Working Out Again

It's a constant battle; the battle of the chunk if you will. I've been at war with my body since I was a kid. I've always been a little round around the edges and though it hasn't stopped me from playing sports, meeting guys, and climbing freaking mountains, it has stopped me from one thing I'd like to do before I die: wear a bikini. I look good in most of the bathing suits I wear, but the bikini has never been one I felt confident enough to wear. I've tried on plenty, and even specialty ones for my lovely lady lumps (ugh...did I just quote Fergie?) an never felt comfortable to wear one. Just once I would like to walk around half naked outside of my house and enjoy the summer and the waves of the ocean. It is mostly just so I can say I did it.

Obviously that is not the only reason I want that awesome beach bod. I have plenty. Mostly stemming from low self-esteem and really shitty boyfriends (I dated a guy who made fun of my curves once...that did NOT settle well with me). Over the years I have become much more confident. I used to only wear tee shirts as a teen, because I did not like to show my arms. (ie no tanks, no spaghetti strap, no strapless). I don't have such a hang up anymore about how clothes look on me. if there is a little ripple I'll survive, I know the fats there, we all do. I no longer wear baggy clothes unless I want to. Which sometimes is called for.

So to get back into hot tottie shape, as I like to call it, I am working out three days a week every week for the next three weeks. This is just to start of course. I find starting small helps you lose big in the long run. I am also staying away from cakes and ice cream when I am NOT on my period. Here is why. It's inevitable that I will crave something sweet when my hormones go crazy. My will power at that point is below zero. But throughout the rest of the month I can be pretty good about not eating sweets. So, why not savor my sweet tooth when I can't help it.

I work at a restaurant and the food is great. But eating out everyday (via the restaurant) isn't. A good fix for this is to only eat the salads and the veggie plates. Sure I will still be eating a lot of salt and probably fat, but It will be a lot less than if I partook of that huge burger platter smothered with goodness (I love their burgers...this will be hard). Well, most of the time anyways, I can splurge right? Right.

Okay. So now that it's out there in the internets, let's see what I can do to actually keep up the good work. I worked out Monday and took a break Tuesday. I was sore but mobile which was good. Well later on in the day, I became REALLY sore...bad mojo...now I'm going to find every reason possible to not workout! But I will do the best I can to work against that feeling and put in 20 minutes of heart pumping aerobics that is sure to help me make a healthier life choice so I can run, jump, and play with my children later on in life... all while wearing a bikini. :)


Ciao

Bree Eats: Super Simple Apple Pie

This Thanksgiving I made a super sweet and simple dessert for a last minute dinner party I was invited to. For those of you who don't have the time (or would like to say they don't) to make a pie crust from scratch, I've given you a way around that. It's not cheating if you don't get caught! For Christmas, or just to impress, try your hand at this easy to prepare dessert recipe! You'll need:

Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees and sitting the two pie crusts out, if 

frozen, to defrost. Peel,core and slice the apples down into about eighths and place them in a large bowl with water. If you have lemon juice on hand you can add it to the bowl as well. Supposedly, this helps the apples from turning brown (though when baked that is exactly what color they usually turn...*shrugg*). After slicing the apples, drain the water and add half a cup of brown sugar and half a cup of white sugar. mix well! Don't forget to use your hands! Add about a teaspoon of flour and continue to mix. Now add a bit of Nutmeg, a dash of All Spice, and a generous helping of Cinnamon. I'm no good at measuring these things, but I do suggest not adding too much of the first too. Continue to mix until the sugar has dissolved and the apples are well coated.  

Pile the apples high in the center of one of the pie crust. Place eight cubes (approximately two tablespoons) of butter  all around the pie. Cover with the other crust. This is where sometimes my pies get a little messy! No worries if the crust crumbles or falls apart, just make sure you cover as much of the filling as possible and seal the crust pieces together where ever you can. Wrap the edges of the pie with foil. This will allow you to cook the pie for an hour without them burning. Place the pie in the center of the rack on a foil lined cookie sheet.  Bake for an hour. 15 minutes before the pie is done remove the foil from the crust. After it is done baking, let it sit for 15 minutes before serving. That's it! Simple as Apple pie! 

** Scroll to the bottom for more tasty tips!**

**I personally like my apple pie crusts to shine. It's like the cherry on the cake if you will. To achieve this, take a mixture of  one part egg white and one part water and dab the top of the pie with either a brush or a paper towel 15 minutes before the pie is done (when you are removing the foil). Walah! Professional looking (and of course tasting) apple pie.

A real dinner party hit!

Chow Baby!!