Interview Apolo Ohno! (and free food too)

Have you guys seen those Subway commercials lately with Apolo Ohno? If not, then you may not know that he’s been training for the ING New York City Marathon, and using Subway as a part of his refueling process. Last year Subway showed Jared training for the marathon which I thought was pretty cool. I can’t believe how far that guy has come. This year, Jared challenged Apolo.

As a professional athlete, Apolo obviously has a good foundation for training for an endurance event. He completed the Chicago Half marathon and his time was 1:40:59! I still think it’s interesting though- because running races has its own set of challenges and running is different from many other sports. I think it goes without saying that just being athletic doesn’t mean you can just run a marathon (and it also doesn’t mean that you’d WANT to!)

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 Just recently I read an article on ESPN where Michael Phelps explained why he would not want to take on the Subway NYCM challenge:

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I’m not a runner,” said Phelps, who has won 16 Olympic medals — 14 of them gold. “My sisters have done marathons, and I see how much pain they are in. I’m just not too good on land. I’m just clumsy out of the water.”

Interesting, right?

So here’s why I’m talking about this….

As a part of this Subway promotion, I was invited to interview Apolo before the ING NYC Marathon to get the scoop on his training routine, his inspiration, and how he feels about the big day (and whatever else I wanted to know!). However, I’m not able to make the call due to work obligations.

So I asked my contact if it would be possible to still submit questions for the call even though I would not be on it. Not only am I able to submit my questions, but I’m also able to submit yours! And the extra bonus? I’m going to giveaway a $25 Subway gift card to a reader whose question I think is really great!

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To enter, just leave me a question that you would like to ask Apolo in the comments section. I’ll choose a winner tomorrow evening. Your question will be submitted for the call, and you’ll also get a gift card!

Disclosure: For my participation in this promotion I too am receiving a Subway giftcard. And I plan to use it up rather quickly on veggie and cheese subs that I will eat to my pregnant heart’s delight.

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Week 26 Pregnancy Update

Greetings from my 26^th week of pregnancy!

This week has been an interesting one, and not really in the most fun ways. I’d describe this week as the beginning of the “uncomfortable” pregnancy stage. I honestly just feel big, slow, and achy.

 

Also, I’m writing this, I’m sitting at work also realizing that my demi-panel work pants are starting to feel really uncomfortable and digging into my belly. I think it’s time to invest in a few more pairs of pants, but I can’t say I’m happy about it!

 

 

Maternity pants are pricey! The truth is though, that I sit at a desk for 8 hours a day, so there is no way I can continue to be uncomfortable on a daily basis.

 

This past weekend also marked the 3^rd wedding that I’ve attended since being pregnant. The first one was at 8 weeks and no one knew, the second was at 12 weeks so I got to share the fun news with all of my friends, and now this one at 26 weeks!

I had a great time but on Sunday was having serious pelvic and hip pain. I believe it was a combination of standing a lot in heels (low ones), dancing, and sleeping in a hotel bed. My doctor said it is common, so I’m not worried about it, but it certainly was not fun.

As a result, I’ve basically had to stop exercising because I don’t think my body can take it anymore. Even when I run extra errands after work (like going to the mall and also grocery shopping), I have pain by the end of the night. So I’m going to be taking it easy with the cardio.

And the last fun thing I get to do during my 26^th week….is take the dreaded Gestational Diabetes test! I’m nervous about the test because I’ve heard that there can be a lot of false positives. I’m just trying to watch my huge sweet tooth (um, it’s Halloween), and we’ll see what happens.

Fortunately, week 26 isn’t all bad!

This week I was so excited to get a Living Social deal to a yoga studio near my house. I looked at the studio before but it was just too darn expensive. I ended up getting 10 classes for $30 (instead of $125). Now I can start attending pre-natal yoga! I’m hoping this will help with my aches and pains.

Another good thing- is that my baby is kicking like crazy! Today I seriously felt like she was doing Tae-Bo in there. I loved it!

Also, I’m also only one week away from my first baby shower (yes, I said first). We have family all over so I’ll be having 3. One in Connecticut hosted by my mom, one in Pittsburgh hosted by my mother –in-law, and another at my house for my local friends and family, also hosted by my mom. I’m a lucky girl, (and so is my daughter!)

 

Ok, I know this is getting long, so let’s get to the pictures.

 

26 week bump

It’s so big! Love it!

 

Other Fun Stuff:

Length of Baby: 14 inches (hot house cucumber)

Weight of Baby: 1.75 lbs. (grow baby grow!)

Cravings: Sour stuff! I was dying for some mega warheads after seeing them on TV. I did buy some and had one yesterday. Turned my whole mouth blue, but it was worth it! I’ll save the rest for after the gestational diabetes test.

Things I can check off the list: I finally chose a paint color! Thank goodness, that was not a fun process.

