In The Works…

Hi, again!  It’s me.  I know, you may not recognize me…it’s been almost a week!  First off, I hope you all had an amazing CHRISTmas and are getting excited for the New Year! I’ve got a full-fledged recap of the Freckled Foodie Family Festivities (try saying that five times fast) coming atcha soon, but for now, I’ll give you a nice little article that will hopefully hold you over until I can gather up all the photos I’ve accumulated (some not on my camera or in my posession yet).

Awhile back, I was contacted by a local newspaper in our area asking me if I’d be interested in sharing my story as an inspirational holiday piece.  Flattered, I agreed, and answered some essay questions for the writer via email…Here’s what she came up with!

Really, I just feel so grateful and blessed to have had the opportunity to share with everyone what miracles God has worked in my life…all the glory goes to Him!!

Stay tuned for the Christmas post!

XO.

Ten Things For Tuesday.

#1.  Christmas is in FIVE, yes, five days.  I’m sure you’re well aware, but I felt the need to announce it.

 This beautiful tree was up at a Christmas party that Jarid & I attended last weekend.  We had a blast playing Catch Phrase, ping pong, and socializing.

#2.  I’m NOT a fan of this crackle nail polish…

I tried it out, in hopes of a festive, Christmasy manicure, but unfortunately, the result was more of a graveyard-esque feel.  I bought the Sally Hansen antique gold…not recommended.

#3. If I had to choose one vegetable to eat everyday for the rest of my life, it’d be a toss up between roasted butternut squash & parsnip fries… only if they were acommpanied by a side of Light Ragu, though.

The cooked squash & zucchini that I ate with them were delicious drizzled in Light Gazebo Room dressing, I might add.

#4.  Props to the boyfriend for matching my Christmas dress without even having to coordinate.  He’s even colorblind!  Impressive, no?

We enjoyed the kids’ Christmas play at my parent’s home church this weekend.  I had several cousins in the production and I’m so glad we didn’t miss it!

#5. While at church, this old woman beside us was relentless on trying to get us engaged.  I swear, she was on us like white on rice.

#6. I don’t want to sound like the grinch, but this week is the FIRST I’ve listened to Christmas music and not felt the need to change the station as soon as it came on.  One week of Christmas music per year is plenty for me.

#7. Since #2 was a fail, I’ve been dying to get ahold of some of the Sally Hansen Salon Effects Holiday Collection!

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I especially like the candy cane striped version!

#8.  I am getting SO excited to give Jarid his gifts.  I would totally spill what I got him on the blog, but sometimes he reads it…and I don’t want to ruin any surprises!

#9.  I just realized I did a whole bunch of veggie roasts this weekend, as per the photographic evidence.

This salad beast was delicious, thinking back.  Roasted beets, roasted broccoli, roasted brussels, roasted shroomies, and roasted squash atop a bed of baby spinach and drizzled with the last of my Annie’s  Lite Honey Mustard dressing.

* Note to self: order more Annie’s from iHerb.com.

#10.  Banana Chocolate Chip Vitatops.

Go.Order.Now.

They are YUMMMMMMYYYY.

Vitalicious sent me a generous sampling package of these and the Pumpkin Spice variety since I hadn’t had the chance to try them!  Typically, I buy the Deep Chocolate and Golden Corn, which are two of my favorites, but these just may take the cake – pun intended.

I ate mine slightly thawed but still kinda frozen.  It’s totally dessert worthy.  Try them out of the toaster, too, or microwave them in the plastic for about 45 seconds (which locks in the moisture, so they don’t taste dry).

Tomorrow is hump day!  For once, I’m not ready for the week to be over.  There’s far too much to do and too little time to do it!

What’s one thing you’re diggin’ about this Christmas season?  Anything in particular on your wish list?

XO.

