5:42am

Guess what I was doing at 5:42am this morning?

Leaving the house to go to Body Pump.

Usually at this time of the day, I'm in the bathroom blow drying my hair getting ready to go to work. I leave the house by 6:15am to be at the office by 7:00am.

Getting in early = leaving early = avoiding traffic.

Anyways, I had a doctor's appointment at 10am today so I didn't go to work my normal time.

I loved getting my workout in early, now it's done and out of the way. I can go home and lounge on the couch all night, and not feel even a little bit guilty. Woo!

Are you a morning worker-outer? Or an evening worker-outer?

Straight and Narrow

My eats have been getting slightly out of control. I must focus on tracking my food.

While I have been loosely tracking, I've been indulging a little TOO much lately.
On today's menu:

B #1: Banana, coffee
B# 2: Yogurt and frozen blueberries
L: Spinach salad with chicken breast, All Bran bar
S: FF chocolate pudding, 2 clementines
D: TBD

Workout: Body Combat or Spin. I'm thinking spin.

Sometimes it feels good to be back in control. Other times not so much. Like the times I want to eat 349580 bowls of Shreddies.... kind of like I did last night. Ooops.

Zen

I spent yesterday getting pampered at Le Nordik.

It was unlike anything I've ever experienced. While I'm kind of a girlie-girl in the sense that I make it a priority to keep up my hair, nails and ummmm body hair issues... I've never had a massage before. I think this is mostly due to my body image issues.

My cousin-in-law April rounded up my Aunt (her MIL) her Mom, and her SIL Tara (my other cousin-in-law) and we headed out for a day of relaxation.

We began the day with Swedish massages.

From the website: Combining strength and softness, this table massage eliminates tension, reduces stress, and improves blood circulation.

This was incredible. While I was slightly uncomfortable beind nekkid and having a random man feel me up... I left there feeling drunk. I had jello legs. My eyelids felt heavy. It was amazing. (and covered by my insurance plan. WHY WHY WHY have I never got a massage before?)


Following the massage, we hit up the nordic baths.

From the website:

THE TECHNIQUE - AT NORDIK THES CIRCUIT OF BATH IS LOCATED OUTSIDE
1) Warm up in a sauna or steam bath for 10 to 15 minutes.
2) Do a quick pass under the Nordic waterfall or take a dip in the cold or temperate pool for a few seconds.
3) Rest fifteen minutes in one of our relaxation areas, outside or inside.

Repeat this ritual three or four times, finally immersing yourself in one of our whirlpools for a moment of total relaxation.

The steam bath was my favorite. It kind of felt like a torture chamber, but it felt SOOOO good. I loved that I could feel the sweat pouring off me. The least enjoyable part? The 'cold' aspect. See that pic below? The waterfall was 10 frickin' degrees. There is no way that lady is enjoying that. I couldn't even get my toe in the pool. The other cold pool was 20 degrees... I chose that option.

We ended the day with a "soin vivant" body treatment.

SOIN VIVIFIANT
Feel like giving up completely and being pampered? This treatment is for you. It includes an exfoliation of the back, arms and legs, a treatment with thermal mud (back), and a massage of the scalp and face. Escape guaranteed!

This was easily the highlight of my day. The scalp massage was incredible. I swear at one point, my toes curled up a little.

I thought I would be wiped out after this day, but I was actually totally energized afterwards.

I may have just become a spa-junkie... but most definitely a massage junkie. Who knew falling off my bike and getting a doctor's note for massage could turn out so great?

Are you a spa/massage kind of person?

My first refinishing project

This table was hanging out at the curb on garbage day a few weeks ago.

I've been looking for a small'ish table to house the satellite box which will go under the mounted TV in the bedroom.

My problem was paying $200'ish for a piece of furniture made of fake wood.

The freebie table is solid wood and was in ok shape. It just needed a good sanding to remove the varnish to create my 'blank canvas'.

I saw this entry table and knew I wanted to replicate it.