 

Alright, I’m off to make cupcakes for a work party and try not to eat any to keep my blood sugar down. BORING!

 

Previous Updates:

Week 25

Week 24

Week 23

Week 22

Week 21

Week 20

Week 19

Week 18

Week 17

Week 16

Week 15

Week 14

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Victory over the Weeknight Recipe Rut

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you just can’t figure out what to make for dinner? As I’ve said before, I like to let the store circulars and coupons inspire some meal choices and that often helps me build a weekly menu. This week though, I just kept striking out. None of the proteins on sale sounded good, and none of my usual recipes we’re calling to me. It was time to try something new.

Yet…experimenting with a new recipe on a weeknight can be somewhat of a struggle. It can be awfully time consuming to come up with a recipe idea, grocery shop, and cook after a long work day. So I did what any girl would do…I went to google and typed in “easy weeknight dinners”.

I feared that I would find the usual list of fatty casseroles, unappetizing pasta bakes, or other recipes with canned soups that I personally can’t stomach. To my surprise, one of the first links in my search was for the site Eating Well.

After reading their recipe for Southwestern Corn & Black Bean Salad I was totally inspired! The ingredient list was short and simple. Additionally, I made a few other swaps based on ingredient availability and personal preferences. My changes are in red.

Ingredients:
• 3 large ears of corn, husked (1.5 cups of frozen corn)
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (1/4 cup of roasted sunflower seeds)
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit or lessen if your sunflower seeds are salted)
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage (I used green and it was pre-shredded, and more than 2 cups, probably 3 or 3.5)
• 1 large tomato, diced (I used a handful or two of grape tomatoes sliced in half)
• 1/2 cup minced red onion (I used 4 medium scallions diced, I prefer the milder flavor)
• I added diced avocado on top!

How To:
• Juice the limes, chop the cilantro, and add both to a large bowl with the salt. Whisk in the 2 Tbsp. of olive oil

• Add the rest of the ingredients and stir to coat in the dressing.

• Cover and let sit in the fridge until ready to serve

With the salad I also made chicken quesadillas. These were very easy too, and my own recipe.

I sautéed diced chicken breast in olive oil until no-longer pink (about 6-7 min).

I added 1 diced bell pepper, 1 seeded jalapeno, and 3 chopped scallions. I seasoned with a few dashes of salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder.

Once the veggies were tender but still crisp, I mixed in about 1/3 cup of salsa.

To assemble the quesadillas, toast a tortilla in a pan, add some filling and cheese on top and then another tortilla.  (I made myself an assembly line before starting)

Flip over and brown the other side of the tortilla and allow the cheese to fully melt.

Serve with more salsa and sour cream or Greek yogurt.

This meal was really a hit and it was very easy for a weeknight. The leftovers were also wonderful!

How do you escape your recipe rut?
What are your favorite quick weeknight meals?

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Sentry Safe Giveaway WINNER!

I’m currently in the kitchen whipping up something yummy for dinner that I can’t wait to share with you!

But in the meantime, a big congrats to Kristen! 

You’re the winner of my giveaway! Woohoo! I’ll send you an email to confirm your information.

 

Thanks to everyone that entered!

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Non-Extreme Couponing Part II- Smart Tips from a Newbie

Thanks to Tervis for sponsoring my writing. Visit their website http://www.tervis.com to learn more about the world’s first smart cup.

Hi guys!

It’s been 2 weeks since I started couponing  and I’m happy to tell you that it’s going well.

Just to reiterate, I started couponing with the goal that I can use some readily available resources to save my family money. For me, couponing is smart lifestyle choice because it helps reduce spending and requires minimal effort!

Things I learned during my 2 weeks of couponing:

1. Check your store’s policy about coupon doubling. I thought originally that all coupons would be doubled (even those that were worth $1), but both of the stores I mainly shop at only double coupons with a $0.99 value or less.
2. Make sure to keep the store circulars that you receive during the week. They are not always included in the Sunday paper and you need them to match up your coupons to sales. Circulars also contain additional coupons for the grocery store and you need to cut them out in order to get the savings (it’s not the same as your club card discount)

3. Don’t go EVERYWHERE. Just because there are good coupons at 3 or 4 different stores, don’t try to go to every single one or you’ll be EXHAUSTED (I was). I now stick to 2 main grocery stores (one by work, one at home) and I’ll also pop into the CVS next to the grocery store. If I see something really worth my while, I can plan a trip there, but I don’t want to go crazy just trying to get my weekly shopping done.

Some Other Helpful Tips:
1. It’s okay to shop without coupons when the prices are good! Last week Gala apples were on sale at the regular store for $1.49/lb. Trader Joe’s had a 2 pound bag of organic gala apples for $2.49. Organic + Less Expensive = smart buy.

