Life changes - and quickly! I apologize for the total lack of posting lately, but I'm doing my best to keep my head above water - with a broken wrist!
I am moving. Tomorrow. And I'm SO not ready, but it's happening anyway. I will do my best to post regularly again once I get settled, but I can't make any promises right now...
Just wanted to update anyone who might be a devoted reader!
Love what you can, when you can (and when you have time!)
Mandy
xo
Monday, August 27, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Seeing is believing
By now, we've all heard "the Secret" - the whole concept that you can believe something into being, and it's all about putting the right vibes out there into the Universe to get what you want. In my mind, that concept extends to the way that you present yourself to others. My Mom has always told me to dress for the job I WANT, not the one I've got (or at the moment, don't have!). So what does this have to do with anything?
A few years ago, I reconnected with my friend, Sheila McElrea. I'm pretty sure that she and I have known one another since the very beginning of elementary school, but lost touch as we went our separate ways to follow our post-secondary education paths. When we reconnected, I discovered that suddenly one Miss Sheily-Mac-Anti-Bac (grade 9 math classes were never dull) had become this incredibly style-savvy, socially concious, political-science educated fashionista, and we were living in the same city!
As soon as I made this revelation, I knew I needed her help; at the time, my closet was riddled with polyester and ill-fitting clothing, the majority of which was likely purchased based on the fact that it was on sale... She was ruthless as we went through my closet, but what we ended up with (admittedly, after a couple of "editing" sessions) was a more finely-tuned version of my former wardrobe, and a clearer definition of what I liked, what fit, and what really suited me, and who I was at that point of my life. I now do my best not to spend money on those cheap fabrics because they're on sale, or because I like a ruffle or print, though I still have the occasional moment of weakness! I have a few key pieces that are high quality fabrics and classic lines, and rely on them heavily in my wardrobe, regardless of the transitions I'm making in my life!
Seeing Sheila today, though only for a few brief moments (I'm excited to wear my new pants soon - thanks!!) really got me thinking. With all that is going on in my life - the LFL, training for a competition, being represented by a fitness modeling agency, and work interviews - I'm tempted to think that I need to remind the Universe of what I want, and dress as the person that I want to be...though I really am enjoying spending most of my day in a bikini or short-shorts! When you watch a professional sporting event on tv, you see the athletes arriving to the venue in full suits - I plan to conduct myself the same way. Ultimately, I know that on the inside I am a pro, regardless of the context!
And nobody can rock an oversized tee, skinny jeans, cute booties and a leather jacket like Sheila - even though she swore up and down she was "slovenly"! Check her out on Twitter and become a devout follower of her blog!
Love what you can when you can...and maybe remind the Universe of what's so loveable once in a while!
Mandy
xo
A few years ago, I reconnected with my friend, Sheila McElrea. I'm pretty sure that she and I have known one another since the very beginning of elementary school, but lost touch as we went our separate ways to follow our post-secondary education paths. When we reconnected, I discovered that suddenly one Miss Sheily-Mac-Anti-Bac (grade 9 math classes were never dull) had become this incredibly style-savvy, socially concious, political-science educated fashionista, and we were living in the same city!
As soon as I made this revelation, I knew I needed her help; at the time, my closet was riddled with polyester and ill-fitting clothing, the majority of which was likely purchased based on the fact that it was on sale... She was ruthless as we went through my closet, but what we ended up with (admittedly, after a couple of "editing" sessions) was a more finely-tuned version of my former wardrobe, and a clearer definition of what I liked, what fit, and what really suited me, and who I was at that point of my life. I now do my best not to spend money on those cheap fabrics because they're on sale, or because I like a ruffle or print, though I still have the occasional moment of weakness! I have a few key pieces that are high quality fabrics and classic lines, and rely on them heavily in my wardrobe, regardless of the transitions I'm making in my life!
Seeing Sheila today, though only for a few brief moments (I'm excited to wear my new pants soon - thanks!!) really got me thinking. With all that is going on in my life - the LFL, training for a competition, being represented by a fitness modeling agency, and work interviews - I'm tempted to think that I need to remind the Universe of what I want, and dress as the person that I want to be...though I really am enjoying spending most of my day in a bikini or short-shorts! When you watch a professional sporting event on tv, you see the athletes arriving to the venue in full suits - I plan to conduct myself the same way. Ultimately, I know that on the inside I am a pro, regardless of the context!