I really wanted to wait until I got the table all set up in the bedroom with the TV mounted to take pics with my good camera, but I have zero patience. I'm so pleased with the end result I wanted to show you guys now!

Not bad for a rookie eh?

My 'antiquing' isn't the best... but I think it looks pretty awesome.

My Mom was a very handy lady. She was just one of those women that was good at everything. She was the type that could make frilly pillows and hem all your clothes, but also the type that could get down and dirty with power tools. I always thought I was more like my Dad, but maybe there's a little more of my Mom in me than I thought. :)

Winter has arrived!

I guess it's time to get rid of my flip flops eh? Today I chose to replace them with a beat-up pair of running shoes. Must find my boots, ASAP.

I actually don't hate winter at all.

But what I do hate, are the people that drive like fragile old ladies. My commute wasn't too bad this morning, I arrived about 10 minutes late.

Snow today, means that I'm that much closer to ski season. Woooo!

What do you think of Winter? Love it? Hate it? Tolerate it?

Brrrrrr!

We've had a pretty incredible Fall here in Ottawa. For the most part it's been warm and sunny, with very little rain.

However, I think that is about to change. The forecast for this evening is just down-right-disturbing.

The temperatures have dropped, which makes my morning coffee taste that much better. Did you know that Starbucks has sugar-free mocha syrup now? I tried it this morning and LOVED it!

Speaking of colder temperatures, I went for a run last night and my usual baseball cap and short sleeves were replaced with a toque, mitts, and long sleeves. Brrr!

Last night was techinically supposed to be a rest day, but the dog needed to be walked and I was too lazy to walk, so we ran. Sometimes the idea of walking just irritates me. I know that sounds odd, but the idea of walking just seems to slow sometimes. I also don't think walking tires Jersey out, so running just works better for both of is.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Who is your inspiration?

I don't write about it too often, but I spin. A lot. Sometimes, as often as 4 times a week.

Last week, I was in a funk. All of my workouts felt laboured. My quads were tight. My calves felt like they were on the verge of Charlie-horse central. I just wasn't feeling it... all week long.

Add to that the fact that work was insane, I was on training for 3 days, and the gym was oddly packed every night just threw my week completely off.

I was at spin class yesterday, and during a completely brutal track the instructor yelled "Who's your inspiration?" and I got to thinking...

My inspiration usually comes in the following forms:

- Caffeine
- fitting back into my skinny jeans
- Candy Cane Ice Cream

Rewind back to yesterday: Spin class realllllllllly sucked. I was hungover. I was sweating out bacon wrapped dates. My legs were twitchy. I was sweating all over the floor. I just wanted to throw in the towel, go home and eat cheese.

But when he asked "Who is your inspiration?" you know that I thought?

I thought of ME.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is never easy. Especially on the tough days like I had yesterday. But I pushed myself through that workout, and when it was over I hit up Body Pump. Why? Because I can. I felt like a million bucks afterwards.

I'm strong. I'm healthy. I'm happy.

....and I think that's kind of awesome.

Sometimes…

Sometimes it’s ok to blow off your workout just because you don’t feel like it.

Sometimes it’s ok to change into your pj’s at 5pm.

Sometimes it’s ok to spend $8.04 on grapes. 

Sometimes it’s ok to eat fresh baguette with triple cream brie and fig red pepper jelly on a “school night”.

 

Sometimes it’s ok to post goofy porn-like self portraits on the internet.

Sometimes it’s ok to crank the fireplace, kick your feet up and indulge in your guilty pleasure a la Victor Newman.

Sometimes it’s ok to eat Candy Cane Ice Cream for a night cap.

Sometimes it’s ok not to be healthy all the freakin’ time and not feel a smidge guilty about it.

Amen.

Apple Pancakes

Hi friends. Sorry for the little blog hiatus. I took an extra long weekend, and have spent the last few days away from the computer doing fun things!

Highlights included: a pedicure, lunch with my Dad, and attending the Ottawa Food and Wine Show.

