WHOA lansi

Page 27 of 35

April in Instagram

On May 1, 2013

While other places can bet that spring will actually begin in March, we’re not so lucky in Calgary. Spring definitely does not begin until much later for us. Sometimes it doesn’t even show up much in April. That was the case this year. We had a few warmer days, but we also had more snowfall than I was anticipating.

I’m hoping for many spring days in May though. I’m more than ready to put my tights and winter coats away until November. (Who am I kidding, it’ll snow in October for sure!)

This month was full of cooking, baking, and hanging out at home watching Netflix. We just got Netflix and literally watched Seasons 2-4 of Prison Break in about a week.

Early this month, we decided to go back to strict Paleo and take time off drinking so we were pretty anti-social. We’ve slipped up a few times though.We’re doing it more so for our budget than for health-reasons, so I’ve definitely had some wine at work events and so has N. We’re continuing with this until his birthday on May long and then after that I hope to continue with saving money by not going out for dinners and drinks so often. We’re great at packing a lunch every day, but the minute friends suggest beers at the pub down the street we’re on it like white on rice.

Alright, enough talk about Paleo and on to this month’s Instagram recap.

Follow me on Instagram @whoalansi

1. At the first sign of warmer weather, we hit up Village Ice Cream (before this Paleo month) for a delicious treat. If you’ve never had Village’s Salted Caramel Ice Cream, stop what you’re doing and get over there now. I’m serious.
2. We enjoyed a delicious potluck with friends. I love nights like this. Catching up with friends and eating delicious food are two of my favourite pastimes.
3. Flames games with the boy! We were lucky enough to be able to take advantage of my parents tickets a few times this year. Hockey is so great up close!
4. One of our slip ups for a friend’s birthday: Centurion and CPU pizza. I felt awesome the next day, but it was a fun night anyway.
5. All dressed up in work colours for an event. I love dresses for work.
6. Fitness Friday is still going strong. I’m so excited about it. A friend of mine from Montreal was even inspired to start it at her office!
7. Another little cheat. Friday night walk to Boogies for milkshakes and hanging out on the ridge in Crescent Heights. This is one of my favourite places in our neighbourhood!
8. We decided to check out Wreck City on the final night. It was a really cool event. We got to hang out in this infinite pot room, crawl through forests, and cross over lava. My inner tomboy was in heaven!
9. Since we haven’t been going out much or drinking, I’ve been baking a ton. This was my second batch of Paleo Banana Bread. It’s so easy to make that I’m pretty sure it will become a staple in our house. Not to mention, Banana Bread French Toast is a great weekend brunch. God, I love brunch.

Hope everyone else had a great April! Bring on spring, May! I painted my toes the other day so I’m so ready for sandals and peep toes!

Spicy Sweet Pasta Sauce

By whoalansi

On April 29, 2013

In Uncategorized

I’m obsessed. Seriously obsessed.

Two words: Yam Pasta. I don’t know how I never thought of this before, but ever since discovering this recipe on George’s website, it’s all I’ve wanted to make. Thank you, George! You’re a genius!

The beginning of a delicious pasta sauce.

The first night we made it, we decided to try it with a tomato sauce. We’re both big fans of spicy chorizo so we decided to make a pasta sauce with some chorizo in it. Since it’s become a weekly favourite, I thought I’d share it with everyone. It’s one of the simplest sauces we make so I’m not even sure it’s officially a recipe, but I think it’s delicious so give it a try!

Cooking up some delicious chorizo sausage.

Tomato Sauce:

Ingredients

· 1 can of tomato paste

· Chorizo sausage

· 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

· 1 tablespoon cinnamon

· 1 tablespoon coconut milk

· A pinch of nutmeg

· Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut chorizo into bite-sized pieces

2. Cook chorizo in skillet

3. Once cooked, add chorizo and other ingredients to a pot

4. Cook on medium heat until warmed

5. Add to sweet potato noodles

Cutting up some chorizo.

