A Man Of Many Skills..

Feb18

No one ever said life was easy or fair! And no one ever tells you that every now and then you will get slapped in the face by something simple you have taken for granted!

My something simple has manifested itself in the form of juicing limes and lemons! Woah is me right?!?!?! But seriously, I can’t do it anymore! Okay maybe I shouldn’t be so dramatic and say I can’t. I can do it, just not well or without excessive pain. My wrist and hips are so far my most affected joints by far since my autoimmune issues have flared their ugly head and turned my life upside down.
I am stubborn, some may even say a bitch at times. It takes a lot for me to ask for help and a few nights ago while making a batch of guacamole I caved and asked Kevin to juice my lime. *Someone please tell me I’m not the only one that giggled at that last sentence!!!*. I do my best everyday to get things done and not let my being sick get me down. So while it may not seem like a big deal asking him for help, to me it is. It makes me feel weak and broken.

Now for the flip side of this story … The upside if you will! My husband is a man of many talents and apparently pulverizing citrus fruit is on his hidden list of oddly sexy skills. Maybe it is his strong manly hands, or maybe he is some sort of fruit crushing superhero! Either way he manages to get more juice out of one lime or lemon then I ever could out if three even at my peak of wrist helpfulness!!!

Seriously folks I’m impressed! He leaves nothing but a citrus shell, a former juice filled vessel destined for the compost bin!!!!

Look at that! Feast your eyes on almost half a cup of pulp laden lemon juice from one lemon!!!! ONE!!!! I got him to pre-juice my fruit for tonight’s dinner at work when he came to visit this afternoon.
Be still my beating heart!!! Back off ladies he is all mine 😉

Guacamole Addiction

Feb16

I can’t get enough guacamole lately! Home made, store bought, which ever! Today was no different so I whipped up a batch to snack on!

Super easy to make!

1 ripe avocado
1 garlic clove
1 tsp spicy olive oil
Jalapeño to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Lime juice to taste
Cilantro

Toss it all into a food processor or magic bullet!!! Poof!!! Snack time!!

Forest Fairy Doors

Feb15

I was on Instagram the other day and came across a photo of a tiny door at the base of a tree. I asked the original poster where she found it and she told me Redwood park. Well I’ve been excited to go searching ever since! Today was the day!

Lets go guys!! Muffin loves a good park adventure. As soon as we turn onto certain roads she knows we are near a park and the squeaking starts!

It was a beautiful warm day and we enjoyed our time at the park. I was very excited to find the tiny fairy doors, sometimes I forget I’m almost 31!

I thought the little doors were adorable. Someone has even sprinkled glitter around the bases of the trees! Maybe it was Tinkerbell!!!

I don’t have kids and sometimes forget Muffins a dog!!! Her reaction to things makes my heart happy. She stared at the little doors the back at us with curious eyes. So sweet!

I was very sore today so I skipped the gym but was content with out easy park walk. Sometimes an easy walk is all I can take in a day but I’m glad to be able to at least do that.

Lunch And Puppy Cuddles

Feb12

So I’m halfway through my three day work week. Muffin is cuddled up under a blanket with me, I think she is having a sympathy headache! Or she’s just a fluffy little lazy beast! Either way I love the cuddles!

Kisses anyone?!?!?

So my goal for the week is simple in theory, get my portions back on track. For the most part I eat very healthy with a treat in moderation. I don’t deny myself the things I want or live but I do try to stick to the 80/20 rule. The last few months have been tough though. I find when I’m not feeling well my portion control suffers and I’m much more likely to give into extra treats. When my body is in so much pain it is like my brain says forget this lets eat another cookie. The lupus stuff has been a lot to take and now I’m slowly coming to terms with everything it’s time to get life back on track a little.

Yesterday I started out my day with a bowl of ancient grains oatmeal with a tablespoon of peanut butter and a tablespoon of hemp hearts. It was delicious and kept me full right through my mid morning workout. At the gym I did 30 minutes if cardio, 20 minutes of legs and 10 of abs, plus some stretching! It was packed yesterday at the gym, which my work mom and I figured was because it was a stat holiday here in BC yesterday for family day!

