The sweet smell of.... LISTERINE.

Photo Source

Of late, I've had this random greasy patch of hair at the crown of my head. You may not know this about me, but a "dirty head" totally grosses me out. The first day I noticed it, I just thought that I hadn't rinsed out my shampoo enough. After a couple of days, it was still there. So I decided to stop using conditioner. Again, still there.

Yesterday I Googled it. Turns out A LOT of people have this exact same problem.

The suggested home remedy? Wash with a clarifying shampoo, followed by adding 3 capfuls of Listerine to your scalp/hair.

I picked up some Listerine last night on my way home from the gym, and tested out this home remedy.

My initial thoughts:
"Hmm, this is weird"
"Wow, it feels kind of good on my scalp"
"OWWWWWWWW!" *when I got Listerine in my eye*
"I smell like an alcoholic"
"Shit, I wonder if this is going to strip my hair color"

After a good rinsing, my hair was left silky and smooth with no traces of a greasy residue at the crown. SUCCESS!

Later on in the evening I was laying in bed, and ALL I could smell was Listerine. But didn't think much of it, just thought my sense of smell was in overdrive. Let's be honest here, Listerine does NOT smell good.

Fast forward to this morning. Spin class.

As I start to sweat, the smell of Listerine is becoming more and more prominent. The lady beside me starts looking at me with a "What the hell is that smell" look on her face

I start panicking, thinking "Ok, maybe I do wreak like Listerine".

Class finishes, I wipe down my bike and sprint to the shower and proceed to wash my hair twice.
I proceed to the make up counter and start blow drying my hair when a nice woman turns me and says "I've been smelling Listerine all morning."

I politely replied (read: lied directly to her face) "Oh, I'm sorry. I just brushed my teeth"

So my friends, if you are ever suffering from a random patch of greasy hair, my advice to you is this: Although Listerine may leave your greasy hair silky and smooth, be prepared for ridicule that will follow.

I cannot think of a title.

Another day closer to the weekend. Hard to believe that tomorrow is Friday. This week FLEW by.

I’m frantically rushing around trying to get packed up in prep for my weekend trip home. I was feeling a little insane after Body Combat this afternoon, and I signed up for a 6am spin class. I’d like to avoid coming back to the condo tomorrow, so I want to have everything packed and ready to go. I kind of feel like I’m in university again. I’m bringing home all my dirty laundry and empty containers to fill with food!

Eats were pretty awesome today.

Breakfast was strawberries and vanilla flavoured Greek yogurt. This was my first time trying the vanilla. It was awesome. Lunch was half and avocado, and some of the macaroni I made on the weekend.

Snacks were a banana and a Coconut Larabar.

I had planned to keep dinner light on the carbies, but I came home from the gym absolutely famished. I snacked on a piece of ciabatta with margarine whilst prepping my dinner.

Dinner was a green curry chicken stirfry with 3 tbsp of brown rice.

Well, I still have some packing to do. I’m looking forward to getting my sweat on tomorrow morning. I know its bad to think this way, but I get a little anxious whenever I can’t fit in a workout. Spinning  tomorrow morning will allow me to get a work out, and also not waste any time tomorrow night. I’ll be able to get home to my husband and fur babies ASAP!

Here’s to a great Friday!

Get on the Beat!

Source

One of my favourite movies ever is Mr. Holland’s Opus. I love the scene pictured above when Mr. Holland is trying to teach Louis to stay on the beat.

Tonight, I wish I could have put a football helmet on my Body Pump Instructor’s head and banged the beat on her head. My god, its really not that difficult is it? She was off the beat, for at least 70% of the class. I thought it was safe to assume that most instructors have some sort of rhythm, but this lady clearly missed the “rhythm” part of the gene pool. Man oh man. Needless to say, I spent most of the class being irritated, rather than pushing myself to work my hardest.

A question to fellow Goodlife Members: Have you ever had instructors only do a partial part of the class during new release week? All the classes I’ve attended this week, the instructor has only done 5 or 6 of the new tracks, claiming they haven’t learned the whole thing yet. Is this normal? I personally have never seen this, but I guess I’m spoiled with a great group of instructors in Ottawa.