VixiBars – The Natural Sweetness of Life

It’s safe to say that I probably wouldn’t be making it through this semester without the help of bars.  A healthy carb to protein ratio is highly important, along with the ingredients list for bars, in my opinion…and taste?  That’s probably priority #1   A bar that’s got it all?  Hard to find…I’m pretty picky…  Especially when you’re the kind of girl who needs a little variety.

When Vixibar gave me the opportunity to review four of their varieties, I was eccstatic, to say the least…the same old Dr. Carbrite bars were getting old.  If you’re not craving one of these flavors by the end of this post, you’re probably inhuman…especially since it’s almost lunchtime

Apple Crisp, Peppermint Patty, Peanut Butter Cup, PB &J, Chocolate Macaroon, Pumpkin Pie, Coconut Bliss, Cherry Biscotti, Cherry Brownie, and Peanut Butter Banana.

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Basically, each of these DESSERT tasting bars is made with wholesome ingredients (NO SUGAR ADDED), without preservatives, contain 12g of protein, a healthy dose of fiber, and are gluten, lactose & soy free (great for all of you with thyroid issues like myself!).

I should’ve known they were going to be something special after reading this little note on the webpage from Kate, the creator.  You see, she’s an athlete, herself, so she knows what it takes to create the perfect bar for people like me.

Here are my favorites, in order.

Apple Crisp (11/10)

Never in a million years could have I imagined that this bar would taste exactly like apple pie…but it did.  I’m sure glad these are individually wrapped bars, because I would have a definite problem with portion control, had they not been.  As you can see in the stats, 230 calories with just 0.5g saturated far, 12g of natural sugar from the fruit, and 12g of protein from whey.

 Seriously, this Christmas, skip the apple pie and nosh on one of these bars.  You’ll thank me.

Cherry Biscotti aka Cherry Pie (10/10)

This was similar to a Cherry Pie Larabar, except I love the fact that these have so much more protein in them than Larabars.  Not only that, they’re actually larger in size. 

The calorie content is just about the same, and the only ingredient difference is the whey, really.  Both have healthy fats, and have no added sugar.  The sweetness of the dates (nature’s candy!) is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the dried cherries.

Chocolate Macaroon  (10/10)

Chocolate and coconut will forever be one of my favorite combinations.  This bar brough me back to the day I got to review Hail Merry Macaroons. 

I think, this weekend, I’m going to have to make some of Katie’s Coconut Almond Macaroons and add some Cocoa Cardio (a new, recent purchase!) to try to recreate this bar!  The flavors are spot on.

Peanut Butter & Jelly (8/10)

Here’s the thing…the only reason I subtracted a point from this flavor, was because I LOVE a good peanut butter & jelly sandwich.  Preferably with peanut flour, and sugar-free strawberry jam.  The salty sweet combo of the peanuts and the fruit is one of the best!  Buuuuut, in this flavor, I couldn’t taste much of the fruit at all…I think they would’ve been better off adding CHERRIES rather than RAISINS to this one…and maybe adding a little bit of salt?  It was good, but just tasted like plain, old peanut butter.  Still love the stats, though!

I want to say thank you SO much to Kate & Vixibar for sending me these four to review!  I’d reallly love to try the peanut butter banana, coconut bliss, and pumpkin pie flavors!!  They sound MIND blowing.  Shop for them online, here!  Instead of sending someone cookies for Christmas, try some Vixibars!  Just go to their site and click “shop”  you can have them delivered right to their door!  You can also find them on Facebook & Twitter for special deals!

Excuses, Excuses.

I know I haven’t blogged since Thursday…but I promise, I have some good excuses…

Excuse #1: Christmas play with the boy, the surrogates, and the middle sister.

Every year, Christian Life Assemby puts on a Winter Wonderland play around Christmas time…Last year, A Little Boy’s Christmas Prayer, this year…The Gospel According to Scrooge.

I begged Jarid to get his picture with the characters posing at intermission…they were actually singing as I took it!

Don’t worry, we got a nice one together, too

The set was beautiful…just like you’d imagine the streets of London.