After the gym I snacked on two hard boiled eggs mixed with some fresh full and a tablespoon of light olive oil mayo.

While it may not look all that appealing I can assure you it was yummy! In fact this is becoming one of my favorite snacks.

A while later I made myself some homemade bruschetta and served it on green olive bread. Very filling and tasty.
For dinner the boss and I each had the three bean veggie burgers I made on Sunday afternoon alone with a spring mix salad and some olive oil pan fried potatoes with homemade guacamole and tzatziki. It was an excellent meal. I really like the three bean burgers better then the ones I made last time with just black beans. Better texture and more flavour! I will take photos next time I make them.

Later in the evening I had a small serving of pistachios. I love nuts but pistachios might be my favourite!! My treat yesterday was a cookie Kevin brought me when he came to visit. All in all I was content with my food choices and workout for the day.

I started out today with the same breakfast as yesterday. I’m really finding the hemp hearts bulk up the oats and give the breakfast a little more staying power. For lunch I had spring mix toped with left over BBQ garlic chicken and fajita peppers and onions with trader joes cilantro dressing. I also toasted an English muffin and spread liver sausage on it… I know I know! Don’t judge me I have gross cravings 😉 I only crave liver sausage when my iron is low so I always listen to that craving.

Kevin is on his way to visit Miss Muff and I here at work. We are going to take her for a nice long hilly walk! It won’t be nearly as nice as our sunny Sunday forest 4 km walk but it will have to do.

It was so beautiful on Sunday we couldn’t resist a trip to the park after Kevin made BBQ chicken fajitas for lunch and we walked to the local Sunday market for some fresh flowers and browsing!! It defiantly felt like spring on Sunday!! Today the drizzle is back! Welcome to BC folks!!

I hope everyone is having a good day!

I Should Be Cleaning….

Feb9

But I got side tracked by a crisp cool bottle of sweet red!!!

A little while ago after performing the worlds most futile cleaning task, cleaning the Tupperware cupboard! I got side tracked by a peanut butter cupcake. Holy yum!

Never fear my day hasn’t been all side tracks and indulgences! This morning I tidied the backyard, filled the bird feeders, took the empties back to the bottle depot, went to the mall with a friend, had a lunch date with the husband, and went to the farm to pick up organic free range eggs!

Lunch was especially yummy! We went to the Mongolie Grill for stir fry. I love going there as you get to choose your own mix of veggies,meats, and sauces. I usually load up on veggies, tofu, chick peas, banana peppers and spicy chicken! I always get more then I need because I love it as left overs.

At the mall I managed to find myself a pretty new bra and some hand soaps from bath and body works. Lately the candle from there have been triggering headaches for me so despite my love of them I didn’t buy any.

I was excited to see Mr. Rooster hanging out in the front yard to greet me! They really take free range to a new level at that farm.

My weekend has been busy but relaxing thus far. I started Thursday off with a few hours at the spa getting my nails filled, eyebrows waxed, and a pedicure!

It wasn’t all self indulgences! I actually did two workouts on Thursday. The first was a 2.5km walk with Kevin and Muffin around Campbell Valley Park and the second was an hour at the gym with Krista spilt between cardio,arm weights, and abs!

Friday wasn’t nearly as entertaining. I had to get poked, stuck, and pee in a cup!! I know, I know you are extremely jealous with the ever eventful Lupus lifestyle 😉

Is it odd that I felt victorious upon finding out they needed a urine sample because I slammed a bottle of water on the way to to appointment ?!?!? It is the simple things in life that amuse me friends :p

I am out of here for the night! Gonna wake up this little mutt….

For a walk!

Dear Internets!!!!!

Feb8

Come out come out wherever you are!!!!!

You handle sniffing weirdos!!!

Seriously someone please tell me who these people are who are sniffing their razor handles!!!!

I need to know!!!

Am I A Bitch !?!?!?

Feb6

No photos no fuss just a good old fashion rant!!!!

