Foodie Pen Pals and Giveaway winner

Happy Tuesday everyone! I hope your week has been off to a great start. Mine is chugging a long with no real clear cut mission. Its the last few weeks of my summer break before it is back to work with a whole new set of kiddos so I am ok with it chugging along a bit slower :o)

Today Is Foodie Pen Pals Reveal day and I also have a give away winner to announce for the Drink Chia giveaway.

My box was sent to Monica over at Ants and Quilts and I received my package from Robin from Red Robin's Nest.

I always have some much fun coming home and being greeted by a fun box waiting for me on my front porch. This was no different. Robin sent me a fun box from Texas with some locally themed goodies.

In my box of goodies I got chips and salsa, and assortment of teas, vanilla cookies, local Texas honey and orzo with green beans and onions. 

I am a huge Honey lover so when I saw the familiar bear peeking out at me I did an internal cheer to myself. I ran out of honey this week so this became my savior. I drink my coffee black with a little honey so he came in handy. The little honey bear also made an appearance in this weeks canning venture. 

I have not yet tried any of the other goodies because I recently came off of my detox so there are certain foods I can not eat. I am looking forward to trying the Orzo... that  flavor combo is definitely right up my alley.  I look forward to trying the chips and salsa at the next family function. I would open it at the house but I am afraid I may eat the whole bag... I am a sucker for chips and salsa. 

Thank you again Robin for such a fun package and thanks to Lindsay for hosting. 

If you would like to join in on the fun next month check out Lindsay's info and rules on participating. It's definitely a fun way to get some new food finds sent right to your house and to meet some awesome people who love food just as much as you do.

Now on to the Winner of the Drink Chia giveaway

(Insert Drum Roll here) 

   

The winner Is Jenelle who blogs at Mile 28. 

Congrats!!! Make sure to Email me your mailing information so I can pass it along to the wonderful people over at Drink Chia. 

Ciao and Foodie Love

Alexis

WIAW meets JCORE!

Happy Hump Day!

*Confession- Whenever I hear someone say that my mind automatically wanders to the dirty ends of my thought process... Is it just me?*

Today's Wednesday I am happy to be hanging out with Jenn for WIAW! I am also happy to be letting you in on a review I will be doing for the next 40 or so days!

Before I get started make sure you enter my amazing giveaway I have going on this week fromt he amazing people over at Drink Chia! 

Now on to WIAW! Food, Fun and Fitness!

Breakfast- Quinoa with fresh fruit, protein powder and almond milk served with a side of egg whites.
Snack-  Plain Chobani with Apple Walnut Love Grown Granola
Lunch- Healthy Chicken Salad served on top Food Should Taste Good Flax chips.
Snack- Rice Cake with Cookie Butter (my splurge) and granny smith apples
Snack- Hummus and Cucumber Slices
Dinner- Fish Tacos: Orange Roughy with avocado, tomatos, jalapenos, alfalfa sprouts, and a greek salsa all wrapped in a tasty Joseph's Flax Oat bran Pita.
Dessert- Frozen Chobani bites.

It always looks like so much food when I look at the pictures but I promise it's not that much haha. All this was still under 1500 calories and I got in 109 grams of protein! I am pretty happy with my stats for the day!

Ok food done.. onto fitness. Being a Fitfluential Ambassador there are always cool opportunities for us. I was recently asked to try out the new JCORE system and review it along my 40 day challenge. I have decided to enlist some help in this challenge. Since they want me to share my opinion on the JCORE program with my readers I decided to reach out to all different fitness levels and ages. I have asked my mother and one of my sisters to do the program with me and record how they feel and what their results are as well. That is three different fitness levels: Me- Avid Weight Lifter,  Sister- Mother of 2 and a Tri-athlete, Mom- active but doesn't live in the gym :o)

They sent me the complete JCORE body system, with everything I need to complete the challenge (I am having issues with the thumb drive but that is not to big of a deal)

So periodically I will be posting pictures, results, opinions about the JCORE system. You get 3 opinions for the price of one. I see this becoming a family friendly competition. BRING IT ON!

Ciao and Fitness Review,

Alexis

Drink Chia Giveaway!!!

Hello Hello Everyone. I am super excited about this Giveaway... as you should be too!!!