They did a nice job with the production…we were impressed!

 Excuse #2:  Absolute Wellness Group’s Jingle Bell Jam

My friend, Toni invited me to this event, and I’m so glad she did!  I had no idea this little studio existed!

The event was free!  All that they asked was that you bring a toy to donate for a needy child. 

The place was stocked full of goodies (mats, weights, kettleballs, etc.) and for two hours (10am-12pm), we did 20 minute classes of each kickboxing, abs, cardio jam, body sculpt, & pilates)

It was a great workout, and as you can see, we were sweaty messes when we were finished…but we had a lunch date, so we headed downtown (just 2 minutes away).  I promised to introduce her to the goodness of the Pita Pit.

This place seriously puts Subway to shame…they’ve got sprouts, roasted red peppers, black beans, hummus, avocado, you name it!

I always end up with the same thing because I love it SOOO DARN much.  It makes my mouth water.

Another reason I love it so much, is that they actually grill the deli turkey, so it’s nice, warm, and moist when you chomp into it.  

They even wrap it up all nice and neatly for you, too, which is definitely a feat in itself when it comes to mine.  I get turkey, black olives, spinach, lettuce, tomato, onion, sprouts, cucumbers, mushroom, green pepper, pickles, banana peppers, oregano and roasted red pepper hummus on the side for dippage. PHENOM.

Excuse #3:  Jarid’s Company Christmas Party

When we arrived on Saturday night, we were greeted by the owners of the company, me with a kiss, Jarid with a handshake.

The crowd was quite diverse, to say the least, but everyone was very warm and welcoming.  They had a DJ and a high school chorus group for entertainment, followed by a buffet dinner.

I was pleased to find a pretty decent looking salad bar, grilled chicken, and green beans!  I told Jarid I would split a baked potato with him, too, but was full by the time I got around to it…I think I filled up on too much coffee!

He’s pretty new to the company, but it’s clear that everyone loves working with him…who wouldn’t? 

Excuse #4:  Sunday Festivities

First, there was church…they still had two more products left, so the set was still up!

I think you can see more of the detail from this angle, anyway!

We changed outfits in the car, to be more comfortable and got our weekly Wegman’s fix for lunch.

This was my favorite box by FAR.  It had alllll of my favorites:  Kung Pao Shrimp over wokery seared vegetables (squash, mushrooms, onion, and red peppers w/ a simple balsamic marinade), blanched broccoli florets, and baby spinach.  On the side, some three bean chickpea salad (mmmm!).  I could eat this everyday, all day.  Again, we shared fruit & Jarid gave me some of his roasted butternut squash medley. 

After lunch, we went to a sports bar to watch the football games with some of Jarid’s friends.  We came home from lunch and Momma FF wanted to do Christmas pictures… aka Excuse #5.

Take One

As you can see, this year’s theme was a comfy, cozy Christmas.  Normally, we get all dolled up, but my idea this year (after being asked to get creative by Moma FF), was to sport PJs & bean bags.

Take Two

Help us decide which one will go on the Christmas card by voting, please!

Take Three

Take Four

Take Five

 

So, whatcha think?  Take One, Two, Three, Four, or Five? Let me know in the comments section!  Thanks for your help!

XOXO.

 

 

FUEL.

I don’t know how many of you readers are involved in high intensity training or sports, but I think it’s important to talk about, considering the fact that prior to reading this article by Brendan Brazier, I really wasn’t sure what was best to feed my body to achieve optimal performance.  Sure, I’m a “clean” eater.  Huge fan of vegetables, whole grains, fruit, and lean protein…but when should I eat what on the day of a game?!  

Here’s what the article had to say:

“When it comes to training, proper nutrition is as important as physical activity itself. Without the proper fueling, your body simply cannot perform at its peak, ultimately derailing the efforts of training. While determination will get you going, nutrition is what dictates your performance and success.”