2. Good sale items run out. Big bags of organic baby spinach were on sale last week for 2/$6. I also had a coupon for $1/off. By the time I got there on Wednesday…they were gone. Scoop up good deals early to make sure you get what you want.
3. Plan your meals around deals and coupons! This might seem obvious to some but I didn’t do this on week one. If you plan your meals on Sunday when you are perusing your circulars and making your shopping list, you will create more affordable meals. Why not make tacos if ground turkey is on sale? Why not choose green beans over zucchini if they are on sale? This really (REALLY) helps me stick to my weekly food budget.

Great Websites that Help me Each Week:
1.My Frugal Adventures – I don’t know where she finds the time to put all of this info together, but it’s great! Charlene compiles store deals + circular deals and gives you the info. She also links coupons you can print, and has a database where you can enter a product you need, and find out if there is a coupon for it.

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. To learn more about Tervis, visit their website http://www.tervis.com.

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Well Rounded Weekend

First things first, have you entered my Sentry Safe giveaway? You can win a pink fire safe ($30 value) that will help your protect your important items in case of a fire. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

 

Hi guys!

How was your weekend? Mine was actually really fun and relaxing (and somewhat productive) all at the same time.

Really can’t ask for more than that, can I?

 

Friday night Joe and I chilled at home, made pizzas and watched the rest of Season 5 of Dexter. Overall, a good season, but I kind of think the series is ready to end soon. A bit too formulaic at this point, but that’s just my opinion.

 

Anyhow, back to the food. We used fresh whole wheat dough from Wegman’s and made our own pizzas.

Most of mine was topped with with tomato sauce, mozzarella, peppers, mushrooms, onions, and turkey sausage.

The other side had olive oil, balsamic glaze, a little mozzarella, spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese.

Joe made his with most of the same toppings I used for my red sauce side, but also added some spicy banana peppers from his garden.

We love toppings!

 

Saturday morning was so calm and relaxing. Both Joe and I slept in until around 8:45. I whipped us up some whole wheat pancakes, and added some pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice the batter.

Not the prettiest picture, but once topped with syrup and a little more cinnamon these were soooo good!

 

After a little cleaning up around the house, I had to get packed and showered.  By 12:15 we were on the road heading to the Poconos for a friend’s wedding. The wedding was at the Blue Mountain ski lodge and it had the most beautiful views. All of the trees were changing colors and it was simply gorgeous!

Joe and I had a great time eating, drinking (club soda for me), and dancing.

Unfortunately all of my sweet moves accompanied with a not-so-comfy hotel bed led to some bad pelvic pain on Sunday. Guess I can’t get down like I used to right now.  No biggie.

 

Sunday was spent getting a carpet estimate, watching football, and clipping coupons (look for a follow up to my first coupon post on Tuesday!) and dinner was prepared by Joe!

 

We had grilled sirloin with caramelized onions, greens, mozzarella and spicy mayo on toasted baguette. Some leftover mashed potatoes on the side. I love this man.

Now it’s back to the grind…blah!

 

What did you do this weekend?
Are you enjoying fall foliage where you live?

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SentrySafe Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway

As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Around this time of year, it’s common to see many companies promoting their products with new pink versions and making donations to various organizations that support breast cancer research.

 

A few years ago, (actually it was 2005) when I worked for a cosmetics company as a marketing project manager. Basically, I worked on direct mail catalogs and would help to design and create a few monthly mailers. At one point the October catalog became my responsibility and I thought it would be a great idea to create a breast cancer awareness version of our very popular hand cream.

 

It was an awesome process that I was so glad to be a part of. I helped the designers approve a new logo; I researched charitable organizations, and worked with the product team to have the packaging made. I believe that the company is still creating a breast cancer awareness product and I’m proud that I played a role in that.

 

Product marketing is such a fascinating industry- and I love when it’s power is used for something good. I think we can all agree a pink version of some of our favorite products can be an attractive motivator to buy. I also think it’s impressive how simply the color pink has now associated itself with breast cancer awareness, which can help to remind us everyday how important it is to keep up with monthly self-exams, mammograms after 40 (or sooner, in my opinion), and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to help prevent cancer.

 

Needless to say, I was very excited when SentrySafe contacted me about their specially-designed Pink 1100 Fire Safe. As a part of their promotion, SentrySafe is donating a portion of their sales on the Pink 1100 Fire Safe to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The following link will explain more about SentrySafe’s Breast Cancer initiative as well as the product info.

SentrySafe has also given me the opportunity to do a giveaway for one of these safes. I can tell you that this is a great win. It’s a wonderful way to protect documents, photos, money, and other important items from getting destroyed in a fire. It’s a great thing to have because you can never be too careful with your precious belongings.

There are two ways to enter this giveaway:

1. Like SentrySafe on Facebook by clicking here and leave me a comment telling me that you did
2. Follow SentrySafe on Twitter by clicking here and leave me a comment telling me that you did.