It is no surprise that I am a huge fan of Chia Seeds. I have written past posts about the benefits that this little "miracle" seeds! I have put them in smoothies, a top salads and pancakes.... but now I get to drink them! The wonderful founders over at Drink Chia have been kind enough to send me some of their drinks to try out. To make it even better they are allowing me to send one of my awesome readers some as well!!!!

The following information was taken directly off the Drink Chia website because, basically, I couldn't have said it better myself :o)

If you have not yet jumped into the world of Chia Love now is your chance to fall in love FOR FREE! One lucky reader will receive a half a case of Drink Chia and a T-shirt, which I am honestly jealous of because I didn't get a T-shirt haha.

Here is how to enter: 

1. Follow My blog

2. Follow @fitpossibleblog  and @drinkchia on twitter. Then Tweet I just entered to win half a case of @DrinkChia from @fitpossibleblog! You can too!!  http://tinyurl.com/d52nnm9

3. Tell me your favorite way to use Chia Seeds in your everyday cooking. 

The following are not mandatory but will keep you up to date on both Fitpossible's upcoming goodies (food/fitness/reviews) and Drink Chia's as well.

4. Like Fitpossible on Facebook.
5. Like Drink Chia On Facebook.

*make sure to leave a comment for each entry*

That gives you a total of 5 chances to win these super nutritious super tasty little drinks...

Giveaway closes Sunday July 29th at midnight!
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Ciao and Drink Chia, 

Alexis

Power Smoothie

I continue to tell the lovely Miss Kasey I am going to join in on the Power Meal meet up on Sundays but I have failed miserably. I blame Vacation brain :o) But I am here now and I am bringing you one of my new favorite kitchen creations.

First I have a few annoucments:
On the blog this week I have some pretty cool things going on so I hope you stop back by...

1. I have a pretty sweet giveaway from a company that turns one of my favorite healthy treats into a drink... I am pretty stoked... sorry you have to stop back by to see what it is.
2. I have been asked to try out the new JCORE fitness program and write reviews throughout my experience. I have recruited my mother and one of my sisters as well to see how the program works for different body tips and fitness levels. I can't wait to let you in on my findings

Hope to see you back this week!

Ok, Ok,  on with the Power Smoothie!

Let's face it, nothing is easier quicker to create than a smoothie. With the crazy heat we have already this early in summer making a smoothie is my favorite way to get a refreshing, nutritious snack/meal in just a few steps.

 

I am not what you call a exact measure-er (yes I know, not a word)when I make a smoothie. I more a search the fridge for delish goodness and dump it all in. I will however try my best to give you some measurements LOL

Creates 2 Servings

 
What you need

1 cup Brewed Green Tea (chilled)

      -I used a green tea bag and an acai tea bag to make a stronger brewed tea with extra antioxidants

1 mango

1cup grapes

1 cup watermelon

1/2cup blue berries

1/4-1/2 cup beets

6oz container plain greek yogurt

2 Tbsp Hydrated Chia seed (you can use plain dried as well) 

1Tbsp Ground flax seed

Handful of spinach

Honey to taste

*As always protein powder is Optional*

 1.Pour chilled tea into blender (tip: I tend to make tea in advanced an always keep it in my fridge, makes prep time a lot easier). Add chia and flax to tea ( putting it towards the bottom makes it easier to blend in with everything)
2. Add Greek yogurt.
3. Chop mango into pieces and add to tea along with all other fruit.
4. Blend. Once everything is nicely incorporated drizzle in Honey while still blending.
5. Add ice if so desired.

 Confession: This is not the exact smoothie but another recreation of the same one. I failed and didn't take a picture before I drank it all LOL

Brian and I were big fans of this drink and have since made this smoothie along with other variations of it. 

I hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday! 

Ciao and Smoothie Love

Alexis

Progress and a stay at the Waldorf

Before I get into a look into our stay at the Waldorf NYC for our recent New York City Vacay I want to insert a small brag....