First: Nutrient Timing

• Pre-workout fueling can not only help you go longer and stronger, but can also help your body recover for the next session
• What you consume right before exercise takes those nutritional elements from just eating to directly impacting athletic performance
• Many pre-workout drinks are very heavy on the protein. Yes, your body needs protein to repair muscle tissue, but it is best consumed after training or only in small amounts, just before exercise

Second: Balanced Fuel Sources

• Your body needs sugars or glucose to provide energy for muscles, especially within 20-30 minutes of exercise.

  **This doesn’t mean we’re supposed to snort pixie sticks or anything like that…high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, or white sugar do not provide sustained energy because they shoot immediately into the bloodstream and disappear just as quick, causing an equally quick crash***

• The GI system, or glycemic index, which reflects the rate at which the sugars from a particular food get absorbed into the blood stream, can be a useful tool in choosing what to consume.
  **A slower burn—meaning a lower GI number—is better. High GI foods provide immediate fuel, but should be derived from natural sources like whole grains or fruits. 
  
• A combination of both high and low GI foods provides the best, balanced energy to sustain your workout.

  Here’s the part I REALLY didn’t know about…

• Since your body directs all of its energy to sustain your body during exercise, artificial sweeteners, flavorings, and colorings not only provide zero energy, they also put unnecessary strain on the body to process, so they should be avoided.
  ^ AKA, zero calorie sports drinks such as powerade zero, sobe lifewater, etc(!!)

Third: Mental Focus

• The premise of many pre-workout product formulations is to give the body a boost of a stimulant, tricking your brain into thinking it is simultaneously rested and revved up.
  
• Studies have shown that moderate amounts of caffeine can increase performance—but you can have too much of a good thing! Athletes’ responses to caffeine vary, leaving some feeling nauseated or too jittery to perform, so the amount and source of caffeine or other natural stimulants pre-workout can make a big difference in performance.
  

• Green tea has some caffeine, but also provides potent antioxidants for cellular repair. Rhodiola also naturally boosts endurance but along with green tea provides mental clarity and focus. These ingredients, combined with the natural stimulant Yerba Mate, create a powerful, yet sustained boost, aiding in endurance for both the body and brain. These can also to help increase aerobic and anaerobic capacity while aiding in recovery.

I hope this article was as helpful for you as it was for me!  Thanks, Brendan for the awesome tips!  I’ll be sure to remember them while I’m wondering what to use for fuel prior to the big game!

XO.

The Study Date That Paid Off.

Daily Verse:

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;” – John 11:25

My day almost always starts with something sweet.  In light of Christmas time being so close, I made a chocolate peppermint oatcake in the microwave.

Microwavable is perfect for me…an impatient, time-pressed chick.  Here’s what went into the batter before nuking for about 2.5 minutes on power level 9:

• 1/3 C. organic oatbran
• a quick drizzle from the sugar-free peppermint Torani syrup bottle (I never measure!)
• 1 egg white
• a pinch of baking soda
• some cinnamon to bring out the sweetness

I dunked it in some unsweetened vanilla almond milk.  It reminded me of the flavors in a thin mint girl scout cookie!

The rest of my day was pretty much a blur…I only have photo documentation of part of my lunch…

Packaged butter bliss dole lettuce blend, cucumbers, beets, yellow pepper, chopped green beans, and tomatoes in red wine vinegar + splenda for dressing

I had a sandwich, too…which was 10X better than the salad…it was hummus & turkey. YUM.

Between stuffing my face with salad, I did my best to get some last minute studying in before my A&P test.  My amazing boyfriend actually printed off photos of the ciruculatory system for me that we had taken the night before in lab.

Besides all of the specific parts to the heart, we had to know each and every vein and artery in the body…

Remember when I said Jarid & I were in the lab the night before to study?  I wasn’t kidding. 

