Exercise TV : On Demand

As you know I am always looking for new workouts to stay motivated. The other day I was looking through On Demand--not expecting to find anything that challengeing. Well I was wrong. I have now tried 3 workouts and they are all free!

Rock Hard Total Body -Body by Jake with Trainer Marco Reed- 40mins of SWEAT. Its 45 seconds on and 15 seconds rest! I really liked it.

Rock Hard Body Xtreme -Body by Jake with trainer Steve Maresca. 40 mins using a medicine ball. I was sore for days!!!!

Rock Hard Abs -Body by Jake with trainer Steve Maresca. 22 mins of core! Will do this one again.

I will actually do all of them again.

Exercise and Pregnancy

So as many of you know---I think I have one reader ( thanks Jenn!) I try to live a healthy lifestyle and am dedicated to a strong fitness/exercise routine. I also like to eat which is where the need to workout hard comes into play. As I also mentioned before we are trying to have a baby. I started doing research about exercising when pregnant because I am a planner. I also know that the heart rate rules really are outdated. Listen to your body is what I have been reading especially if you are in great shape. So my plan is to continue teaching spin classes but I wanted to know what else is out there---many of these prenatal dvds just seem BORING. Can I weight train? So I started googling. I found an answer and her name is Lauren Brooks. She actually has a training studio out in CA not far from where my sister lives. I emailed her and will definitely go for a workout the next time I am in the neighborhood. Okay sorry for the tangent. I have attached a link to her website and am ordering both of her DVD's. I will review them after they arrive. No joke your jaw will drop when you see the abs on this mother of 2. After watching this---there are definitely no excuses!!! The website is www.socialtrainer.com

NEW MOON.....AHHHHH .......WE NEED TO SEE NEW MOON

No joke I am that person---well not the craziest as I know people that went to see the newest Twilight movie on Thursday night at 12:01am We actually held out till Sunday morning at 9:40am which was also a packed theater. I am a harsh critic of all movies. Here is what I thought...I loved it. But now he is why and I will some caveats.

I LOVED all 4 books. My least favorite of the books was New Moon. I should also add that I did not like Twilight-The Movie. I thought it was choppy, the acting was NOT good ( not that I expected it to be Oscar worthy) In my opinion they did not take the time to tell the story as in the book. I understand they only have 2 hours. So needless to say I had low expectations for New Moon: The Movie. New Director---bigger budget ---better movie. There are worse movies out there by far. I enjoyed it and left giddy......... but I am in love with the story of Bella and Edward. If you are a fan of the books ----you will like the movies. Also good to know ...my husband and dad never read the books and enjoyed both movies. Although my husband at the end of New Moon says to me----I don't want her with him---I liked the werewolves ( he may kill me for typing this) then says---who does she end up with----I don't want her to end up w/ the vampire.....REALLLYYYYY this is what he says to me. Obviously he's Team Jacob.....and by now you know I am and will stay Team Edward. Go see the movie and just enjoy the love story.

Risotto for company

I had company over on Saturday night and took another try at Risotto. The last time I made it ---it was OUTSTANDING as my husband stated---this is better than what you get in a restaurant. So nice. Well this time around---a bit overcooked. I served shrimp on top which came out PERFECT. Risotto is not the easiest of dishes to time but I will keep trying.

I used Ellie Krieger's Garden Risotto recipe but made a few changes:
I used onions, mushrooms, peas and sundried tomatoes with shrimp on top.

This is a dish that if you adhere to serving sizes seems sinful but really isn't.

My Enemy's Cradle -Book Review

Really enjoyed this book! Another good one.

Sarah's Key

I am almost done reading this book and wanted to share....after struggling through the Time Traveler's Wife ( I am one of the only people who hated that one) This was an easy and enjoyable read.

Apple Pecan Muffins

I have apples and bananas that are over ripe. I don't love to bake...my husband is the baker. I figured my husband could bring these to work or we can freeze them.

I got the recipe from Ellie Krieger.
will post link shortly

I did not have Buttermilk so I used Fat Free milk instead. Since this is the first time making them I have nothing to compare. They came out light and mildly sweet.

Banana Nut Muffins are next.