I gotta [spring] fever
Early February is when it tends to hit me.
I love living in Tucson, but man is the weather bipolar. A few weeks ago we were in the 20s and now we’re in the high 70s. Turtle doves are already scoping out our prime bird condo real estate, it’s warm with the slightest cool breeze, and perfect for picnics, long walks with Liv + the pups, and enjoying the day outdoors. That is, until next week and it’s freezing again. Keep us on our toes though.
In the meantime, I’ll just keep enjoying this..
and planning the herb garden that I’ll eventually kill. 😉
Monday morning, Liv and I had to get out of the house. Not just because the weather was so gorgeous, but her teeth tend to pop out in handfuls, alternating weeks of not-really-herself/crank mode with total happiness. Teething spurts comes out of nowhere, and even though there are quite a few remedies (we do teething strips, baby Tylenol if it’s really bad, and popsicles), it’s tough to see your little one in discomfort. This is also when she wants to be held 24/7, and while I love the extra snuggle time, it makes certain necessary things (like getting dressed and um, using to the restroom) nearly impossible.
Usually a bit of fresh air helps both of us, I’ll wrap Liv and hold her as we’re walking around, and it’s a nice change of scenery.
We read a few books on the patio, got a green juice:
took a walk with Bell (still working on the Caro Leash Project 2013)
and enjoyed a fantastic dinner.
When I saw this recipe on Pinterest, I knew it would be perfect for dinner this week, especially since we still had two butternut squashes from last week’s farm box.
I put them into the oven to roast,
made the filling,
and served it alongside some kale chips (olive oil, nutritional yeast and sea salt.
Super easy, especially since I could make the components during nap time, and fantastic flavor. I especially loved the addition of mushrooms- something I don’t purchase too often because I’ll forget about them in the fridge. Livi loved all of it, too, but her favorite part was definitely the kale chips.
Hope you’re all enjoying the day so far! When was the last time you actually made something from Pinterest? Last, it was these cupcakes, which to my surprise, came out really well.
xoxo
Gina
New on the Family page: Livi’s Banana Quinoa muffins
Winter Shape Up: How are you enjoying your rest day? Maybe carve out some time for a date with the foam roller… your future tight muscles will thank ya 😉
Congratulations to the Blue Diamond giveaway winners from yesterday! If you see your name and comment below, please email me with your shipping info so I can forward it along to the almond fairy.
Carolyn:
Emily G:
Martha B.:
Bri J.
Tracy:
Kiah:
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I did workout #2 today — it was serious! That plank sequence is no joke! 🙂 (I flopped my schedule, and yesterday was active rest — a walk with the dog)
Teething is no fun!! Good thing it is temporary and a great excuse for extra snuggles and cuddles!! I hope Liv is feeling better today.
I’m jealous of your spring-time weather!! (We had a 70 day last week and then it snowed the next day.)
I try to periodically go back to my boards from Pinterest and actually menu plan from them (I think I picked something over Christmas and then last summer!).
After running late and then having to clean my car off with ice and snow on a 20 degree day this am, I am sooo getting the fever too! I think maybe another month and half and we’ll be out of this ice tundra? sighhh. Until then, I will keep pinning pretty spring outfits!
Hope Liv is feeling better soon 🙂
Yay teething! Max also tends to get a whole bunch at the same time. He was also sick this weekend, so the poor little guy has been all out of sorts. This morning he was just wondering around whining.
I want Spring to hurry up already! Getting pretty tired of winter boots and jackets, having to bundle up Max every time we need to go out, warming up the car, etc. I also want to go back to our outdoor evening activities. Max misses the swings!!
Since I had my active rest day yesterday (due to illness) I’ll be hitting it hard today. Workout 2 here I come! I hope I can do the planks better this time! Changed up lunch today and will be having curried chick peas… smelled yummy cooking up yesterday.
I also canNOT wait for spring. I would have liked a really good snow, but I’m now ready for warm weather. 🙂
Actively resting at work today, and man has it been slow!! Kids are off from school despite clear roads. Some people just can’t handle the snow… It was a nice break from waking up at 5:30 and hitting the gym early. Looking forward to stretching with the Nike Training Club app later!!
SOOOO glad its rest day!!! I did a 1,000 jumping jacks yesterday to add something to it and HOLY cow did I underestimate how hard that would be on my body today! Arms/Neck are SORE!!!
I LOVE pinterest. I find something for supper on there at least 3-4 times a week!
It is gorgeous this week in CO, too! I’m looking forward to my morning break here in about 15 minutes to go take Niko for a walk 🙂
Poor Liv – hope her teeths feel better soon!
Woke up this morning to my legs still burning from yesterday, so I’m spending my recovery day cooking up a (clean) storm in the kitchen. (And I threw in a little dance party for good measure.)