After a cross ramp warm up for 20 minutes, I had basketball practice from 5-7pm… I showered up at the gym and Jarid met me with Chinese for our study date.

Only the sweetest man in the world would leave work, pick you up dinner, and be there to support you as you spend a countless amount of time studying just in order to be with you.   Steamed shrimp with extra veggies instead of rice for her, sweet & sour pork with fried rice for him.

Yep.  I’m the luckiest girl in the world. 

It’s hump day!  Andddddd I have reason to celebrate, because all my studying paid off!  With a lot of help from “the big man” as Jarid says, calming my nerves.

50 out of 50 on my test.  Praise GOD.  Now for finals next week!

 

Shape Your Life with Champion Shapewear!

I’ve realized that no matter HOW much I workout, or HOW fit I feel, I’m never going to be 100% satisfied with my body…I think we’ve all got insecurities, and we’re constantly trying to improve.  Granted, I consider myself a very healthy, active person, and I like to feel confident while I’m working out especially…did you know that 20% of people won’t even go to the gym because they’re too self-conscious?  But where in the world are you supposed to start?  Not many people can afford to have the type of equipment and space in their home to workout…let alone be motivated enough to workout in the comfort of their own place.

Allow me to introduce you to the best thing you gym fearing peeps can put on your Christmas list… Champion Shapewear.

Stephanie from the company kindly sent me a few of the products to try out…and I am absolutely in LOVE with them.  I recommend them to anyone and everyone & have had SEVERAL people ask me where I found such cute, stylish workout gear while I was at the gym! 

Champion takes into account any and every worry and problem area that a woman could possibly have about their bodies.  Hips, tummys, etc.

My favorite & Jarid’s favorite product were the Champion SHAPE™ Women’s Smoothing Pants

These babies will make your butt look awesome…just ask my boyfriend  

• Inner power-mesh panels streamline your hips, thighs, and tummy.
• Silky Double Dry™ fabric wicks sweat, keeps you cool and dry.
• Extra knit-in stretch gives you flexible ease of movement.
• Tag-free contoured waist provides easy, comfortable fit. (Has hidden inner pocket for keys and coins.)
• 31.5-inch inseam, with non-chafe contoured seams and flattering, slightly flared legs.

They are INCREDIBLY comfortable and I LOVE the material – it’s breathable, yet thick and warm for outdoor runs in the cold! 

I also received the Champion SHAPE™ Women’s Smoothing Long Top with Inner Sports Bra:

Be smooth. Be cool. Be confident. Wear this Champion SHAPE™ long top to look fabulous at the gym.

• Inner power-mesh panels shape and smoothtorso and tummy…yet never restrict your freedom.
• Silky Double Dry™ fabric wicks sweat, keeps you cool and dry.
• Extra knit-in stretch allows flexible ease of movement.
• Stretchy inner bra provides Medium Support.
• Contoured non-chafe seams flatter your feminine curves.
• Tag free for chafe-free comfort, with stay-put racer-back straps

I am NOT the girl who wears skimpy clothing to the gym.  I hate when girls come in with their midriffs out and cleavage showing…SO unwanted.  But this tank has full-coverage and really flatters any figure.  It amazes me that it can suck anything in, yet it doesn’t make you feel stuffed into it.  I have no idea how they do it.  The bra provided the perfect amount of support, too.  It didn’t smoosh the girls, but it kept them in line

Next up: Champion Double Dry® Seamless Reversible Sports Bra

Change it up! This versatile sports bra reverses in seconds to give you a fresh new look. It’s like getting two sports bras in one — with double the ”bounce control.” (And, since both sides are seam-free and tag-free, you get double the comfort, too.)

• Ultra-soft two-ply fabric stretches for sleek compression…wicks moisture for constant cool.
• Main side has knit-in textural accents, designed to flatter your figure.
• Reverse (contrasting) side provides knit-in strategic support.
• Wide knit-in comfort band stays put without digging or rolling.
• Supportive racer-back styling.