Because of my lack of will power at the Ottawa Food and Wine Show, a workout was needed this morning. Prior to Body Combat starting, I was doing a few of my physio exercises on my shoulder when I was approached by a fellow gym member. The conversation started out with something like “This is going to sound weird, but…”.

Turns out Krissy (Krissie?) reads my little old blog and is also a friend of my buddy Crystallina. Thanks for saying hi… it totally made my day! :)

I arrived home sweaty and famished.

Pancakes sounded good. So did Muldoon-Maple-Syrup.

 

I simmered some chopped apples in a little water with brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, dates, raisins and craisins.

It made a pretty great pancake topping.

Jersey got a little pancake too. Dog-bone shaped of course.

Time for a shower. Happy Saturday!

Running and Tortilla Quiche

Every class I went to last week reminded me that there were no group fitness classes on Tuesday November 8th. I didn't really feel like running last night, so I busted my ass to make it to 4:30 spin class. Of course, when I arrived I was immediately reminded that there were no classes that night. Idiot Amy.

Of course, I only had my spin shoes with me, so I headed back home.

I grabbed my Garmin, Ipod and Jersey and hit the road.

You know what I love? Having a code for the garage door. It means running sans-keys. I'm a fan!

We covered a little over 7k in 45 mins. The end result? Sweaty Amy = Sweaty doggie kisses.

And a very content Jersey. What a dork.

Dinner was pretty amazing.

For some odd reason I decided to make tortilla quiche. This is somewhat miraculous and bizarre, because I don't like eggs.

I do however, like those mini-quiches from M&M. I think it's because the crust is filled with buttery deliciousness that it masks the disgusting egg texture/taste. Also, they are so tiny that the amount of egg in them is prettttty minimal.

It was easy peesy too.

1. Sautée veggies

2. Line pie plate with 2 large tortillas

3. Chop spinach and basil, and put on top of tortillas

4. Put veggies on top of spinach/basil

5. Whisk 3 eggs with some greek yogurt, S&P and dump on top of veggies

6. Add goat cheese

7. Bake at 375 for about 45. You can likely bake it less, I just wanted to make sure it was a firm as possible to avoid gross eggy texture.

I actually LOVED it. Goat cheese and basil make anything taste good though.

I even went back for a second piece.

I ran the recipe through My Fitness Pal and 1/4 of the pie came out to be only 180 cals. Score!

Maybe I will learn to love eggs? Maybe it's an aquired taste? I've been trying to "like" beer for about 12 years now and that hasn't happened so I'm not getting to excited yet.

Randoms

1) Today I ordered just a coffee at Starbucks instead of my regular americano misto, and the barista looked at me like I had a third eye. You know you're a regular, when! I'm trying to wean myself off sweetened coffee. Today I ordered a venti, and just put half a splenda in it. It tastes mediocre.

2) Speaking of which, Starbucks has introduced their Rewards program in Canada. Guess who is a Gold member already? Ooops.

3) I declared last night a night of sloth. It was glorious. The weather is kind of amazing here in Ottawa right now, so tonight I think I'll attempt run #2 outdoors with my pootchie.

4) Tomorrow is my Friday. This makes me happy. I have a hot date with my Dad on Thursday. This also makes me happy.

5) I feel like the only person in the world that is still loyal to Blackberry. One by one, everyone seems to switching to iPhone and my BBM contacts are getting smaller and smaller.

6) Frozen blueberries are not for me. Not a fan AT ALL.

7) Sometimes blogging feels like a lot of work and today is one of them, so I'll just stop now.

1250 calories? Really?!

I'm not a huge meat eater, but prime rib is the sole reason I could never be a vegetarian.

It's my absolutely favorite.
Source

Last night, we met some friends for dinner at Milestones. I really wanted the Butternut Squash Ravioli, but the calorie conscious side of me thought I should choose something better.