I have decided to take some pretty big steps in my fitness/diet routine and make some changes. Now I am not one who is in dire need to lose weight by any means. There are things I would like to change about my appearance but I think at some point that is every person. After 2 vacations within a month of each other I was feeling that a little more than usual. Aside from the extra food, I want to make gains in my workouts, running and just overall confidence. So in helping with the confidence I posted this picture on IG today (you can follow at AlexisNP)
Not because I wanted to show off my stomach but because I was very proud of myself. I have decided to start off small and slowly build. So Tuesday I went for a 2 mile run. Today (a mere 2 days later) I did the same exact run only this time I did it an entire minute faster.

 I am no runner so I am pretty proud of myself. I personally believe that every small step equals one big goal and I personally feel like I am on the road to my big goals... I may not get there this month or even in 3 months but I am certain I will get there.


Now that I have gotten that said I want to share some NY pics and a look into the Waldorf. The question I have been getting is "Is it as wonderful as it is said to be"

Lets start with how elaborate the hotel is. Upon walking into the lobby you are overtaken with the beauty around you. Nothing is "ordinary" in this lobby and that is evident by the above picture of the ceiling. The staff was more than courteous, extremely helpful and always smiling. The room was amazing.

We had a nice suite: Sitting area when you first walk in with a wet bar and a fridge for me to keep all my yummy leftovers, a separate bedroom and a huge bathroom.

The Waldorf is an iconic hotel there is no denying that. They are determined to make your stay as unique and wonderful as possible, so much so there is a dress code. Yes you read that correctly. After 6pm there is a dress code for common areas of the hotel. Which I think is kinds cool. You are in a famous hotel which is (for lack of better words) super fancy all on its own, so why not try to keep up that appearance through your patrons. Between the room, service and overall feeling I have no complaints.... that leaves me with only one thing... food.

Brian and I decided to splurge and eat at the hotel. We were in NY and we were staying at the Waldorf, I figured we had to at least one day do it up big. So after debate on what meal we wanted to consume lol we decided upon breakfast at Oscar’s American Brasserie. Every thing we looked at (including the menu at the restaurant) showed the price of the breakfast to be $28 a person. We thought this was a good deal and decided to enjoy a nice leisurely breakfast.

The breakfast was honestly nothing great. There were a few warm selections, and an "omelet bar" which I was not impressed with. They did have a nice selection of cold items but I wasn't paying for fruit and yogurt. I wanted real food, impressive food. The pastries were far from great and nothing to brag about. I did however enjoy the oatmeal which I topped with granola and fresh fruit salad. Brian and I both decided we were not impressed and decided we were ready to leave. Here is the kicker! When the bill came it was actually $42 a person. Now let me say this, I have NO PROBLEM paying that much for food if it is good food. I ended up leaving breakfast pretty upset. I felt "swindled" that every where said $28 and I ended up paying $42. $42 for food that was not worth the $28!

So would I stay at the Waldorf again? Easy answer... YES. The stay was great, the service was wonderful and we did not want to leave the comfort of the amazing king size bed in the morning (most comfortable hotel bed EVER). However, I can say that I would probably never eat there again unless there were some sort of way to guarantee I am getting what I pay for.

So Now I am back in Orlando and enjoying my time home and slowly getting back into the swing of things. I will just stick to cooking breakfast for myself HAHA.

When was the last time you were really disappointed in a stay or a meal out?

Ciao and bad breakfast,

Alexis

WIAW from NY

I am so happy to be back at WIAW this week. I missed everyone last week but I definitely was loving my vacay in NYC!

Brian and I at our Friends wedding

Although I am Detoxing this week (read no food), I have plenty of delish foods to send your way from my trip. To stay with Jenns theme of fun, food, and fitness I will be throwing in some pictures of my hotel workouts and some super fun vacation pictures...



 

Here is all the different eats and fun moments of the trip followed by some hotel workouts

My sister and I enjoying some drinks our first night in the City.

 First Up is a few pictures of wedding food. I can honestly say this was some of the best food I have eaten and the most amazing, extravagant wedding I have been to.

From top left: Cocktail hour sample plate with chickpea salad, lentil salad and hummus. Braised short ribs and Chicken and waffles (sounds odd I know but so good). Wild Mushroom Angolotti (to die for) and a gotham salad.  Black and white sesame crusted Salmon. Chicken Martini shot, and last but not least desert drinks ( I did not partake in those). 