I fell off the workout wagon over the weekend but got back on today, finishing my last round of workout #1. I’ll do workout #2 Thursday, Saturday and Tuesday with training runs Weds, Friday and Sunday (the last 3 days were rest days….).
Looking forward to a new workout – 3 times is about my limit for doing the same workout, which is why i don’t use DVDs too often.
Ha! Poor Caro. 🙂 Will she ride in a stroller with Liv? You sound like you are great for her.
we tried that. it did not work well. haha
Try a no pull harness, goes around chest and legs, works wonders with lots of chicken and fun for walks. Get one that the leash attaches to the front at her chest, not on her back. Works quick and very gentle.
Looks like some great weathe–a perfect day to be outside. I know how it is with a teething baby-my boy gets all sniffly and loves to snuggle. Have you considered putting Livi in the crib or pack-n-play when you need to go to the bathroom or shower? I run with my son in the BOB every Saturday morning and when we get back, I set him in the crib and let him play. He knows I’ll be back in 15 minutes. Not showering is not an option for me, especially after a run. I’ll also set him in the pack-n-play while I get ready (quickly). It might not be his favorite, but I think as a mom we also have to remember to take care of ourselves. For me bathroom breaks and showers are non-negotiable.
liv used to do great in the pack n play- she’d play with baby dolls and talk to herself while i cleaned up after breakfast, and would usually last about 20 minutes- and for the past few weeks has screamed bloody murder every time i put her in there. so we put it away last week :/
lately i’ve been running to the bathroom as soon as i put her in her high chair. usually she’ll play in our bedroom while i get dressed and do my hair/makeup quickly, but since our wood floors are 98% done, i can’t let her play freely on the floor upstairs until the edges are finished and everything is cleaned up. soon! it’s been a little rough.
Gotcha, it is amazing how babies like and dislikes change so quickly! My mom does that high chair trick also for bathroom breaks when she watches him 🙂
a short job followed by 40 min. of yoga was a nice way to spend my lunch break and spend my active recovery day! Now if I could get more than 4 hours of sleep a night I would feel great!
What is your email address that I should use for letting you know my shipping address?
fitnessista at gmail dot com 🙂
Hi Gina, What are your thoughts on protein powder? I am a runner, and also do cross training, but never lift heavy weights. I feel like I really should over do it with protein, but I am now sure. Thanks!
i like protein powder in moderation. it’s especially great for smoothies, protein yogurts, amazeballs and breakfast cookies 🙂
Ha, I made almost the same dinner last night except I based it off this recipe, using butternut squash instead. http://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2011/11/29/quinoa-stuffed-acorn-squash.html
Sore from your workout yesterday, yoga is in my future.
I have spring fever too. 🙂 I’ve been on the west coast (Vegas!) for a couple months, and now I’m heading back to the tundra that is D.C. Okay, maybe it’s not tundra, but it’s too cold for my weakling, west coast self.
Do you mind sharing your gorgeous weather with a cold Canadian girl? We’re currently buried in snow and won’t be seeing Spring until at least early April. Although I’m definitely starting to feel a little bit buzzed from the -slightly- longer days and the increase in sunshine 😀
Wow- that butternut squash looks absolutely delicious! I will definitely be trying to re-create this later this week. Thanks for the idea 🙂
Also, very jealous of your warm weather- it is still a very cold winter up North in Canada
Jealous of the nice weather you guys are experiencing! We still have to wait until April(ish) for anything near 70. Embrace it!
Woo hoo!!! The plank combo knocked me on my booty! I ended up doing it without the weights and doing the leg lift on the first 2 or 3 and just modifying it to what I can handle. Hope to be able to do it right by this weekend!
Poor Caro! She’s too cute to get stuck inside! Have you ever tried putting her and Bell on a leash coupler so they have to walk together?
We woke up to snow today….Spring please come ASAP.
Active rest =yay for yoga! 🙂
I would love 70 degree weather right about now! It is freezing in PA!
For some reason there is a “read more” tab showing up on your page that was never there before…you used to be able to just read whole posts on your home page. Just wanted to let you know!
Teething is so rough. My daughter is working on her 2-year-molars now. Have you ever tried baby ibuprofin instead of Tylenol? Either store brand, Advil or Motrin. They work better for teething as it is also anti-inflammatory. Might give it a try! It’s approved for babies starting at 6 months, so lots of my mom friends forget when they can start using it.
that’s what my friend kelly (a nurse) suggested to me last night- alternate between that and tylenol. we’re going to get some when we’re out today
Hi Gina! I guess I’m an almond winner…pretty excited!! I don’t see your email address anywhere? You can email it to me if you want and I’ll reply with my info. Thanks!
Tracy
fitnessista at gmail dot com
congrats!!!
I was going to guess that! Thanks, Gina!! Sending an email now.
Such a cute picture of you two! I made a strawberry ice box cake from Pinterest that was really good! And I had never heard of icebox cakes before.
