BRIDEZILLA

Yesterday, I went with my friend Kristen to go pick up her wedding dress.  She getting married on September 12 and I am so excited for her!!!  It’s also beneficial to be able to talk to her about wedding details so that I can start thinking about my big day.

The Fiancé and I have talked about dates, and we are in no need to rush, so I’m thinking that it won’t be for AT LEAST a year.  This way I have PLENTY of time to mull over a zillion bride magazines, so that I can figure out exactly how I want everything to go!!!

Best part of being engaged: I get to read BRIDAL MAGAZINES!!!  It’s so much fun.  Kristen gave me all of her wedding readings because she doesn’t need them anymore.  In a few weeks, my parents are coming to town and I’m going to do the obligatory dress shopping with the mom.

This gives me 3 weeks to kick my butt in the gym and recover from the buffet-style gorging in Cancun!!!

CRÈME BRULE + ALMOND + CINNAMON

I think I really do have a coffee addition.  I bought the first two bags a few weeks ago, and saw the Cinnamon coffee on super sale at the grocery store.  I didn’t NEED it, but it was such a good deal and I know it won’t go to waste!  For BREAKFAST, I brewed up a cup of some coconut coffee in my new cute mug from the resort we stayed at in Cancun.

I made a MASSIVE (even though it doesn’t look like it in the picture) salad for LUNCH.  I used some pouched salmon that I bough the other day and I LOVED it!!  My salmon addiction continues…

SALMON + SPINACH + CHERRY TOMATOES + BROCCOLI + HONEY MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE

I headed back to the gym today after a long hiatus.  I did a quick 15 min interval sesh on the treadmill.  My knee started to hurt, so I promptly stopped because I did not want a repeat of the my last gym injury.  I also did some ab work courtesy of an Android App which was really fun, and kicked my tummy’s butt!!! 

After the gym, I refueled with a light protein boost. 

GARDEN OF LIFE RAW PROTEIN + BLUEBERRIES + ALMOND MILK

 

I also SNACKED on a Gala Apple.  I usually buy a bag a week for juicing purposes, but I have to make a conscious effort to eat more whole apples.  High in fiber and SOOOO good for you!!!

 

 

Today was a good day, and I’m hoping to use the inspiration of looking BANGING in my wedding dress to tone up and slim down.

Til tomorrow…

XOXO

AUGUST AND EVERYTHING AFTER

August has been an AMAZING month for me so far!!!  Let me catch you up on what’s been going on in my CRAZY world…

AUGUST 1, Boyfriend surprised me with an overnight mini-date.  In the morning he told me to pack my bags for a night, and dress for a “little hike.”ME BEING CUTE AND PRETENDING TO EAT THROUGH THE BAG OF TRAIL MIX THAT BOYFRIEND BOUGHT ME FOR THE HIKE

So we went on a “little hike” that turned out to be a GRUELING .8.5 mile hike up Mt. Cuyamaca (2nd tallest Mountain in San Diego). WAY UP HIGH

When we got to the top, Boyfriend set up a picnic in a surprise location while I waited. When he called me over to the site he was waiting in a full tux, and you can guess what happened next….

BLUE BOX SPECIAL!!!!

“Boyfriend” is now “Fiancé”. But we decided we hated that word so we are calling each other “G2B” (Groom To Be) and “B2B” (Bride To Be).

Then he whisked me over to Temecula for wine tasting and an overnight at a villa at a winery.

 

It was amazing and EVERYTHING that I have ever dreamed of.

And the ring….

It’s from TIFFANY’S. It’s BIGGER and BETTER then I’ve ever dreamed. I was overwhelmed with Boyfriend’s generously and creativity. I can’t stop staring at it and thinking, “THIS IS MINE!!!”

Less then two weeks later we went to Cancun, Mexico to celebrate my 30th BIRTHDAY!!!  I think it goes without saying that we had an INCREDIBLE time.  We stayed at an all inclusive resort called “Dreams” (aptly named), and engaged in every activity that Cancun had to offer!!  We aren’t the types of sit around on a beach for a week, though we did get in some beach time.

View from our balcony.  We overlooked the dolphin lagoon below.  We could hear them at night splashing in the water!

The Jacuzzi tub on the balcony of our PRESIDENTIAL SUITE!!!  It was HUGE but completely unnecessary because we barely stayed in the room.  We slept and showered there, but spent the rest of the time exploring Cancun.Swim-up pool bar!!

 

 

We went on a Pirate Show Dinner Cruise for my BIG birthday!!  It was really cute and I got to eat lobster which is always fun!!

