January 2011 - My Healthy, Happier Life

ashleyd / January 30, 2011

Spicy Meatloaf and Garlic Cauliflower Mash

A cold Sunday night calls for a homemade meal, filled with comfort and warmth. Our Sunday night dinners often beckon in the beginning of a new week, the perfect way to end the weekend together. This afternoon I discovered this recipe on Cooking Light’s website and immediately suggested it for our Sunday night dinner. In fact, they even have a video of it featured here . What is your favorite Sunday night dinner?

Paired with homemade garlic cauliflower mash, it was the perfect meal!

If you can’t tell, we found the charger for our Nikon DSLR today during our winter cleaning. I apologize for the plethora of pictures but I was having too much fun tonight! The meal was absolutely delicious! I highly recommend you try this meatloaf recipe immediately if not sooner.

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ashleyd / January 28, 2011

Morning Motivation Playlist

I had a sweaty date this morning with these spin shoes and my iPod!

This morning was different than the past few. I sprung out of bed and was out the door within five minutes. I was excited for my first solo spin session. My Equinox features six spin bikes near the treadmills which are available for members to use freely.

Last night I made a new motivation playlist, just in time for this morning’s spin workout and tomorrow morning’s long run in Central Park. This list is a compilation of old favorites (Yeah, 3 AM, Stand Up, What’s Your Fantasy), suggestions from Ali’s recent playlist (The Time, Hold It Against Me), and songs that my instructors have featured recently during their classes.

I loved every second of my morning music and even caught myself singing during my spin session!

I also gained a sense of satisfaction from this morning’s session. After a year of spin classes, I was able to mix up my resistance, up downs, and speed to throw together a 45 minute sweat session that left my legs tired but not too exhausted before tomorrow’s long run.

What’s your favorite workout song right now to motivate you through your workout?

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ashleyd / January 26, 2011

Confession

Growing up, I was the little girl who always wanted to please my parents. When my room was supposed to be clean and I’d forgotten or done other things, I’d shove everything under my bed.

Evidently, that is a habit I never outgrew. Nor did my husband.

I’m posting these pictures to keep me accountable. My goal is to have conquered the clutter by Sunday evening. Right now our 715 square foot apartment is driving me crazy. There isn’t room for two people and ALL THIS CLUTTER! Luckily, I have friends like Kath and Bobbi to motivate me.

So, in all my shame, here is a glimpse of the mess as it stands today.

Wait, you want to reach the bottom three shelves of the pantry? You have to jump over a vacuum, Swiffer, and recycling pile first!

Wait, the wok doesn’t belong on the floor? I guess I forgot that Operation Goodbye Christmas meant the ornaments and decorations were supposed to be packed up and put back in the basement; not just taken down. Oops. Clearly, we both have an obsession with piles. Really? When did this happen? Just a short while ago, our home was organized, spotless, and ready for visitors.