Fresh Friday

Happy Fresh Friday, everyone! I apologize for this post being rather late for the link-up . . . I was on the road without Internet access. :/

What top 3 made your wk FRESH & FANTASTIC?

Here are mine!

#1 - orange glazed cinnamon rolls (yes! i believe in life with sweets :)
#2 - hiking
#3 - being a kid at heart (gold mining with the 8 yr old bro = priceless)

NOTE: just got the news that my camera is out of the shop and ready to be picked up!!!! you guess it- I jumped so high I almost hit my head on cloud. I had 3 recipes to finish on my ebook when it broke. :/ so . . . . the publication is now on it's final leg!!! look for it. =) 

Have a GREAT Friday night! 

Rugged Mountain Hike

Surprise! I went hiking today on one of my favorite mountains . . .

. . .  with some of my favorite people. :) 

Ok- so considering that I'm terrified of heights I have no business climbing a mountain with 100 foot drop-offs, but I do love exhilaration. :p

Haha! my face . . . probably what I looked like most of the time!

The trail was wet, muddy and very slippery. 

Even though our thighs were cheering us on (i.e.: burning) we deciding to rest for a bit. 

Shimming under a huge rock. See the ladder to the left? There were tons of them!

Getting ready to go down another one. Isn't the view simply breath-taking?!

Don't look down!!! But, isn't it absolutely gorgeous! 

I feel so blessed. 

My God made these mountains and I get to climb all over them and praise His name for health and strength to do it. =)

So exhilarating!

Some serious drop-offs here. 

We made it! So fun, so hard and so worth it. =)

Soreness reports to come. lol!

Do you enjoy a good hike every once in a while? 

Which do you prefer- an good outdoor workout in the beauty of nature or going to the gym? 

Hot Yoga, Attempt 2

My 2nd try at hot yoga this evening! The room was at 102 F. Phew! I don't think I've sweat that much in my entire life. Seriously- I soaked my entire shirt . . . not that you wanted to know that (lol!) Totally worth it though and very rewarding!!! And, I think you should try it too :) 

Don't worry if you're not super flexible!  Yogi teachers are awesome and meet you where you are. We all have to start somewhere and there is no shame in being a beginner. 

I still feel like a complete baby myself in the world of stretching  / yoga, but I'm stomping my pride and reaching out. 

I admit- it's sooo easy to constantly compare yourself to that amazing girl who can do that incredible spilt with seemingly perfect ease and think "no fair!". In all reality, though- she worked for it and so can I ( and you!) if we're willing to show up and do what it takes. 

The question isn't, can you? But, will you?

There are so many poses that I can't wait to do but really just need to listen to my body (not pull anything!) and be consistent. :) Isn't that with everything ? ? ? 

Are you a "stretcher" or yogi?

Have you tried hot yoga before? 

If not, is yoga something you would consider getting into for the health benefits and just plain AMAZING feeling you get from a challenge :) 

Lately . . .

Visiting a new church this morning. My sister Kristen . .  . well, let's just say I think she's AMAZING on the piano! You can watch a clip of the postlude, here. :)

Ooh, and that man singing? He's 85!!! and still has a super strong, super gorgeous voice! Very impressive. Hope I can be like that. :)

Friday night was end of week crash party with some good friends!

Anyone else a fan of ooey-gooey freshly baked cream cheese pound topped with a sugary scoop of sweet ice cream? 

Yes, and those are looking totally-from-scratch, homemade, light and fluffy, melt-in-your mouth, whole wheat croissants, too. Ally E. - I know this was a labor of love. Thank you!

Saturday? Not much . . .  worked out, did some laundry and that's pretty much it. :) How 'bout you?

My first try at Chiboni's blueberry flavored Greek yogurt. Yum, yum! I've been missing out sticking with the plain. :p I mean, there is a 12 sugar gram difference . . .  could that have anything to do with it?! lol!

And, this? Just a reminder- don't stop dreaming!!!! Pick something you love  (God gives specific desires to individuals for a reason!) and then do something every day that moves you closer toward that major goal! =)

New an exciting ventures on the horizons (for me too) ! Lots of times I feel as if I'm really vague with people (probably not good!), but seriously- I'm pumped about my life! His mercies are new every morning. :)

Fall in love with life! We only live once . . . let's make it count.

So, tell me -- what's something that you dream about (that you feel is impossible) but you know you can do it and it will make a difference in the world? ? ? =) 

Remember- don't be vague :p (I wanna know!). 

Fresh Friday {Face Your Fears!}

Fridays are my favorite. :) And this Friday I have a ton to look forward to before Monday comes around again! There's dinner with friends tonight and then a graduation on Saturday (which I hope I'll make but it's out of town so we'll see).

What are you doing this Saturday and Sunday?

And, of course! What are your top 3 FRESH and FANTASTIC happenings from the week?!

Here are mine. :)

#1 - gorgeous spring weather and sweaty workouts :)
#2 - Kris and Sam . . . enough said. :p

#3 - chicken and wild rice (perfect rainy evening dinner!)

 

Thought I'd share a podcast today versus a music video. :) Love this! Let me know what ya think! 

Food, Fun, Fights & Fitness

I know, I know . . .  I have been sorely lacking with workout reports here on this blog. But, I'm happy to say I have been working out consistently- it's just the letting you know part that stinks. :P

Last night I did a short 20 minute burst type workout which felt amaaaazing! My tush is currently sore as I sit here writing this post. hehe!

I've just decided . . .  and finally told myself that this is something I'm going to do for the rest of my life (yes- I plan on swimming and going to yoga at age 90) so I might as well love it. =) No feeling sorry for myself that I "have to work out". Nope! I "get to workout" and it's a gift!!! How do you feel about this?

Yesterday was a slightly stressful experience in more ways than one. If you're ever in a relationship conflict, let me remind you- your worth and value is NOT based on what other people think or say of you. Also, some times the best thing you can do in a delicate situation is just shut up. :p Keep in mind that no one can make you feel inferior but yourself. It's all back to believing the truth about who God says you are. :)

Thankfully everything is resolved now but I admit it was rocky there for a bit . . .

I got home later than usually last night and wasn't too hungry . . . a plate of roasted veggies w/ hummus and red onion slices fit the frig and the taste buds. :)

And, yes- this is one of my most "favorite-tess" places on earth. :) Thanks Kamina and Liz for being such good friends! 

How is your week coming so far? :)

What is your response to less-than-perfect relationship situations?

Do you love coffee and books, too?!

Wk/end Happenings

I love my life. :) Not to say there are not challenges at times but I really am so blessed. 

People, relationships, resources, dreams and possessing a curiosity that can really get me into trouble at times- it's all a gift, and we all these in some form or another. 

The above pictures are from a Spring Sing event this evening singing with my sisters. =) If you haven't already be sure to check out Mary's voice page- I think it will bless you in a special way. 

My wk/end held quite a bit of fun. :p Friday night cook-out with friends, diving held long into a book that one of my friends wrote (yes! I know an author . . . . aaah! AMAZING job Bekah!). Actually you can check out her book here- it's in Barnes and Nobles! 

Confession time . . . granola and Greek yogurt have been my go-to breakfast choices of late. :) Works in a pinch!  Been trying out a a new flavor I got on sale at Whole Foods the other day. 

And, with that I'd better scoot! I want to get outside and experience this beautiful time of day before hitting the sack. 

Goals for the week (other than being totally pumped about work)? Go to bed earlier and get sleep! Never thought I'd be saying this . . . hehe! 

Here's to a great start to your wk, girlies and guys! Comment and tell me what you did since Friday night and what your goals are for this week. =)