Its been a whirlwind-fun-family-food-GETTING BACK ON TRACK NOW!!

Anyone else feeling that way? The past week- WOW-not only did it FLY by it was full of so many things-I am happy and sad to see it all end.



Great Granny and Gramps loving on Scarlet on Christmas day

Hope everyone had an amazing Holiday! Just wanted to share this pic I took of my folks with sweet Scarlet that I absolutely LOVE! As well as my fav pic with her. She is changing so much so quickly. I love this little bug with my whole heart!

Love this baby girl-such a trooper!

BEST PART OF COURSE MY SIS ROBIN-HER HUBBY JEFF AND HER BOYS TREVOR AND LUKE WERE HERE!!! They got to meet Scarlet and we were able to spend a lot of quality time with them. Its like the universe (family universe) is in balance. Love this family. 

The Williams family with Miss Scarlet

I am not going to lie. I indulged quite a bit this year. It was weird and amazing all at the same time. I seriously need to start taking pics of my indulgences. It started on Christmas Eve and stopped...oh well about 2 hours ago. It is the first time in years that I just kind of relaxed and let myself enjoy things I normally wouldn't and even though I still worked out..whoa..I kind of felt like crap. There is ALOT to be said about clean eating but sometimes...ya just gotta allow some indulgences.

Hence the reason I am getting back on track NOW!! I don't want to say tomorrow because I hate the whole start of the week I am going to eat clean BS. But I guess that is what I am doing.

FOOD PREP! I hate food prepping on short weeks but I also love it because then when I am off I have quick access to easy food.

I ended up having 3 large pieces of leftover frittata- and discovered the reason for the basil pest..uh its amazing.
So I decided to make a soup that caught my eye a few weeks ago as well as a crock pot recipe of chicken and mushrooms.
 

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN SOUP

1.5 lbs chicken breast

3-4 carrots chopped

3-4 stalks celery chopped

1 red onion chopped

1/3 cup of rice (this is optional)

8 cups of water ( 1 did 2 chicken stock 6 water)

10 black olive pitted and halved

fresh parsley and lemon to garnish

Place chicken in pot- add onion, carrots, celery and salt and pepper water (and chicken stock) stir and bring to a boil-

 

add rice (optional) and olives-stand reduce-simmer 30-40 min-

 

 remove chicken and let it cool slightly- shred it and return it to the pot-I let it simmer about another 10 min. Serve hot garnished with lemon and parsley. YUM!!!!

This makes quite a bit. I am sure it will freeze up great!

 

I have a big bag of salad that I made for a party so I will be having soup and salad for lunches this week!

 

Item #2 came out of free download book that Maria shared- Easy Paleo Recipes -Paleo Slow Cooker Recipes

 

Chicken with Mushrooms

2lbs chicken thighs and drumsticks

1lbs sliced mushrooms (I threw in a little extra because I LOVE mushrooms)

1 tbs coconut oil

1tbs minced garlic

1 cup chicken broth

2 tbs almond flour

1 tbs dried parsley

1 tsp dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

Season the chicken- I used salt and pepper and greek seasoning- heat oil in a skillet over med high heat- add the garlic -cook for one minute- add the chicken-brown on both sides (approx. 2 min each side) put chicken in the crock pot and cover with the mushrooms-

Whisk remaining ingredients and drizzle over the chicken and mushrooms. Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours (or 5-6 hours high)

 

The smell of this one was over the top amazing! So easy- super clean eating. Its crazy how easy this is. I will probably have a little side of kale with this.

 

So as you can see-for a post that is right before a New year this is void of a bunch of New years resolution CRAP. Sorry folks. I think resolutions are CRAP. You shouldn't have to wait for a new year, new week, new month to change something or start something new. Here is the thing. Life is so short. Why would you put off anything about yourself, your situation, your health, your fitness, YOUR ANYTHING- when you could change it now? Change is a process-sometimes it takes more than days, weeks and or years.

So I am not going to fish for what your resolutions are for the "New Year" but what is your resolution for today? 

Today?

I am going to eat clean and always WOD hard, learn to love a little more freely, accept people for who they are (not to be confused with actually liking people-don't get it twisted) etc etc. But I am not waiting to January 1 to do this. Why put off until then what I can start now? Think about it....

 

(PS in case you are wondering-Goals are good-goals are GREAT-set goals regularly-not resolutions once a year :)

 

 

Everyone have a safe and Happy New Years! Croni-OUT!

