Christmas Eve Jingle&Jab

My gym has been advertising this special Christmas Eve class for a few weeks now.  It sounded intense so I decided to try it.  It was advertised as “75 minutes of Cardio kick boxing and weights.” 

So I thought, “ bring it on, MG Fitness!”

I used to love cardio kick boxing in college, and I haven’t really done it since.  It’s an awesome way to get your heart rate up, and to sweat…a lot! Just don’t expect it to teach you how to be a fighter.  The moves aren’t exactly “UFC” material.

Last night I went out with some friends to Fat Cactus, so I was a little hesitant about crawling out of bed this morning and going to the gym for an intense 75 minute workout.  The class was at 8:45, not crazy early, but still pretty early for a weekend.  Even though I would have rather slept in, I dragged myself there and it was definitely worth it.  The class was very fun, and high energy!  I felt great after, and my arms are even a little sore already.  I’m so happy I went.

We started with a brief warm up, basic jabs, crosses, hooks,  and upper cuts.  The music was really fast and loud.   At some points during the class, the instructor was going so fast, people couldn’t even keep up!  Within the first 15 minutes, I was dripping in sweat!  There were so many people in the class that I was afraid to kick and punch because I didn’t want to hit anyone.  Luckily I didn’t, but I did get punched!  

 After the class I headed home and made myself a nice cup of coffee.  I plan on relaxing for the rest of the day.  How do you like to relax after a tough workout?

Tonight, I’m making pizzas with my family.  I guess it’s sort of a new tradition that we are starting.  We’re also going to open presents tonight because my dad has to work a 24-hr shift tomorrow.  Last year I had to work at the hospital on Christmas eve and Christmas. I was really sad!  The only thing that helped me through it was the fact that I was there to help people, and I should be grateful I got to go home after my shift, unlike the patients. 

After we open presents, my bf and I are heading to out friend's family Christmas party. I can’t believe this will be my third Christmas with the bf, time flies! 

This is my favorite picture of us from last Christmas

 And since I know you've been dying to see it, here's out Christmas card for this year:

Dorks

Merry Christmas!!

Oreo Balls (take 2) and Orange Clove Pomanders

Yesterday was a complete success.  I accomplished everything on my to-do list, and then some.  

I went for a run, and my first mile only took me 7 min and 59 seconds, which is really good for me.   The 5k is a week from today! I’m super excited about it, and like I told my brother’s gf, I’m not in it to win it.  I’m just in it to have fun.   However, I do want to finish it in under 30 minutes.

My brother's gf and I made Oreo balls, and they came out better than last time.  This time we blended the Oreos in a blender, and used baking chocolate to melt(it was way smoother than chocolate chips).

After making those, I ran out to pick up a few things.  I wanted to make some orange clove pomanders like I saw here.  They smelled amazing, and looked festive.

 The party was really fun and we took a ton of pictures with our new camera.  The drinks I made were a big hit. I made pomegranate mimosas, with Champagne, Pomegranate juice and seeds.  It was fun to drink in a champagne flute because the seeds floated up from the bottom.  I love the Holidays!

Red lipstick + Ornament earrings

Wine Night & a very busy Saturday

Last night when I got home from work I was starving and had no idea what to cook.  Not the best combo for me.  It’s safe to say I was a bit  “Hangry”  (hungry+angry= a term I read about in Health Magazine.)

So we whipped up a quick Italian dinner.  I mostly sat and watched the bf prepare everything while snacking on cheese and crackers and wine.  A good cure for a case of the “hangries.”

We made angel hair pasta, with tomato sauce, stir fry veggies(red, yellow and green peppers and onions) and some Italian sausages.  It was a great little meal, quick and easy.  

This morning I woke up super early for no reason.  Don’t you hate that?  I attempted to make myself a omelet using Chobani Greek yogurt, spinach and cheddar.  I got the idea of using Greek yogurt from one of my favorite bloggers. 

Halfway through the omelet cooking I noticed things weren’t going very well.  I abandoned ship and make it into a spinach and egg scramble.  I topped it with reduced fat cheddar and some Frank’s red hot sauce.  I am so predictable.  I completed my meal with a grapefruit half and some oj.

I have a very busy day ahead of me.  I’m going to a Christmas party tonight and I want to make my oreo balls again.  My brother and his gf are also going to a party tonight and they asked me to make some for them too.  They offered to pay me to make them, but I said “no way, let’s make them together.”

Today’s to- do List:

• Make Oreo balls with my brother’s girlfriend
• Go for a 3+ mile run outside
• Buy cocktail ingredients for party
  (I’m thinking of making pomegranate mimosas- Pom Juice, Pom Seeds &, Champagne)
• Assemble Outfit for party (because it’s a fancy party)

& That’s it!  Off I go!