Despite being irritated, I did enjoy the chest track in the new release. Love me some “I Gotta Feeling” as it reminds me of one of the funnest (yes I said funnest!) weekends of my life!

There is a big hockey game on tonight, so I decided to play with the ingredients I had in my fridge to create some (healthier) pub grub.

Nachos made with Guiltless Gourmet, old cheddar, 1/4 avocado, old cheddar with a little chili for dipping.

You’ll notice its the exact same ingredients as last night, but presented differently. I loved these nachos. They took forever to eat, so I’m pleasantly full.

I will likely enjoy some of this later.

This is a small glass of Chapmans Mac Nut Frozen Yogurt. They have some amazing new flavours! Can’t wait to try it!

Until next time my friends.

Step by Step

“Step by step… ooooooh baby… gonna get to your girrrrrrrrrl”

Who was your favourite New Kid on the Block?

I was all about Jordan and his freakishly high pitched voice! ;)

I went to Body Step for the first time, in well, months today. I’m going to try to make this Tuesday night a class a priority during my time away, because it really pushes me TOTALLY out of my comfort zone. I used to LOVE step, but I quickly learned it was actually the choreography of a certain instructor at my old gym that I liked. Body Step is a little too Jane Fonda for me. I’m undecided if I actually like it, but its a great workout so I’ll suck it up and go.

Dinner tonight was a another chili bowl, but this time I added some avocado and a side of Guiltless Gourmet spicy black bean chips for dipping. I had planned chili for lunch, but ended up going out with a colleague instead.

Desert was Greek Yogurt (to all those asking, I bought it at Metro) kiwi and a few teaspoons of  Post Selects on top for some crunch. I picked up this cereal in lieu of granola on the weekend as it was on sale for just $1.99. This is the PERFECT cereal to add some crunch, and its not so high in the calorie department either.

Time for bed. Its already 9h49pm. My bed time has been getting earlier by the day here. I think I get so bored, I just go to sleep! Night!

Same old, same old.

The post title tonight is not pertaining to my mood, but more or how I’m feeling about my blogging of late.

Day in, day out is same old-same old.

Other blogs out there are so much more entertaining than mine… and I’m running out of ideas how to keep it fresh. I’m noticing this is being reflected in the comments, well, the lack thereof.

The gist of my blog has become “I ate _________ and then I ran/went spinning/Body Combat” with a little of “Here is picture of my dog”

I know that I’m capable of much, much more. I’d like to fancy myself a decent writer and this little blog of mine has grown bigger than I ever could have imagined.

Please stick by me during this challenging (but totally rewarding) time of my career. Life has become 90% work, which leaves little to no time for healthy living. I squeeze in a workout when I can, and eat when I get hungry. Its a simple as that.

Now, on to the “same old, same old”

I went to spin class immediately after work. I’m feeling an odd sensation in my left shoulder pain. I suspect it may be from spending so much time in the car. I might hit up the hot tub in the Sports Complex for some muscle relaxation later on. That being said, there is a Habs game on and its also 24 night. Here’s hoping!

I arrived home absolutely famished. I had a quick snack of carrots and white bean dip to tide me over.

Dinner was easy, quick, yet delicious. Warmed balsamic chicken served over a bed of cesar salad with 1/2 a ciabatta bun.

For some odd reason, I love warmed chicken on salad. It makes everything a little soggy, and its sooooo good!

Alright, I’m out. A Habs game followed by some Jack Bauer. Life is good my friends!

Moose alert!

This morning started out great. I met my friend Sheila at Goodlife for the new release of Body Combat. The new release was pretty fun, but I didn’t find it quite as challenging as some of the other ones.

Following the class, I enjoyed the rest of my breakfast from yesterday. Just as good the second time around.

I washed my gym clothes, packed up my stuff and hit the road. On my drive home on Friday night, I saw my very first moose EVER. Holy man, they are HUGE. Of course, my camera was in the trunk so I was unable to snap a picture. My goal when I originally found out I’d be living here was to merely see a moose. My new goal: To capture a picture! I drove with my camera on the front seat of the car, but no moose appeared.