I recommend checking out both entry options because the company is doing a lot of their own giveaways as well!

 

The giveaway will close on Tuesday evening, so get your entries in!

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Week 25 Pregnancy Update

25 weeks (and 4 days) and feeling…..BIG! This belly and my boobs and butt is certainly growing each week, and to be honest, I completely love it!

 

I’m now getting the smiles, extra kindness, and "when are you due?" questions.

 

I’ve also gotten some more extreme comments about how I should take the elevator instead of the stairs, how I should be eating for two, and that I should get first dibs on the cookies that were placed in the office kitchen (thanks, but no thanks!) I’ll leave those to the office vultures who pounce on food faster than you can say….FOOD.

 

Tonight I actually had a doctors appointment and everything checked out okay. I’m very healthy. The pains I was having sounded normal to the doctor. She said to keep working out and just stop if I get the pain, and rest. It was also great to hear my little girl’s heartbeat beating strong at 158 bpm. Now she’s doing all kinds of dances in my belly which she always seems to do after a doctors appt.

 

Well, it’s late so I’m going to keep this short and get to the pics!

Flashback Pic! (15 weeks- I think I thought I was showing!) Man, I had a great tan!

Other Info:

Baby Length: 13.5 inches (rutabaga or eggplant)

Baby Weight: 1.5 pounds

Paint Samples on the wall currently: 4

Time Until My Gestational Diabetes Test: ~2 weeks

Current Cravings: Nothing new- cheese and chocolate

Weeks Left in the 2nd trimester: 2!! AHH!

 

Previous Updates:

Week 24

Week 23

Week 22

Week 21

Week 20

Week 19

Week 18

Week 17

Week 16

Week 15

Week 14

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A Birth Plan?

Because I’m currently obsessed with all things baby related (for obvious reasons), I read a lot about other pregnant women and new moms. I do this via blogs and baby websites, message boards and all of that. You name it…I read it. Additionally it doesn’t help that I basically sit behind a desk for 8 hours a day with little to do and the entire world wide web at my fingertips.

I have to say that I think I’m in the minority when it comes to my plans for labor. My plan is that I don’t have a plan. My sister actually asked me last night if I had written a “birth plan” and I simply replied, “A what?”

My thought process up until this point has been the following.

1. The baby will need to come out somehow, no matter what I plan.
2. There are so many variables that come into play during labor that I don’t believe I can control much of it.
3. I’m not a doctor; I won’t necessarily know what is the best choice to make for the safety of myself and my baby.
4. I’ve never done this before, why would I want to put restrictions on myself (i.e. no pain meds), if I have no idea how I’ll feel?

I also found myself questioning whether or not I wanted to spend a weekend in a birth seminar through my doctor’s office. After talking to other women I decided that I should go. Although I’m still not sure I really think it’s necessary.

Don’t get me wrong, I do plan to read more on these topics. Especially the episiotomy process which my sister just told me about. (Warning- don’t click that link unless you’re ready for some less than fun info)

I want to be educated about what things might happen- but not so much that I feel that choices made on that day will weigh on MY shoulders. There is enough to worry about, I don’t want to stress about some “plan” that I made.

For someone like me who is a crazy planner and list maker, I know this is odd, but I can’t help the way I feel.

On another note, I wanted to let you guys know about an awesome book that I just ordered.

I read through a few pages on Amazon and I’m already hooked. I can’t wait for it to arrive! I plan to do a review as well.

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A Not So Fun Walk

This afternoon when I walked outside after work and felt the cool breeze and sunshine, I knew I had to get out for a walk when I got home.

 

As soon as I got home, I searched through my drawers to find something that I wouldn’t be totally embarrassed to wear for an outdoor workout. Most of my workouts up until now have been done in my basement or living room, so I haven’t had this problem.

 

I put on a pair of maternity leggings and a big tee shirt (and probably looked ridiculous), but I didn’t care. The fresh air felt soooo good as I hit the pavement.

I planned on a 35-45 minute walk around my hilly neighborhood, including a few loops around a local park.

When I first started walking I had some major tightness in my pelvic area that I’ve noticed lately when I’m walking (especially uphill). It did start to go away though once I got warmed up.

(oy.)

However, the walk took a bad turn around minute 35 when I got a shooting pain in my left side. It felt like a gas pain, but it really hurt. I was already headed home, but I slowed my pace and stopped a few times to stretch and breathe. I suspect this is round ligament pain, but I’m surely glad that I have a doctors appointment on Thursday to talk to someone.

 

Im glad to say that when I got home, drank a glass of water, ate a banana and put my feet up, I felt instantly better.

 

It was scary though. And I’m hoping that the doctor doesn’t prohibit exercise from here on out. I’ll keep you posted.

 

Going to go back to resting.

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