 

 

 

120 burpees, 120 pullups, 2000M row, 55 deadlifts at 155# and 55 handstand pushups....in less than 24 hours..

Seems like a lot of work right? BECAUSE IT IS!! I have to say...wasn't sure how Saturday was going to go after 120 burpees and 120 pull ups on Friday night. I WOD at 5:00pm on Friday and then again on Saturday morning..sometimes getting just over 12 hours break. Saturday I have been taking advantage of the open gym hours at 22 from 7:00-8:30. I do this because quite honestly I have to gauge how wiped out I am and then adjust accordingly. Its what I do. I was super happy to get 55 handstand push ups even if it was with a double pad. Wont be long before I won't need them anymore! they are coming along easier each time I do them.

I CANT BELIEVE CHRISTMAS WEEK IS HERE!!! Its crazy. Time flies when you are having fun!!!

Speaking of fun... decided Miss Lady Scarlet and I needed to take some selfies on Friday night. Man I love this baby girl. She has such a sweet disposition..so similar to how I remember her Daddy being as a baby. I love her like crazy!!!
She is the baby of a million faces!!! I can't believe how much she changes each time that I see her!! Life has been so busy for the kiddos and for myself so squeezing in some baby time has been tough. So thankful we were able to get it all worked out Friday night. Even the Mr was able to be there!!

She did not love the selfies experiment at all...



Someone asked me a very interesting question this week and something I guess I never really think about. He asked me if I stop eating Paleo during the Holidays. I kind of had to stop and think about it. Lets be honest. This time of the year is the worst to try and stick to a stricter than normal eating plan but my answer was YES! I eat Paleo as much as I can. BUT I ALSO BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE SOME JOY IN YOUR LIFE!!! My plan is to eat as strict as possible but still enjoy myself within reason. I just feel like this works for me. If I try and get too strict..I fail.

So I am loving on PaleOMG again this week. I HAVE ONLY A 2 DAY WORK WEEK!! WHOOT WHOOT!!! it could not have happened at a better time for me. I have been working like a dog and I am EXHAUSTED! But when big sis Robin comes in town...I take the time off. I just do not get enough time with her and I never want to look back with any regrets..and work is work...it will still be there when she has gone back to Cali.

I only made two items this week. 1 breakfast-and dinner/lunch. Links to recipes will be at the bottom of this post.

FIRST: Pesto Zucchini Noodle Bacon Frittata with Mushrooms and Kale! you absolutely can not go wrong with a Frittata you can put just about anything you want in it! The only changes I made to this was that I added red pepper flakes. That's all- I used about 1 1/2 packages of the pre sliced mushrooms and honestly..should have just used them both! Love mushrooms!

I do not have a spiralizer so I just used my mandolin.

 

The before product- if you do not have a heavy skillet like this I recommend you get one. 20.00 at Walmart.

 

The finished product. I was able to cut 8 good size pieces -I cut it as I would a pizza

 

 The basil pesto is delicious but I am not sure I am going to LOVE it for breakfast..but I made it either way.

The second recipe that she posted that caught my eye was from 2012 but I believe it was a repost. BUFFALO CHICKEN AND SWEET POTATO MEATZA??? WHAT?? Its a carnivores dream!!!! Meat with meat? You don't mind if I do. Super simple to make. I didn't use grass fed beef. I do not really prefer red meat at all so I subbed Turkey and turkey Italian sausage. It seems to be a great substitute. I did drain it well and pat it with paper towels before adding the chicken and sweet potato mixture. That was really the only modifications I made. This made 8 servings as well. I froze 4 of them right away.
 

 
I did add a 1/4 of a red onion and some garlic to the oil before adding my sweet potatoes.

My finished product. I did actually bake this for about 20 minutes just to make sure all of the meat was in fact cooked. This is delicious!! who doesn't love a MEATZA???

 

Tis the season of sugar. Here is a little tip for a little cleaner version of something delicious my sis Liz makes each year. Super simple and so delicious. I used a can of lightly salted mixed nuts (I had to laugh because it said on the outside less than 50% peanuts but I don't think that was accurate) blueberries and enjoy life chocolate chips.