My favorite non wedding food is found at Ess-a-Bagel. The best Lox Bagel I have ever had and although it was $12.75 it was so worth it!

*on a fun side note they also make vegan cream cheese (made from tofu) in TONS of different flavors. We liked the bagels so much we went back again, however this time I just opted for  Egg Whites on a salt bagel.

Next I went to my BFF's Bridal shower and sampled a few good eats. It was held at a culinary school how could they not be good?

Caprese skewers, fruit and cheese, Peaches wrapped in prosciutto, Veggies, Super cute cup idea which I filled with a Gin Limeade... so delish! And for dessert we had Meringue topped with raspberries filled with Balsamic reduction. 

 The number one reason we went to NYC! RICE TO RICHES!!!!! If you ever are in the City this place is a must. They have about 20 different flavors of rice pudding and delish toppings for it. I only eat half so I always have leftovers. Its way to good I have to savor it.

Ok now that you have seen some of my indulgences while on vacations I leave you with 2 of my hotel workouts and a few pictures from the trip. There will be more to come along with a SUPER AWESOME giveaway coming shortly.

Big Brother and Sister 

 Getting my dance on a t the wedding LOL and Making fun of some others in the process in the process and yes my sister and I have matching tattoos LOL

 Polar Bear at the Central Park Zoo

 Alison Wonderland Statue in Central Park, one of my favorite memories of visiting NYC with my dad

Ground Zero... Breathtaking to say the least. Its crazy to think it was been more than 10 years now. 

Ok Ok I think I have overloaded your brain (if you even made it this far haha) so I will bow out now but there will be more fun things to come. My review of the Waldorf NYC... is it really as good as everyone says or is it all just hype? HMMM Lots of awesome NYC pictures and a giveaway. Stay tuned! 

Ciao and indulgences, 

Alexis 

Its that time again...

DETOX TIME THAT IS... Yep It is time again for my bi-annual detox.

I know there are some out there that don't believe in detoxing, or extreme detoxing but it is something I have grown to love and it does great things for me. I am so much more energized by the end. I have intense focus on eating and choices by the end because I have had so much will power and restraint.

If you are new to my blog here are some past post:
Preparing for Detox
Detoxing Tips
Detox Basics

Today is day #1 of 5 and I am feeling good, although the bananas on the counter are taunting me, I am not sure I can say no much longer haha. I am slowly weaning off coffee as well with this detox so today I enjoyed my morning drink with half a cup of coffee. I am hoping by Wednesday I am completely off coffee.... for how long I don't know HAHA I love coffee!

I do not suggest this detox to everyone, if you have (or have had) health issues in the past I would definitely ask a doctor what is the best plan for you.

On a different note I have some fun stuff coming up on the blog. I will be reviewing the new JCORE exercise program. I am looking fwd to it. I got a fun package of supplements, meal programming, and of course the videos. I can't wait to let you all know how it is.

I will be writing about my recent stay at the Waldorf NYC... there were great moments and some deceptive moments. I will be sharing ALL!!!

I also have a super awesome giveaway coming up which I am pretty stoked about. More on that to come soon!

I hope everyone's week is going well!

Ciao and Lemonade

Alexis

Wall Walk Ups

I have found my new favorite move EVER!!! At least for now I have.

Before I share check out

What has been going on this week

Mock PB Cookies

Fuel Your Workout

I am a huge fan of upside down/wall push ups as you will see in my previous "killer workout" post. By I am a huge fan I mean I flipping hate them while I am doing them but love the feeling I have when I am done haha. However we are taking the wall push up up a notch. 

Enter Wall Walk Ups!!!

Welcome to my dinning room haha

Start in a Plank Position with your feet against the base of a wall. Slowly begin to walk your feet up the wall, while at the same time walking your hands back towards the wall. (You will feel this immediately in your shoulders.) Once your body is parallel with the wall slowly begin to walk your feet back down the wall and your hands out away from the wall. It is very important to keep your core extra engaged so you do not topple over and seriously injure yourself. 

Note for different levels

*Beginners-only walk up the wall as far as you feel comfortable. Once you have built up more strength go further the next time until you have made it all the way up. 

*Advanced- Once parallel with the wall throw in a push up. This is 10x more difficult then just pumping out a whole set of wall pushups because your shoulders are already burning.