And nobody can rock an oversized tee, skinny jeans, cute booties and a leather jacket like Sheila - even though she swore up and down she was "slovenly"! Check her out on Twitter and become a devout follower of her blog!
Love what you can when you can...and maybe remind the Universe of what's so loveable once in a while!
Mandy
xo
Monday, August 13, 2012
Monday menu: a LOT on my plate! (and some pancakes on yours!)
WOW, I have had a lot on my plate lately. As of today, I'm 11 weeks away from my first competition, officially a member of the LFL Canada's Toronto Triumph, wearing the number 6, and filling out paperwork and prepping for job interviews (no, I'm STILL not working).
No matter how busy I am, I always have time for the people who have helped me become the person that I am today. One of the biggest influences in my life was my figure skating coach; as a competitive figure skater until the time I moved away for University, I spent countless hours at the rink, and inevitably, my coach had a great impact on the person that I became. So needless to say, when she comes to ME for advice, I'll gladly make the time.
She's been working out, made great progress in strength gain and weight loss, and she's finally turned that corner from "I HAVE to go and workout" to "I can't WAIT to go and workout" - I'm so proud! To break through her weightloss plateau, she's decided to change up her diet, and called me!
Now that I'm at 11 weeks out, Amber and I have changed my diet, but I'm a big believer in carb cycling - so I suggested it to my coach. We went through the details, and modified my previous plans to meet her needs and goals. When we talked about carbs and cravings, she brought up PANCAKES. And really, who doesn't love pancakes?!
So I thought I'd share a recipe for some yummy pancakes that should backtrack you less than the ones your mom used to make, and should fit into either a high OR low carb day - that is, as long as you can keep yourself from eating more than one batch!
INGREDIENTS:
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
2 egg whites (60mL)
1 whole egg
1/4 cup frozen raspberries
1 TBSP Vanilla extract
cinamon to taste
Put all of the ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to let the bubbles settle (and the batter thicken), then pour into a hot pan in desired size(s). I like to use coconut oil in the pan, as it gives an almost sweet, buttery flavour!
Cook 'em the same way your Mom would, and you're golden! They really don't need any topping, but if you just can't do without, make sure you're using 100% natural maple syrup!
PER BATCH:
237 calories
9g carb
34 g protein
6.5g fat
ENJOY!
Love what you can, when you can!
Mandy
xo
No matter how busy I am, I always have time for the people who have helped me become the person that I am today. One of the biggest influences in my life was my figure skating coach; as a competitive figure skater until the time I moved away for University, I spent countless hours at the rink, and inevitably, my coach had a great impact on the person that I became. So needless to say, when she comes to ME for advice, I'll gladly make the time.
She's been working out, made great progress in strength gain and weight loss, and she's finally turned that corner from "I HAVE to go and workout" to "I can't WAIT to go and workout" - I'm so proud! To break through her weightloss plateau, she's decided to change up her diet, and called me!
Now that I'm at 11 weeks out, Amber and I have changed my diet, but I'm a big believer in carb cycling - so I suggested it to my coach. We went through the details, and modified my previous plans to meet her needs and goals. When we talked about carbs and cravings, she brought up PANCAKES. And really, who doesn't love pancakes?!
So I thought I'd share a recipe for some yummy pancakes that should backtrack you less than the ones your mom used to make, and should fit into either a high OR low carb day - that is, as long as you can keep yourself from eating more than one batch!
INGREDIENTS:
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
2 egg whites (60mL)
1 whole egg
1/4 cup frozen raspberries
1 TBSP Vanilla extract
cinamon to taste
Put all of the ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to let the bubbles settle (and the batter thicken), then pour into a hot pan in desired size(s). I like to use coconut oil in the pan, as it gives an almost sweet, buttery flavour!
Cook 'em the same way your Mom would, and you're golden! They really don't need any topping, but if you just can't do without, make sure you're using 100% natural maple syrup!
PER BATCH:
237 calories
9g carb
34 g protein
6.5g fat
ENJOY!
Love what you can, when you can!
Mandy
xo
Monday, August 6, 2012
Monday Menu: a week away
I just finished checking in online, and in 2 minutes less than 24 hours from now, my flight should be landing safely on the ground in the YYZ.
