as the menu plan, the book outlines the menu for each day, provides all the recipes (tailored to be simple and not time consuming) and they even give you shopping lists for each week.
Why did I choose to do this? I’ve heard of Amansala in fitness magazines and I actually found out about Amansala and their Bikini Bootcamp fitness book through Angelea. Not really having any prospects of going there myself right now (But, I’D LOVE too!), I was very excited when I found out that they had written this book that I could try at home!
I have to admit that I’m not a huge fan of the name Bikini Bootcamp. It strikes me as center-focused on the physical, but the program itself is much more than that. I hope through this program to recenter myself, find a balance of what is important, restart a yoga/meditative practice, pamper myself, learn a little about me and push myself with the workouts!
This is a pretty time intensive two week program, but, that is just it ~ it’s only two weeks that you choose to put yourself FIRST! We are ALL good at putting others on a pedal stool, but, now is the time to do exactly that for yourself AND get yourself in rockin’ bikini shape! I’m making a commitment to do some major pre-planning to organize my days during these two weeks but I plan on fitting it ALL in so I can get pampered at the end of the day!
BOOTCAMP BUDDIES!
The book talks about the communal nature of the program and having a partner to share your successes (and stumbles) with.
I talked to Angelea at Cabin Feaver Feast and we decided to pair up as bootcamp buddies starting the program together on Monday, June 1st. I’ve probably lost my mind, but, the book intrigued me THAT much!
We’ll be reporting in daily to each other and to you on our blogs sharing how each day is going.
We want to invite you to join us as we experience this transformational process! If you want to sign up for Bikini Bootcamp with us, here’s all you have to do:
* Pick which Monday in June that you want to start.
Speaking of rewards…time for a GIVEAWAY!
We are kick starting this challenge by giving away a copy of the book to one lucky bootcamp recruit! Angelea will draw a name on Tuesday from those that have emailed her to join the program, so SIGN UP NOW!
Angelea and I are also plotting other GIVEAWAYS throughout the month to keep you motivated and going strong!
This is going to be fun!
HOOAH and namaste!
Taking the easy way out….
After spending way too long in traffic (yeah for carpooling ~ it does make time fly by faster!), I was completely exhausted by the time I got home. Yet, my day was far from over. I had to figure out dinner, do ALL our laundry, move some food from the outside fridge to the inside, shop for more stuff for the big day tomorrow and blog! Phew, that was ALOT to just type, but, I am glad to say we got it ALL done!
Ohhh and I learned a VERY important lesson today. Do NOT be lazy while waiting for your husband at Home Depot and lean on pressure treated wood. Not only does it give you splinters, it gives you an itchy rash on your arm! I’d take a picture, but, you all wouldn’t think my food looks good after that.
For dinner, I decided to work on “making freezer space”. I pulled out the other two Kashi Thin Crust Pizzas we still had to try out ~ Mexicali Black Bean Pizza & Mushroom Trio & Spinach Pizza! You can check out my review of the first two by clicking HERE.
The first pizza up was the Mexicali Black Bean Pizza.
Check out the nutritionals ~ this just might be the best news yet! This pizza is only 210 calories, 4 WWP for 1/3 of the entire pizza!!! You save 1 WWP a serving – woohoo! (Thanks Mom for letting me know that!!!)
Going into the oven, it looks pretty tasty for a frozen pizza.
It smelled so amazing cooking ~ I couldn’t wait for it to be done. Coming out of the oven, it looked as good as it smelled.
I absolutely LOVED this pizza! It reminded me of a burrito with smokey corn and red peppers but a crispy shell. The Husband, well, you can’t take his opinion because he is just plain wierd! He thinks that anything with corn in it and not on the side is wierd. He still ate his 1/3 of it!
The next up was the Mushroom Trio & Spinach Pizza.
The nutritionals on this one are very similar to the others ~ 250 calories, 5 WWP for 1/3 of the pizza (2 slices if you cut it into 6 pieces!).
Going into the oven, I have to admit, it does look sorta sad for a frozen pizza – especially with the big green glob o spinach.
The appearance does get alot better when it comes out of the oven after cooking for a short 8 minutes. ( I STILL see the crazy glob o spinach though!)
I LOVE mushrooms and I LOVE spinach. I really thought the Mushroom Trio with Spinach would be fantastic. But, I have to say it while it wasn’t bad, it was my least favorite of ALL 4 thin crusts pizzas. It was sorta watery, no rich/cheesy and the mushrooms had a texture that reminded me of canned mushrooms. They have a strong cremini/portabella mushroom taste which I liked though.
Here is my FAVORITE part of the entire meal ~ My 9 Weight Watcher Point, 4 slices of pizza dinner! I cut both pizzas into 6 pieces and took 2 each from both.
Mushroom & Spinach Goodness…..
Mexicali goodness……
It was a FAST, FUN, and EASY dinner to make! I LOVE any dinner that gives me FOUR PIECES OF PIZZA for 460 cal, 9 WWP’s.
The Husband picked out my dessert for me while being funny…..he put a York Peppermint Patty in my vitamin container and said if I was good and took my vitamins, then, I got a “treat”.
He’s funny! Have I ever shared with you all what I have to do to get him to take ANY vitamins at all? He won’t take pill forms, but, he will eat gummies. Yup, they make adult versions of gummy vitamins…..oh and he gave himself a mint too!
Mmmm, just imagine that combo – bleh!
Coming up next, my big challenge announcement!
Don’t forget your GNU Bar giveaway entry ~ Click HERE!
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