I went with the prime rib. In my head, I thought "Hey, it's an ok choice. It's meat, potatoes and veg."

I died when I looked up the calories afterwards.

1250 calories, and 103 grams of fat!!! And that was just for the meat.

Add in the garlic mashed potatoes at 320 cals, the veg at 100, and the vino at 150 calories my meal was 1820 calories. WTF?!

I'm a veteran when it comes to making healthy choices at restaurants, but I was completely fooled this time. Oooops.

*Edited to add: The Butternut Squash Ravioli I lusted after was only 760 cals*

Casual Friday - Shopping in my own closet

I know, I know... I told you this wasn't becoming a fashion blog and yet here is ANOTHER post with me showing you what I'm wearing today.

That being said, I have a closet that is full of great clothes but I wear the same outfits all. the. time. I have a meeting today, so I wanted to keep casual Friday a little more on the business side.

I decided to peruse my closet to see what I could find and stumbled upon my khaki blazer that I bought at New York and Company over a year ago on a US shopping trip. I paired it with a simple white t-shirt, and trouser jeans.
...and red shoes. You can't forget the red shoes.

One of my favorite work quotes came from our finance lady, who just retired at the age of 65. On a day when I was wearing these red shoes, she looked me right in the eye and simply said: "Only call girls wear red shoes Amy"

Victory!

I got the okay to start running outdoors/start using my shoulder about a month ago. I’ve been going to Body Pump and Body Combat, but I had yet to run outside.

Why? It’s simple - I was terrified.

I was scared it would hurt. I was scared I had lost my base. I was scared my new shoes weren’t going to work. I was scared to fail.

It was a beautiful crisp day in Ottawa yesterday. I arrived home with plans to go to spin class, but one glimpse of Jersey’s “walk me, bitch” face I decided to go out for my first outdoor run since my bike accident.

She really has mastered that look, hasn’t she?

I laced up my trusty new shoes and hit the road, dog in tow.

I figured what better place to run, than the very trail where I had my accident.

I told myself that I only had to run for 20 mins. If I made it that long I could consider it a success. But it was surprisingly easy.

I was in a groove. I was smiling. I was RUNNING.

I was shocked when I looked down at my Garmin only to discover I had been running for 29 mins, and I hadn’t even turned around yet.

What a gorgeous trail eh?

 

When all was said and done, I ran for 57 mins.

I was so happy. Thrilled even. I was amazed and admittedly super proud of myself. I guess all my spinning/treadmill running during my injury really kept my fitness level up.

 

Thank goodness running also cures doggie depression.

Right there, that’s the smile of one happy golden retriever.

…accompanied by the smile of one freakin’ happy RUNNER.

VICTORY!

A little gem

One of the many reasons I love going to concerts, is to hear the opening band. I love discovering new music.

Last Friday, Andrew and I went to see (his favourite) Matthew Good Band play.

While they played an excellent show, I left humming the tunes of Daniel Wesley.

I’m obsessed with this song.

And this one too.

Check him out!

(I’m looking at YOU Krissie)

Halloween chez @Amysquest

Confession: I kinda don’t love Halloween.

Usually, Halloween turns into a date night. But because we’re new to our neighbourhood, we don’t want to be “those people” who crush the hearts of all children by boycotting Halloween.

So this year, I tried my best to embrace Halloween.

That being said, I find most Halloween decor tacky… so I went with more a fall theme.

I was pretty proud of my non-tacky Pinterest-inpsired pumpkin.

I used cookie cutters. And a hammer. Cookie cutters are not meant to go through pumpkin… easily anyway.

In the daylight:

And lit up. Pretty!

My costume? A sweaty girl who just went to spin class. Hardy-har-har.

I bought candy for about 100 kiddies, and only had about 20 kids come to the door. The office is getting a whack-load of candy today!

How was your Halloween? Did you manage to stay-clear of the candy? I can honestly say, I didn’t eat a single piece. That being said, today is a new day, and there is a mini Coffee Crisp calling my name!