Now I know we all have our own list of gym pet peeves! The list is extensive, from people who don’t wipe down machines, Barbie on her cell phone, to that group of people who clearly have no olfactory system towards their own bodies. Today however I need to ~~rant~~ … Bitch about a different type of gym patron!! The loungers!!! You know the type!! The ones who are always on a piece if equipment but never actually using it! I fully understand we all have moments where we need a break or need to sit motionless for a second and dig down deep to find the urge to continue. I am fine with that! What I am not fine with is the group of ladies at my gym who seem to turn their workout into social hour!!!!

On Mondays and Wednesdays I hit the gym at the same time every week thanks to my work schedule. I have an hour of workout time and do my best to make the most if it. For the past two months I have consistently witnessed a group of ladies every Monday and Wednesday morning do nothing but take up valuable space and gab!!! This morning two of them had a 20 minute conversation while one of them sat on the hip abductor machine!! Seriously! I witnessed at least three other people who clearly wanted to use said machine but no one said a word!!! I am all for politeness but this is ridiculous!! There is no way these ladies don’t realize they are taking up valuable space.

Yes we all pay the same for memberships but when these people take up equipment and space while doing nothing they are costing me and others time and sacrificing our workout progression! This isn’t ok! The gym is not the place to go chat with friends!!
I get that every little bit helps and by doing anything you’re lapping everyone on the couch and blah blah blah but seriously bitches if you’re spending more time chatting at the gym or texting at the gym reevaluate your dedication but seriously do it at Starbucks because the next time I see someone taking up gym space to do nothing I’m making it my job to point it out!!!

Fabulous February

Feb6

Hi friends! Sorry my updates have been so sporadic! I intended on updating last weekend but to be honest I did a whole lot of napping after a busy Thursday!

Thursday morning we were up bright and early to head into Chilliwack with my brother for his doctors appointment. He really needs to find a family doctor that isn’t a forty minute drive each way away but I digress! It was a gorgeous morning. No it wasn’t!! I lie! It was raining and cold with a side of miserable.

Even in the rain the BC mountains are majestic!

On our way home from his appointment we decided to make a pit stop at the yellow barn market.

It is sort of a step back in time when you walk through the doors. A mix of homemade bakery items, fruits, veggies, preserves, etc. I spent a long time looking at the pickles and jams but decided not to buy any. We have lots of pickles left from or summer canning and I have farm strawberries in the freezer dying to be turned into homemade jam.

Kevin and I purchased some homemade farmer sausage, pork for him and turkey for me! While pricy it is very tasty.

On the topic of pricy food products have I ever told you I am a water snob? Well I am! Whenever we are out and I forget my water bottle or finish my water I always finds self making a pit stop for more. I also find myself drawn to the Smart water which tends to be pricier then it’s generic counterparts but for some reason it just tastes better!

After our adventure we headed home and I didn’t have much time to kill before it was time to get my cowgirl on and head to the Eric Church concert! Yes folks I’m a country girl at heart! I was raised on a farm, in a farm house and had horses. I’m that fine line where country girl meets city living! In other words I have expensive taste in everything from groceries to hobbies! Grocery shopping at Whole foods then a day trail riding topped off with some wine sounds perfect to me!

Before the concert we headed to a local pub called Finnagans, near the venue for dinner and it was really good. I’d definitely go back. I ordered grilled chicken which came with veggies, mash potatoes, and a mushroom sauce. Very tasty, despite my eating less then half.

Luckily we had a never ending supply of napkins with dinner! Which if you’re anything like me is a good thing to have handy plus you never know when you might need some cleavage help right Katie!!!!

The concert was a full house, loud and awesome!

However while Thursday was a great day it left me seriously exhausted. I am still getting use to this whole business of my illness and how much it takes out of me.

The rest if the weekend was pretty low key. I hung out at home and did some grocery shopping. I had lunch on Sunday with Katie and bought some new garden owls. I have an addiction!!

I was even to exhausted to go to the Superbowl party with Kevin. This made me sad but alas I’m learning to listen to my body. I did however drown my woah is me I missed the party feelings with a cupcake!