Jumping on the WSU band wagon a week late, but just did workout #2 for the first time today! Loved it, especially the plie squat move. I felt pretty awesome doing it and loved the shaky leg feeling afterwards.
Active recovery for me today was about an hour of a Dave Farmar podcast….felt great to stretch it out after Workout#2 yesterday. Really loving this schedule you’re inspiring me to follow! Thank you!
Sending love to the little one teething and the mama…..it is just no fun to see them suffer!
Chelsea
Hi Gina! This is the second or third Winter/Summer Shape-Up I have followed! I love your workouts and really appreciate the time and effort you take to post the videos and instructions. I was wondering if you had some advice on how to incorporate training for a half-marathon and the Winter Shape-Up. I am struggling with how many rest days and working out/running on the same days. This is my third marathon and I am in the earlier stages of the long runs. Any advice would be so greatly appreciated! Thanks again!
I did workout #2 today. Killer! Especially the squat jumps and the plank combo–I had to modify those. HIIT was 10 minutes on the treadmill.
I’ve got the fever big time over here! It was 70 last week, snowed 5 inches at the end of the week, and now is back in the 60s. Colorado weather is always crazy but its been extra unpredictable this year. I can’t say I mind though, we would rather be playing outside than cooped up any day!
I looked up some yoga stretching on YouTube for my rest day. Was hoping to get in some more, but little miss woke up after only 20 min. Still felt good though and I’m sure tomorrow I’ll be super sore and barely make it through the workout.
Did workout #2 today… quick question, my lower back starts to hurt a bit toward the final reps of the plie squat/deadlift/wide row combo. I’m keeping my back flat, engaging my core, keeping my shoulders back–as in, I think my form is okay… Do you think there’s something else I could be doing wrong? Or maybe my weights are too heavy? I’m using a 5lb weight in each hand.
try it without a weight and see how it feels. if your back is still hurting, take the squat out and do it on its own and see if that helps
Cool, thanks, will try that next time around!
Just did workout 2 and LOVED it. A trainer at my gym (who I’ve never met) came over while I was in between circuits, asked me what workout I was doing/where I found it, and said it looked awesome. I was kinda sorta proud of myself! And of course I told him everything was thanks to the fitnessista 🙂
Why are plie squats so hard?! Wow, those killed me! and so did the planks!
I made sure to foam roll today after my run (I shifted some days around to work my schedule) and it hurt so good 😉
You and Liv are so cute!! 🙂
Oh I cannot wait until Spring arrives here! Saskatchewan is just the worst in winter time, I cannot wait to get outside and running! Jealous of your weather forsure
Your little one is just the sweetest! I am sure that someone has most likely already told you this, but you can rub a little clove essential oil on her gums when she is teething. It will numb them without having to use any chemicals, and may help give her some relief 🙂
Hi, can you not use the term “bipolar”, which is a serious psychological condition to merely describe the fact it got hotter quicker.
Thanks.
you’re right, that was insensitive of me.
Took yesterday as an unexpected rest day so I swapped days and did workout 2 today- loved it!!! I don’t know how you did it again but I was sweating b@!!$ and loving every minute of it! Can’t wait for round 2!
Preggo sickness has gotten the better of me. Hoping to re-start the Winter shape-up with modifications when this passes… : \.
Workout #2 done! Recruited my boyfriend for the jump roping portion and he said, “wth is she a boxer this is tough!!” Thanks for the awesome workouts
I’m not following the Week 2 workout calendar exactly, so today was Cardio for me. I did a 30 minute pre-set elliptical interval workout and it was great. Workout #2 really did a number on my legs and buns! The steep hill to my office was a bit rough this morning.
On workout #2, it is better to do the plank combo modified with a weight or the non-modified version but without a weight? I did the modified version yesterday, but I want to make certain that I get the most from the move.
try non-modified without the weight, i think it’s a lot more challenging.
The last one I made was: http://damndelicious.tumblr.com/post/25144591731/roasted-shrimp-enchiladas-with-jalapeno-cream-sauce. It was awesome. 🙂
Am I the only one who would eat *so much more* squash if I wasn’t terrified of cutting them? Do you have a trick or a particular kind of knife that you use? They’re just so hard to slice open!
i use one of my knives from culinary school- hacks it right open. otherwise, yes, it’s tough to cut
I am constantly finding and making my recipes on Pinterest – my cookbooks are mostly just for decoration at this point, since so many people whose recipes I would like are on Pinterest. I go to your ‘recipes to try’ board often!
I’ll have to check out the Reebok line – after your Old Navy review of their gear, I got a tank and a couple sports bras! As great as Lulu is, it’s nice to find some more affordable alternatives too.
What are the teething strips that you use? I use teething tabs (all natural) and also Tylenol if my daughter is truly in pain and nothing else helps and would love another option!! Thank you!
the humphrey’s brand- also all natural. i think she likes the taste of them, too