I will never buy another brand of sports bra again.  Champion, you’ve won my heart…in fact, my sisters keep stealing my sports bras, forcing me to go to Target in order to pick up more of your brand

Lastly, we’ve got the Champion Double Dry® Compression Vented Sports Bra

At last…a compression sports bra that gives comfortable High Support plus flatters your figure, too.

• Sleek Double Dry™ fabric wicks sweat, keeps you cool and dry.
• Extra stretch helps minimize bounce, even during high-motion sports.
• Contoured front seaming plays up your feminine curves.
• Supportive mesh lining adds cooling ventilation.
• Mesh-covered keyhole back adds extra cool where it counts.
• Covered elastic bottom band adds non-chafe support and comfort.
• Tag free for chafe-free softness, with stay-put racer-back straps

 Again, Champion…I know you’ve done your research…you must have had a panel of frustrated women who knew exactly what we are ALL looking for when it comes to shopping for workout gear.  This line of  shape wear is absolutely ingenius.

The best part?  They GUARANTEE you’ll like what you get…or your money back!

You’ve got nothing to lose, literally.  Not to mention, the company is having TONS of great sales for the holiday season!  Check out the website!

Thanks again, so much Steph!  I’m a believer

Peanut Flour Winner + Christmas Trees

Mondays stink, so I figured I’d wait til now to choose a winner for my Southern Grace Farms peanut flour giveaway with hopes that we could make it a little easier to start the week for one lucky, randomly chosen commenter

Congratulations to Nicole ! 

Just shoot me an email (freckledfoodielove@gmail.com) with your shipping info and I’ll have your 6 lbs. of peanut flour sent out to you right away!

Thanks to everyone for entering!  If you didn’t win…you could always check out Danica’s blog, where you could win a sweet Cheerios prize package complete with a cereal dispenser!

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, here’s a bit of entertainment from the weekend…Christmas tree hunting & decorating in the Freckled Foodie household:

Somebody else was decorating their tree for Christmas, too!

I may not quite be ready for Christmas music yet, but I am pretty excited about all the other pre-Christmas festivities!

XO.

December Dedication & Pinning

With the holidays sneaking up on us (Christmas is LESS than a month away, officially!!!), I couldn’t be more pleased with Janetha’s initation for a DEDICATED DECEMBER.  You can bet I will be participating in the challenge…I just may have a chance to win, considering my ridiculous schedule right now (mainly revolving around basketball and physical therapy!) 

While you’re on Meals & Moves’ site, make sure you wish Janetha a swift recover from her hospital stay and GI issues.  I love that chick and hope she’s feeling better soon.

 Since this is an “update” post, I figured I’d let you know I jumped on the Pinterest bandwagon…and have, shamelessly been planning everything from ideas for my future wedding to ideas for my future home…and everything in between

Here are some of my favorites:

Spray paint clear lightbulbs through lace with silver metalic

Chalk board on steps with a new memory verse each week

A rake as a wine glass holder

A light bulb as a vase

Wine bottle chandelier

Northern Lights nail polish design

T-shirt headbands

And ohhh so much more…I’ve got a pinboard dedicated to my Bucket List Destinations, too!  If I ever get the opportunity to become a stay at home Mom while my kids are young, I will be doing SO many cool things with them…

“Elf cookies” (actually cheerios!) to be left out with Santa’s cookies n’ milk

Glow in the dark bubble baths using glow sticks in the water

 …have I mentioned there are TONS of recipes I found on Pinterest that are labeled “Foodgasms”?  Yes.  I will be making these…and hopefully blogging about how delicious they are:

Warm Butternut Squash and Chickpea Salad

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Feta and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

Adult grilled cheese – whole wheat bread, mozzarella, tomato, avocado & basil pesto

 

Okay, okay….I’ve gotta go do some pinning work…

XOXO. 

Have a great weekend!  Don’t forget to enter the peanut flour giveaway!