Around this time last Monday, I arrived in Nova Scotia, and my boyfriend and I settled in at his parents' house for a week and a day of vacation. I had BIG plans for how I was going to stay on track with my nutrition, and had even saved up a cheat meal to allow for the inevitable cheat(s) that would happen here. It turns out, I likely should have been saving a little while longer!
Keeping a diet on track when you're away from your own kitchen, your own cupboards and their contents, and subject to any number of temptations is ALWAYS difficult; family and friends with a "just one won't hurt you" mentality, or even worse, the ones who get a kick out of waving temptations under your nose just add insult to injury!
My week started off pretty well. We hit up Costco Monday night to stock up on eggs, egg whites, veggies and protein bars. There was lots of chicken and lobster (mmm.....lobster) in the house, so we were set. What I wasn't counting on was that we would be out and about so often, and that I would have to rely quite a bit on the protein bars, which are usually saved for no-other-option situations!
I did my best to stay on track, but ultimately fell off the tracks by Saturday - which started with plans to have a few drinks at the New Glasgow Jubilee, and ended with me eating my planned cheat of Lobster & Crab Poutine, and then later an unplanned trip to the infamous Acropole for a slice of pizza with Donair sauce, and ultimately a bucket next to the bed. BAD GIRL!
While I certainly wasn't anywhere near my numbers for carb cycling, the week definitely could have been nutritionally worse (and historically, would have been). Rather than beating myself up for the few pounds that I undoubtedly gained this week, I'm ready to get back on the horse, up the intensity and really dial in my nutrition starting tomorrow.
Being back in my regular gym is something that I'm really looking forward to, and Amber and I are going to get together later in the week to order my competition suit, so I'll have a clear goal to meet in the coming 12 weeks. Wow, how time flies!
On a totally unrelated note, I have to send a big shout out to my friend Tannis, who I finally had the pleasure of meeting while I was here; she and I did the Live Fit trainer together with a group of about 50 women starting back in January, and those girls have absolutely gotten me through some of my struggles since then. It was almost surreal to meet someone who I talk to nearly every day, but had never met - AND to sneak in a leg workout with her too!
Love what you can, when you can! (and travel safely!)
Mandy
xo
Around this time last Monday, I arrived in Nova Scotia, and my boyfriend and I settled in at his parents' house for a week and a day of vacation. I had BIG plans for how I was going to stay on track with my nutrition, and had even saved up a cheat meal to allow for the inevitable cheat(s) that would happen here. It turns out, I likely should have been saving a little while longer!
Keeping a diet on track when you're away from your own kitchen, your own cupboards and their contents, and subject to any number of temptations is ALWAYS difficult; family and friends with a "just one won't hurt you" mentality, or even worse, the ones who get a kick out of waving temptations under your nose just add insult to injury!
My week started off pretty well. We hit up Costco Monday night to stock up on eggs, egg whites, veggies and protein bars. There was lots of chicken and lobster (mmm.....lobster) in the house, so we were set. What I wasn't counting on was that we would be out and about so often, and that I would have to rely quite a bit on the protein bars, which are usually saved for no-other-option situations!
I did my best to stay on track, but ultimately fell off the tracks by Saturday - which started with plans to have a few drinks at the New Glasgow Jubilee, and ended with me eating my planned cheat of Lobster & Crab Poutine, and then later an unplanned trip to the infamous Acropole for a slice of pizza with Donair sauce, and ultimately a bucket next to the bed. BAD GIRL!
While I certainly wasn't anywhere near my numbers for carb cycling, the week definitely could have been nutritionally worse (and historically, would have been). Rather than beating myself up for the few pounds that I undoubtedly gained this week, I'm ready to get back on the horse, up the intensity and really dial in my nutrition starting tomorrow.
Being back in my regular gym is something that I'm really looking forward to, and Amber and I are going to get together later in the week to order my competition suit, so I'll have a clear goal to meet in the coming 12 weeks. Wow, how time flies!
On a totally unrelated note, I have to send a big shout out to my friend Tannis, who I finally had the pleasure of meeting while I was here; she and I did the Live Fit trainer together with a group of about 50 women starting back in January, and those girls have absolutely gotten me through some of my struggles since then. It was almost surreal to meet someone who I talk to nearly every day, but had never met - AND to sneak in a leg workout with her too!
Love what you can, when you can! (and travel safely!)
Mandy
xo
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