 

The ruins of “Chicken Pizza.”  It’s actually called Chichen Itza, but Boyfriend and I liked Chicken Pizza better!!

 

 

 

 

 

This month has been one of the most INCREDIBLE months of my life!!!  Everyone keeps asking us our wedding plans, but Boyfriend and I want to soak up the fun of being engaged before we started dealing with the stress of wedding planning.  I LOVE being engaged!!!  I’m surprised how different it is versus just dating.  Boyfriend and I agree that it just feels more “special.” 

Now back to normal life and kicking my butt to lose vacation/engagement lbs!! But TOTALLY worth it!!

XOXO

EARLY RISER

After a LOOOONG day of work yesterday, I was determined to wake up early and get to the gym before work!  And wouldn’t you know…I actually did.  Today I rocked a bit of cardio…

I’ve decided to limit my cardio to 3 times a week at a maximum of 45 minutes.  I’ve read from multiple sources that 45 minutes is adequate for a good cardio sesh so that’s all that treadmill/elliptical machine is getting from me.  I HATE cardio.  I just get bored so easily.

I much rather prefer weight training.  It keeps my tush from being mush

For LUNCH, I used my last salmon burger to make a beast of a salad.  It fuels my body, and keeps me full.  The beets did NOT work in this salad combo.  I had to pick around them, and normally I LOVE beets.

SPINACH + TRADER JOE’S SALMON BURGER + TOMATOES + BEETS + ANNIE’S LITE HONEY MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE

DINNER tonight was a complete original.  I had some bok choy that was itching to be made into a big vat of Miso Soup A’la Beth.  This was entirely an original recipe and I just winged it.  Wouldn’t you know, it worked out PERFECTLY!!  Good thing too, because I have enough to feed an army.

MISO PASTE + 10 CUPS WATER + 2 BABY BOK CHOY + 1 BLOCK LITE FIRM TOFU + 1/4 CUP GREEN ONIONS + 1 CAN STRAW MUSHROOMS + 1 TBSP SESAME OIL + PEPPER

I paired my soup with a Henry’s spring roll.

SHRIMP SPRING ROLL

Have you seen this new gum?!?

I discovered it in Target and I’m completely in LOVE.  It tastes just like APPLE PIE without the calories.  My friend Mike even said that he could taste the whipped cream!

Boyfriend worked late tonight, so I am home all by my lonesome.  No matter.  I actually cherish my Beth time. 

I enjoyed this:

 

 

 

 

Bought this wine ONLY because it is called, “Gato Negro” (Spanish for “Black Cat)!!!

It’s in my favorite new glass.  I got it at a cooking class with Sam the Cooking Guy.  He has a cooking show that runs in San Diego and he is VERY entertaining.  He makes easy recipes that anyone could cook at home themselves.  His Grilled Mashed Potatoe & Bacon Pizza is to DIE for!!

Well, it’s bed time.  I think I’m going to try to get in a little Yoga before work.  I usually save my workouts for the end of the day, but getting my sweat on early in the morning helps me feel really accomplished.  Another bonus is that I don’t have to dread going to the gym the rest of the day.

XOXO

WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO

I’ve been SOOO antsy lately!!!  Boyfriend and I are going to Mexico next month and I’m super excited.  I asked him the other day if it was too soon to start packing (we are leaving on August 10th), and he said “yes”!  (sad face)

I started a vegetable garden in my back yard.  I’m trying to overcome my ability to kill any and everything.  I planted some tomatoes, peppers, squash, and eggplant.  I only planted one of each so I’m under no illusion that I will be growing all my own produce, but I will be happy to make a little side veggie out of anything that might grow.

TOMATOES + PEPPERS + SQUASH + STRAWBERRIES

I made Boyfriend an AMAZING breakfast the other day.  I’m such a good Girlfriend!

SWEET POTATO HASH + SCRAMBLED EGGS WITH TOMATOES & GREEN CHILIES + BACON + BLUEBERRY PANCAKES

For BREAKFAST this morning I decided to do a little salt water flush to clean out the “pipes.”  Have you ever tried this before?  I’ve done it a few times with great results.  You basically dissolve 2TBSP of sea salt with 1 liter of water and gulp it down as fast a possible.  Anywhere from 15 min. to 2 hours later…WATCH OUT!!!  You’ll be experiencing the flow of water and “other stuff” come out of a hole you are not used to seeing water coming out of.  (Sorry for the graphic nature…this was the most delicate way I could describe this event).