I had to pull over about 3 hours into my drive to grab an apple out of the trunk. I was STARVING.

I arrived to my condo absolutely famished. I definitely didn’t eat enough today,

I immediately prepared some cesar salad.

And a “chili bowl” that was one cubed baked potato, 1 cup of chili, old cheddar and a dallop of greek yogurt. This was delicious. My chili turned out fahhhbulous,

Its just after 8pm, and I’m all unpacked and ready to start a new week. I think I might watch some episodes of Entourage  (that shoe NEVER gets old for me!) and call it a night.

Here’s to another great week ahead of us!

Home = Not a Free for All!

Today I’ve been a little too gluttonous… too much food, not enough exercise. I need to remind myself, that just because I’m back home dosn’t mean its a celebration!

After a glorrrrious sleep in my OWN bed, Andrew and I decided to go out for breakfast. We don’t do this often, as I find it a bit limiting because I don’t like eggs.

I ordered the “Pancakes with Fresh Fruit” and a side of bacon. Look at the size of this!

I ate about half the fruit, one pancake, and 3 slices of bacon. Packed up the rest for breakkie tomorrow!

That is where the day started to go south. There is something you need to know about my husband. He likes Dairy Queen, A LOT. Dairy Queen just so happens to be having a “Buy One, Get one for .25” sale on right now.

My frugal side said: Why pay $4 for a cone, when you can get a Blizzard for .25? So I had my first Blizzard in 8 friggin years.

 

I actually thought it was kind of gross. I only ate about half of it.

We came home, and I spent a few hours in the kitchen getting some meals ready for the week. Let’s be honest, Andrew is a stud yes, but he lacks some skills in the kitchen. I worry that he just won’t eat while I’m away… so I whipped up a few dishes that we can both heat up for quick lunches and dinners.

I made a crock pot full of balsamic chicken and baby portabellas.

 

A big pot of turkey chili with mixed beans,

And an amazing macoroni and cheese recipe. I initially saw this recipe over on Eye’s on the Hourglass and have been salivating for it ever since. The only modifications I made were skipping the breadcrumbs and topping with tomatoes, using all lowfat/fat free cheese, added 1/4 cup skim milk and a can of tomato soup.

I enjoyed some for dinner with a side of roasted brussel sprouts and half a bun. (you can totally tell Andrew did some shopping on his own…. he bought WHITE buns. So delicious!)

Andrew and I spent the majority outside with the dog. We took her to a park called The Rockeries. Its so beautiful there this time of year with all the daffodils in bloom. Beautiful daffodils in bloom = photo op!  You may recall seeing similar pictures from this post last year.

I shall leave you with pictures of my totally beautiful and should be a model Jersey-girl.

          

Enjoy the rest of your Saturday. :)

Nothing feels better than home.

Getting there

Well I survived another day.

I’m on the fence about whether or not to go home this weekend.

Part of me reallllllllly wants to go home, but part of me feels like its a lot of driving for just 2 short days at home.

But then part of me wonders what the hell I would do ALL day Saturday and Sunday. There are classes at the gym, but thats only 2 hours max.

What would YOU do?

I hit up Body Combat after work. It was a super workout as per usual, although, the instructor paled in comparison to my 2 favorite instructors in Ottawa. She had sort of a lisp, and did not really stay on the beat. This is a major irritation factor for me – being a music major and all.

I decided to whip up a stir fry for supper tonight. It not only made me dinner, but also 2 extra containers for lunches in the near future.

Sorry for the crappy picture with flash. There is ZERO natural light in my suite by the end of the day. The sun sets on the other side of the building, and there is a balcony over my patio door that prevents any light from coming in.

Thursday’s are my favorite TV night, so I’m going to get into my PJ’s and curl up in a blanket. Even though its not home, its pretty cozy here at night. Night!

