What's Your Dream?

This weekend I decided to take my home cooking some where new! I used ginger for the very first time and I cooked for three days in a row! I already posted about my split pea and ham soup but here is the rest of the yummy food that I made.  First we'll start with Carrot Ginger soup! It was surprisingly easy to make and really there were not that many ingredients involved.  Ingredients: 1 tbsp unsalted butter 1 large white onion, chopped 3 cups low sodium fat-free vegetable broth 1 lb baby carrots, peeled 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger 1/4 cup fat-free sour cream  salt and white pepper to taste 2 tbsp fresh chives, for garnish  " In a large pot or Dutch oven,  melt  butter over medium heat;  add  onions and cook, stirring often, until onions are soft, about 5-6 minutes.  Add  broth, carrots, and ginger. Cover  and bring to a boil.  Reduce  heat and  simmer  until carrots are soft, about 30 minutes." "Add  sour c...

There are several ways that I cross train but my most regular "go to" are Bob Harper's workout videos. Don't be fooled by the fact he is a Biggest Loser trainer, that only makes his videos harder! I started off with his Biggest Loser videos several years ago but now I use his advanced videos. These are the DVDs that I currently own. They are very affordable, none over $10 and these are all $5.99 each. However, Bob is so awesome that he also has his DVDs on YouTube ! I have just listed the previews on here but if you go to YouTube and type in the name of the video or even just Bob Harper all of his videos pop right up. Your legs are sure going to feel it after this one, do those squats! You are going to be out of breathe the Whole time! I did this one last week and could hardly walk for three days! My favorite yoga DVD! Last night I did the Pure Burn Super Strength video off of YouTube (I just didn't have the DVD with me but that's no longer an excuse!), it i...

First I'd like to start off with an apology to the Seattle Green Lake Running Group Pacers at the Biggest Loser Half Marathon in Everett, WA. After much discussion I learned that there were more pacers at the event that I didn't see because of some technical difficulties, contrary to my previous statement. All of the pacers were in attendance and they did a wonderful job!   That being said, previously I said I'd post my official race photos and they are in! Crossing the finish line! Staying healthy one step at a time. Keep on Running!  

Recently, as also seen on here, I have been cooking a lot more than I usually do. I have always known how to cook thanks to my mom and other women in our family. We have always cooked home meals. I spent many hours watching my mom cook growing up. One of my favorite pass times was sitting in front of the oven watching the cookies bake, I mean who wouldn't love that?! There are a couple of problems with the way I learned how to cook/bake and that is... I learned home cookin' ya'll! As in, nothing is healthy, even the famed 7 layer salad that I love so much has a TON of mayo in it. The second being that I love love love to bake and I love love love to eat my baking. This is not so good for the cellulite reduction that I have been working so hard on! However, that being said I did take to the kitchen yesterday and plan to again this evening. This is split pea and ham soup, which turned out perfect! It was so delicious I almost forgotten how good soup can be. Recipe here . Then...

My friend Tricia and I have been working out new ways for fitness motivation such as challenging one another and even contemplating starting a fitness origination  or company of some kind.  Which is exciting and terrifying at the same time. I want to get into the health and fitness industry and I have been thinking of different ways for a while now. I've been thinking of all sorts of things from going back to school for sports nutrition to opening a running store. As a safe idea I would open a running store that can support a running series.  However, a running series that takes place all across the country and eventually can expand around the world like the Rock N Roll series would be a dream come true! But in order for a series to get that big the theme would have to be to die for. I have a pretty good idea for a theme that can easily go across America but I can't see it getting as nearly as big as the Rock N Roll series. I need a much bett...

When I walk in to my local grocery store I am affronted by the seasonal treats; pies, caramel apples, cupcake, cakes, cookies, breads, muffins, candies, delectable deserts of the fall variety everywhere!  This time of year I usually gain 10-15 lbs, I'm not ashamed to admit that I have a weakness for the yummy deserts and the heart warming foods of the season. This year I am challenging myself to do better. To keep the holidays foods on the holidays only. There are four major holidays in the next 82 days, all of which include candy, deserts, heavy foods and tons alcohol. So this year I am challenging myself to not indulge in these things except for on said holidays. This is going to be a hard challenge for me but I think that I can do it.  As part of this challenge I am also going to log every piece of food that I eat. I already use MyFitnessPal but I slack off on certain days (weekends) when it comes to logging. What I mean by logging everything, I mean EVERYTHING!!! even do...

On your bucket list of places you'd like to travel, what's you number one? Loi Krathong the Festival of Lights in Thailand is by far my number one place/festival that I would like to see.  During the full moon of the twelfth lunar month, Bangkok hosts the Festival of lights. Loi Krathong refers to the lotus-shaped receptacle that can float on the water.  They can contain food, nuts, joss sticks   (incense),   flowers, coins and a compulsory candle. Building the Krathong is very symbolic ritual, once the Loi Krathong is made you make a wish and let it float away with the river. The flame of the candle signifies longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from sins. ( Source ) There are several legends linked to the origins of this festival. One holds that the festival began about 700 years ago when King Ramakhamhaeng of Sukhothai, the first Thai capital, was making a pilgrimage on the river from temple to temple. One of his wives wanted to please both the k...