It’s not that easy to drink a liter of salt water.  It definitely triggers my gag reflex and the first time I did the flush, I upchucked a few times.  But it’s very gratifying to see all the excess bile that I know has just been camping in my bowls for who knows how long.  When I get back from Mexico, I’m having a little colon hydrotherapy session for a deep cleanse.  I’m so excited about it…Boyfriend thinks I’m crazy.

After my flush I made a cup of GREEN SENCHA TEA to get the icky taste of salt water out of my mouth.  Not only is the Keurig good for brewing delicious coffee, but I also use to it brew instant hot water for tea.  All you do is run a cycle minus to coffee pod and VIOLA! 

I’ve been OBSESSED lately with at-home manicures.  Why pay $25 for a manicure when I can buy some high quality polish for $8?!?!  I even bought some cheap decals to dress up my digits.

I hit the gym today for some ab and leg work.  I definitely felt the burn!!!  Afterwards, I rewarded all my hard work with a little protein blast.  I’ve never met a protein shake I didn’t like!!

 

 

 

 

125 GRAMS FRESH BLUEBERRIES + 1 SCOOP PROTEIN POWDER + GUAR GUM + XANTHAM GUM + HANDFUL OF SPINACH + HANDFUL OF ICE

 

After a full day of “flushing” I finally ate some solid food for DINNER.  I’ve really been on a salmon kick lately.  When salmon is made right, I really like it!!!  But prepared wrong, it’s a fishy tasting and smelling disaster. 

I’ve been cheating lately and buying pre-made salmon burgers from Trader Joe’s so I can’t go wrong.  While their salmon patties are passable, Fresh & Easy has AMAZING salmon burgers which I LOVE, but last time I went their to stock up, they didn’t have any on the shelves.  I hope they aren’t discontinued or else I will be lost!

TRADER JOE’S SALMON PATTY + CAULIFLOWER

All and all, this was a successful first day back to being a “food Nazi”.  I MIGHT have cheated just a wee-bit by sneaking a glass of port and a cinnamon twist (or 2), but considering the fact that I didn’t really get a chance to eat that much today due to my “flush,” I’m calling today a SUCCESS!!

Until tomorrow…

XOXO

LONG LOST FRIEND

I need to get in tip-top condition for my up-and-coming HUGE birthday so I’m saying “hello” to my long lost friend…

Bringing the Bodybugg back!!  And to think, I almost sold this baby on Craigslist!  SO glad I didn’t.  I love that it tells me exactly how many calories I expend throughout the day so I know when I have to kick my butt a little more if I’m not burning enough calories.  This was probably the number one thing that helped me lose weight last year.

I just wanted to give a shout out to my Mom and Sis.  They sent me a “care package” the other day with a bunch of fun eats and items!!  I LOVE care packages!!!  My mom used to send them to me all the time when I was in school.  She loves me!  I actually asked her to send me the Pretzel bagels because they are only available on the East Coast.  Little did I know she would send me a whole box o’things!

FLIPPY FLOPS + NY YANKEES PEZ + THOMAS’ PRETZ-A-BAGELS + POPCORNERS CHEESY JALAPENO + FRIDGE NOTEPAD + 100 COCOA ROASTED ALMONDS + LINDOR TRUFFLES + TASTYCAKES

I’m trying to start off my day with all my carbs and a good dose of protein.  Today for BREAKFAST I made mini waffle “sandwiches” and they were yum! 

2 EGG WHITES + VAN’S MINI GLUTEN FREE WAFFLES + SUGAR FREE SYRUP

I also juiced up a bunch of juice to take to work with me today.  Love those layers!

APPLES + CARROTS + GINGER + BEETS + LEMON + SPINACH

I couldn’t wait to drink this!!!  It looked sooo good.  And then…I left it at home in my fridgeI had to wait until I got home to drink it, but it was still  fabulous.

I stopped by the grocery store on my way home to pick up something to munch on because I was starving and couldn’t wait until I got home!!!!!

I picked up two of these bars.  The other one was a Carrot Cake bar which I ate about 1/3 of and then wrapped up to be consumed at a later time when I was DESPERATE for food.  The bar was GROSS!!!!  It was dry and ick.  NOT A FAN!!

When I got home I whipped up the quickest meal possible because I was STARVED!!!!!!!  I enjoyed eating my veggies, however I was NOT enjoying the stomach pains afterwards.  NO MORE BRUSSEL SPROUTS FOR ME!!!  I LOVE them, but my tummy does not.

BRUSSEL SPROUTS + FF ITALIAN DRESSING + VEGAN BOCA BURGER + HORSERADISH SAUCE

Boca Burgers are MUCH better as a burger and don’t really hold on their own

I skipped the gym AGAIN today Someone needs to kick me in the butt!!!!!

XOXO