I had a Plyo day at the gym and I decided to get in some box jumps and wall push ups all in the same set. Man oh man did I had high hopes for myself LOL.I decided to do 10 reps of each for 10 sets. Lets just say my A$$ and back definitely felt that over zealous ambition the next day! It hurt so good haha.

What are you waiting for, go grab a wall and give it a try... I would however suggest not doing it on tile your first try :o)

Will you try my new favorite exercise?

Ciao and wall walk ups

Alexis

Mock Peanut Butter Cookies

There is nothing more in this world that I love more than Peanut Butter... well in the food world at least. I have been seeing all these recipes for Mock Cookie dough floating around the web and I got an idea. Why not make my own version of Peanut Butter Cookie dough but actually turn them into cookies... hmmm

So that is exactly what I did and boy oh boy was it a great decision

 

What you need
2 cups of Chickpeas rinsed well
5 Tbsp Honey ( you can sub another sweetener to make Vegan)
8 Tbsp Peanut Butter (you can sub PB powder to cut calories)
3 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp Ground Flax
Chocolate (or filling) of choice I used white chocolate (1 serving per bag)

What You Do

 Combine all ingredients except chocolate pieces in a blender or food processor and combine well. Mix in chocolate pieces. At this point you can leave it as a dip and enjoy as is.
If you want to make cookies: Preheat oven to 350 and bake for aprox. 15 min or until desired done-ness. I prefer softer cookies. The cookies will continue to firm up after they are pulled out of the oven as well.

We stored the cookies in the fridge and enjoyed them for a few nights... they were super yummy.

What are your favorite cookies?

Ciao and Happy Baking

Alexis

Fuel Your Workout

We have all heard how important it is to properly fuel your body pre and post workout. Today I experienced why first hand.

I had to work and I figured I would just stay after get in my leg workout and be done for the day. I had my food packed which was perfect fuel to get me through my morning and my workout. However, and this is a big however, I was not at all ready for it to be as bust as it was. Before I knew it I was an hour past the time planned for Meal #2. When I noticed the clock I quickly ate half of my planned meal.

I figured as long as I got Meal #3 in 30-45 min prior to work out in I would be good. Once again I looked down and realized time had eluded me and I was 30 min away from my workout. So I ran to the back and again quickly scarfed half of my food.

I went into the gym ready to do some major legs, however my body had a different idea of how the workout was going to go. Because I failed to properly fuel my body and actually take the time to eat and enjoy my food my energy level was almost non existent. I didn't take the time to properly fuel my body and it was not happy with me. What would have been light weight normally for me turned out to be challenging.

I went through the motions and finished my workout but I was not at all impressed with my accomplishments. I finally made it home and sat down to a nice lunch and actually enjoyed the entire meal while sitting down and taking time to chew.

 I was disappointed in my workout but I will properly fuel my body and get in the workout I want tomorrow. One bad day just motivates me more to have ten more good days to follow. So remember, your body is like a gas tank, it needs fuel... Good quality fuel. The better you treat your body the better it will preform for you everyday.

Ciao and food for fuel,

Alexis

Headed to New York In Style

For those of you that follow me on twitter or my Facebook Page, you know by now I am headed to the wonderful New York, New York (insert amazing crooner voice of Frank Sinatra). I am so excited. I am headed out there for a wedding and My BFF's Bridal Shower ( I am MOH) and of course some time away with my amazing man.

 Our last trip to NYC for my Bday 2009

We have decided to make an executive decision to splurge a little bit on this trip. Our last trip to NY we stayed in my BFF's apartment. 

 Brian and Abbey (BFF) eating snow lol

As nice as it was to save all the money we would have spent on a hotel, it was cramped. Well think cramped and read suffocating. We all know that NY is not none for their immense living spaces (well for those of us normal folk lol). So the second part of this trip we will be staying at.. * insert stereotypical drum roll here*

I am super excited. Every time I have visited New York I have only dreamed about staying in the Waldorf and now I AM!!! So be prepared to see a ton of pictured on Instagram and some posts on my blog about my experience. Lets see if all the dreams live up to the reality.

Have you ever stayed at the Waldorf (in any city)? Did you love it?

Ciao and anticipating luxury,

Alexis