A lonely night

Today started out great with a delicious and filling breakfast. I had a package of Quaker Weight Control Banana Bread oatmeal with an added banana and some chia seeds.

I had quite possibly one of the most challenging days of my career today. I received an email from a subordinate colleague that I would have never sent to ANY colleague let alone a senior officer. I was completely shocked, and I was so angry I was shaking.

I managed to give myself a migraine, but luckily was able to nip it in the bud thanks to a colleague’s Aleve stash in her purse.

I went to spin class, and had a GREAT workout. The staff at Goodlife Huntsville are so friendly and welcoming.

I picked up a quick dinner as I wasn’t really feeling like making anything.

Salad with leftover Balsamic Chicken from Kelsey’s (dinner from  last night) and some spicy California rolls.

Something sweet to finish of the meal, strawberries and kiwi.

I’m rocking the healthy eats. I’m proud to say that I’ve been on track for 10 days, and rocking my workouts.

On tap for the rest of the night: Early to bed. I haven’t slept well in the last 2 nights….. and its finally catching up. My migraine is still lingering so I’m going to pop some more Aleve and hit the sack early.

After the miserable day I had today, I’m craving some smootches from my husband and  snuggles from my fur babies. I’ve only been gone for 4 days. Please remind me that  I’m going to make it.

Getting settled

Well,  the movers arrived with my boxes this afternoon. I’ve unpacked and made my suite a shitty little home.

Rewind to breakfast. Yogurt, mixed fruit and a banana.

Lunch was a Lean Cuisine, banana and Larabar.

Dinner was simple. A ceasar salad and a small chili from Wendy’s. I opted for easy after my stupid fridge froze all the fresh veggies that I procured yesterday with plans to make a stir fry tonight. Grrrrrr!

Dessert will be the leftovers of this Nanaimo Bar Frozen Yogurt. Right out of the container.

Why? Because the container wouldn’t fit in the freezer. I had to get creative. I put it into mugs and bowls so they’d fit in the teeeeeny freezer. Waste not, want not!

After work today, I hit up spin class. Minus my spin shoes that hadn’t arrived yet. It felt sooo weird to spin without being clipped in! Felt great to get a good sweat on though, THAT I can say!

I shall leave you with a shot of the shoe collection that accompanied me. Notice something missing?

Somehow I managed to forget ONE red shoe. Gah!

Help!

My dear blog friends, I am in dire need of your help.

This is my kitchen for the next month.

I’m asking you for some meal ideas.

Something that is healthy and that can be made using a hot plate, microwave and a toaster.

Suggestions?

Bear with me

Sorry for the lackage in the blogging department of late.

I have arrived in my temporary new accomodation, and am in the process of getting settled in.

Last night I couldn't get my wireless to work so here's hoping for better luck tonight.

US Shopping Trip

Andrew and I went on a cross-border shopping trip to Syracuse, NY last weekend. With the Canadian dollar being almost at par, it was the perfect opportunity to score some good deals.

I’m packing up all my stuff today as I’m moving to Hunstville, ON until July 31st for work related duties.

It was the perfect time to take pictures!

I’m a huge fan of What Not to Wear, and I like to think I’ve become quite good at picking pieces that you can mix and match to make multiple outfits.

Up first – Black blazer, teal sleeveless top. Its hard to tell, but the blazer has some wonderful darts in it to hide all the jiggley bits!

 

A white cardigan with a bit of a puff sleeve, and a super cute navy/white/orange dress.

Awesome red short sleeve fitted blazer, purple/red flowery flowy top.

2 sleeveless tops… essential for the summer and perfect for under a blazer.

Beige blazer, and underneath it is a super cute skirt with shades of navy, pink, and black.

And some simple basics for the bottom: Pencil skirts in navy/chocolate brown, and a walking shirt in a khaki green.

And SHOES! 5 pairs were bought in total.

So many fun outfits can be created with these pieces. I think I made Stacy and Clinton proud!

Now, less blogging.. more packing. So far I’ve managed to fill 2 wardrobe boxes, a suitcase filled with workout clothes and 14 pairs of shoes. Oops!