 

 You simply use the mini muffin liners- add the nuts and blueberries. Melt the enjoy life chips-I just put them in a glass bowl and zap them for about 2 1/2 minutes in the microwave

Just spoon the melted chocolate over the top of the blueberry/nut mixture- cover with was paper and put in the fridge until set. I am going take these to work tomorrow and just not tell anyone they are Paleo-ish :)

Keep them in the fridge when not stuffing your face with them!

I don't have much else for a Sunday night. Excited for Christmas and to spend time with the people that mean the very most to me. I have struggled this year. I have had so MUCH on my plate that I have let the reason for the season slip away from me. I hope to be able to focus on that. I have so much to be thankful for. The bumps in the road of my life have been put there for a reason and that is for me to push through and preserver and become strong because of it.

Wishing you all the very best Christmas ever! Finish the year out strong! Live, love, laugh and be thankful!!
Croni....Out
http://paleomg.com/guest-post-pesto-zucchini-noodle-bacon-frittata-with-mushrooms-and-kale/

http://paleomg.com/buffalo-chicken-sweet-potato-meatza/

 

New week...Renewed focus...get that crap week behind me!!

I HAD A HORRIBLE EATING WEEK LAST WEEK!!!!! This is true confessions for me. Being ill, working too much and just feeling sick and tired kind of took it's toll on me last week. I got so lazy with food prep and I am paying for it!!! One night I actually just went to In and Out and got a double double protein style. 2 problems-and not a problem for everyone...just a problem for me..it's drenched in cheese and some delicious sauce.
I quickly realized this could put me on a very slippery slope...so here is what my shopping cart looked like this week- eat clean...pretty simple..going to try out a new recipe that's tuna with cucumber and dill pickle relish? should be interesting!

I had an interesting little meltdown this week in regards to candy...which I normally never have a problem with...but here is my warning - stay away from...candy cane and cherry cordial Hershey kisses...AND pretzel and mint M & M's this will be my only warning...EVIL!


Anyway...that was last week and I am putting it behind me and moving on.

Love my folks so much- isn't my Dads hat awesome? 

Had an AWESOME Saturday with my family. We went to Temple Square and then went back to my folks to share memories about my brother Shane. I was bummed that some of our family couldn't be there but this is a CRAZY time of year hard to get so many people in the same space at the same time. It was a great time and I think that some of the younger grand kids got to hear stories and things about Shane that they didn't know before.

FINALLY FINISHED MY CRAFT PROJECT! I am going to be completely honest. I had a much different vision for these bottles but I am happy with how they turned out just the same!

 

 

 

Sweet Miss Scarlet- what can I say? I love this baby girl. So glad her sweet parents keep me posted with all her happenings! She met Santa this weekend and I love this pic!! Thanks so technology I feel like I never miss a thing!! She is getting so big and strong- My kiddos started working out again last week and I get to hog her while they are wodding!! highlight of my life right now!!

 

Lets get down to food business. I have a lot of work to do this week getting my eating back on track. And I found a few recipes that appealed to me. But what I am making for my main staples this week- Crockpot Pulled Pork Chili- thanks PaleOMG- and a cookie sheet tray of meatballs. I also made as a side- one of my favs twice baked cauliflower ( all recipes below)

The Chili- here is what a learned- there is a noticeable difference between regular paprika and smoked paprika- hence the word "smoked" -the only thing I did differently from the OMG recipe was that I just chopped my veggies and onions instead of dicing them-to make it chunky and I added a SEEDED jalapeno. You will see why when you see the ingredients because I am NOT shy about loving my spice.

 

This is not done yet. I started it kind of late BUT I had to test it. My garage smells like a dream right now- this has amazing flavor - cant wait to have it this week!!

Breakfast is going to be simple- I am going to take a little break from spinach with my eggs and sub kale but sticking to what I know until I can get back on track strong.

I also did make a Paleo treat Gingerbread brownies-hoping this will help me when I am feeling the desire for sugar!! I cooked these in a glass pan and I am so SO bummed that the edges burned just a little. While baking these..I felt like I was sitting in a gingerbread house!! They are delicious- I cut them in about 2"x 2" squares and froze them right away. They are delicious. So 2 great recipes from OMG!!

 

http://paleomg.com/crockpot-pulled-pork-chili/

http://paleomg.com/gingerbread-brownies/

http://paleospirit.com/2011/twice-baked-cauliflower/

 

 

Well welcome to a new week- food is prepped and ready to go. I even went on a freak cleaning frenzy today- so decided that was my theme for the week- CLEAN IF IT KILLS ME!!!