This week at work has been pretty low key! I’m heading to the gym shortly for a repeat of Mondays awesome workout! I may also repeat Tuesdays Starbucks visit and midday cloudy Muff walk!!!

I am really hoping this weekend comes with a side of sunshine!!

For now I shall go and conquer my work out!

Later lovelies!

That’s A Mighty Big…

Jan30

Grapefruit? Orange? Lemon? No, No, And no! It’s a Pomelo and let me tell you it was a real bitch to contend to!!

The before picture

The carnage

The reward

Apparently this member of the citrus family is the largest and is chock full of vitamins and healthy junk!

I suggest you try one if you have the patients to break into one!

Is It Wednesday Yet?

Jan29

Terrific Tuesday? Terrible Tuesday? I guess time will tell!! Well friends I’ve had a busy week! Last Wednesday I left work early to venture into Vancouver to the Lupus clinic. I met with my new specialist and I have to admit I really like her. My appointment was two hours long and incredibly through. I am on new pain meds, have to go for a mile long list blood work and tests on my kidneys, gallbladder, etc. I don’t have to go back for three months unless something major arises or changes. I do however have to decide if I am going to let them do localized injections into my hips and wrists. So much to think about.

The drive into Vancouver was quiet as I think we both had a lot on our minds. The weather on Wednesday was a direct reflection of how I was feeling!

After the appointment Kevin took me grocery shopping at Whole foods to cheer me up!

We bought some yummy things but my favourite by far was a loaf of cranberry pistachio bread made my Terra breads in Vancouver. It was amazing! We also bought organic maple sausages, vegan chocolate mousse, turkey cranberry apple dinner sausages, pineapple mango salsa, etc. Have I mentioned I love Whole goods and grocery shopping!!

After grocery shopping we went to Metrotown mall and wandered around Lush, Lululemon, and the Nike store. What can I say the man knows how to cheer me up and take my mind off things!! I ended up picking out a couple of bath bombs and a new Nike tshirt for the gym.

Thursday I attempted to sleep in on the advice of my specialist. My body had other plans and I was up at 8 am!! I made a big French toast breakfast and then we headed out for the day. We took Muffin for a walk around the duck pond, went to some thrift stores and got mini cupcakes before coming home and making yummy tasting plates of pickled veggies, crackers, meat and cheese. Yummy!!!!

Afterwards I headed to the gym with my Katie and Krista for an awesome work out and some girl talk! There may or may not have been Starbucks afterwards!

Friday we spent the day in Vancouver once again. This time on the UBC campus while by brother was at the MS hospital. To pass the day Kevin and I had lunch at a pub on campus, wandered around, found Menchies for some froyo then went for a walk on the beach at Pacific Spirit Park. BC really is a beautiful province and an great place to live. We have access to the Ocean, Rivers, mountains, country and city living.

After we came home I had the epic kitchen fail as you may have read about last week! Though I did have a great run that night so they was a plus. The rest of the weekend I tried to keep it low key because I came down with a cold. The germs finally got me! Yuck. Thankfully it didn’t get too bad thanks to my daily combination of honeyand cinnamon and my water with apple cider vinegar. I have to say I was skeptical at first but I’ve never fought off a cold so quickly not easily! The cinnamon honey mix doesn’t look glamorous but it doesn’t taste bad. The apple cider vinegar is another story!

We ventured out Saturday afternoon to the pub and had lunch with some friends. I couldn’t help but giggle at Patricia when Colin ordered her a shot. She took it like a champ!

There was no drinks for me as I’m still getting use to my new pain meds. However there was a cookie!

After our adventurous couple hours out I came home, put my pj’s back on and cuddled on the couch with the pups and my man.

Yesterday morning I woke up feeling considerably better and headed off to the gym for an hour long workout before returning to work. I have Muffin with me at work this week so I’m pretty content. I keep hoping we get a break in the icky weather so we can ho out for a walk. Until then… Cuddles!

And a snack!

Life With The McGavins

100% Not Sugar Coated

Archives