 

I am still struggling getting into the "Christmas Spirit". That is my second focus. To let all of the stress go so that I can truly embrace this wonderful time of year!!

 

Here is wishing everyone a strong week-clean eating and such. Don't let the things that can come with this time of year derail you completely..if you fall down get the HELL right back up..dust yourself off!!! And if it helps...LIFT HEAVY THINGS.....I do.

Have a good week ya'll....Croni...out!

 

 

One year later...I still have so many words....just so little time..

I cant believe it's been a whole year and 2 days ago today that I decided to find a place for all my words via a blog. Don't get me wrong...this is just a very small portion of the things I have to say...but hey..its something.

I looked back over my last years post. MY GOODNESS...so many MANY things have happened! I feel compelled to highlight a few

** I BECAME A GRANNY!!!!!

My sweet Grandbaby Scarlet T McCloyn

** I competed in quite a few CrossFit competitions...and was NOT shy blogging about my accomplishments along with pictures.

** I shared my-what used to be very private to me- before and after story with everyone in blog world-not only did I share mine-I shared several others.

** I learned to love me...and blogged about it....

** I repeatedly professed my unwaivering love for my family, my friends, CrossFit, Food, Paleo..etc..etc.. and I blogged ALOT about it.

** I shared many recipes and photos of food..some were not so appealing!!

** I put a muscle up on my bucket list....it's still there..

** I volunteered for 3 days at the CrossFit Regionals ( my little dream vacation-surrounded by like minded people)..and blogged about it.


That is seriously just a small portion of the things I blogged about. And amazingly...people read my blog. I have an audience..small as it may be of people who appreciate and respect who I am and what I have to say, I do not sugar coat much. I blog about my success' but I am not afraid to talk about my failures. Life is not all candy and roses people! Don't be afraid to talk about what is really going on!

The one regret that I do have ...currently...I just do not really have the time to blog like I used to. Life has come in like a wrecking ball. My job had become kind of demanding and since it pays the bills...I have to give it my focus. So my blogging is suffering. I have to remember there is always a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel....just need to find the tunnel.

I don't have much more time so I want to share ONE thing that was heavy on my mind today. I bought this little saying and wasn't sure what I was thinking when got it...but knew it would find its place in my sweet home somewhere

I have kind of gotten away from traditional Christmas colors. I have gotten away from a traditional Christmas if you will. Sometimes I get so caught up in the commercial part of Christmas that I tend to forget. It took me glancing over-at this saying with my sweet Grandbaby Scarlets picture in the background to kind of slap me into reality. Christmas is the time of year where I struggle the most-but I am realizing why. Its because I have let go of the "tradition" of Christmas. I have given into the material things and I have forgotten what my parents worked so hard to teach me as a child. I am not going to get all religious crazy on you. But I am going to say there is something to be said about remembering what the true meaning of Christmas is.

Since I normally post something inspirational on Wed and do food on Sunday...I wanted to share this today. I feel like I am all over the board. I mostly just wanted to celebrate that I have been blogging for 1 whole year...and I have just barely scratched the surface.

These thoughts and photos are courtesy of JornalMenu-like their FB page if you haven't already

 

Full speed ahead.

It's that time of year when getting off track or derailed is pretty much as easy as breathing.

Focus on your plans for next year, is it to stay in shape? Make it to Regionals? Qualify for Nationals in weightlifting?
...
What you do now, the choices you make, the time you put in - it directly effects your performance next month.

Slacking now is like shooting yourself in the foot later.

It's only an hour - consider making the time a holiday present to yourself. Consider it a break from the family, the food, the deadlines at work.

Do you know how hard it is to come back from a week off? How sore you will be? How much you will kick yourself for not getting up and doing something...anything?

It's easy to think you aren't losing much when you are sitting on the couch watching movies for the third night in a row. It's easy to think you are still on track.

But you aren't.

Stay moving, keep hitting the WOD, make the time. Put in the work now so you start your resolutions off on the right foot.

Crank it up a notch and go full speed ahead.

FULL SPEED AHEAD FOLKS...THE END OF THE YEAR IS QUICKLY APPROACHING.. BELIEVE IN THE SPIRIT OF THE THINGS THAT YOU TRULY BELIEVE IN AND WANT TO ACCOMPLISH..

CRONI...OUT!