We’ve since made this a couple times. Usually we’ve done it with Yam Noodles, but the time I managed to remember to take photos, I had it with spaghetti squash. Both are awesome, but I highly recommend the Yam Noodles.

Chorizo and Sauce.

Enjoy!

Delicious Paleo Pasta

Weekend Wears

By whoalansi

On April 22, 2013

In Fashion

Last weekend was full of food: farmer’s market, baking, cooking, and eating. It snowed on Sunday so we when we weren’t wrapped in a blanket, watching Prison Break on Netflix, we were cooking. Well, mostly I was cooking. Our kitchen isn’t really made for two.

It was a typical snowy spring day when we took these pictures – the beginning of the weekend snow storm. I bundled up in my favourite boots, a comfy sweater, leggings, and my leather jacket. Uncharacteristically monochromatic of me.

Our next few weekends will probably look a lot this this: cooking, baking, eating, and hanging out at the Farmer’s Market. I’m sure I’ll add in some CrossFit, running, and time with family and friends as well. Sometimes it’s nice to have a low key weekend.

I got N a nice new winter jacket for his birthday and it arrived really early. I just couldn’t wait to give it to him though so I did last week. I ordered it from Bridge and Burn and it’s even more beautiful than I expected it to be. Of course, I had to snap a photo too.

Doesn’t he look nice? Yeah, I thought so too!

Boston

By whoalansi

On April 19, 2013

In Uncategorized

I’ve gone back and forth all week about whether I was going to write anything about what happened at the Boston Marathon this week. I’m sure I don’t have anything to say that hasn’t already been said. I’m also sure that there are plenty of people who will have said it much better, but I decided tonight that I’d thought about it enough to warrant posting something.

This tragedy hit home for me in a few different ways. I know that there are people who experience these types of things every year, every month, maybe even every week. I’m fortunate enough to live in a country where this isn’t my reality. For this, I am truly grateful.

Boston is a wonderful city. My roommate and I did a road trip after I graduated from the University of McGill and one of the stops was Boston. I have nothing but fond memories of the city and its people. My thoughts and prayers go out to them, their families, and their friends.

As a runner, I was shaken by the news on Monday. Boston is an iconic event. I have nothing but respect and admiration for those who endeavour to run it. I’ve qualified for Boston in my dreams although I have no intentions of ever running a Marathon in reality. For me, it’s the marathon. The one I’d love to run if I ever managed to qualify for it.

I can only imagine how awful it must have been for those who were there. I’ve run enough half marathons to know that the last mile is usually the most painful. By that point, I’m just trying to keep moving forward. Imagine getting turned away after having run 41 km of the Boston Marathon – to not officially finish the race. In my mind, those people are all finishers. And the ones who continued on to give blood at a nearby hospital are incredible heroes. I am in awe of their strength.

Even more terrifying is imagining coming down the home stretch as an explosion goes off. Or watching for your husband, wife, father, mother to finish the race and instead finding yourself in the midst of a fatal attack.

I’ve always associated running with the feeling of freedom. When I abandon it, it’s always willing to accept me back. It doesn’t judge me. It doesn’t cost me anything. It gives me time to unplug. Running gives me so much. And being a runner means being part of a community – a wonderful, welcoming, friendly community. It’s one of the most inclusive clubs I’ve ever belonged to – it doesn’t matter if you’re fast or slow, if you run barefoot or with orthotics. All that matters is that you’re doing it.

And that might just be the worst part about this tragedy. I don’t want tragedy to taint Boston, or even worse, running in general.

Wednesday at lunch, I laced up my shoes and went for a short run by the river. There was nothing spectacular about it aside from the fact that I got out and did it. I hope that others continue to do the same. I love running and I hope to never have someone try to take it away from me.

Meal Prep Monday

By whoalansi

On April 17, 2013

In Uncategorized

I’ve talked before about how important and helpful I find meal planning and prep. These tools are one of the only reasons I even come close to sticking to both a budget and a lifestyle. N and I have been following the Primal Blueprint since the end of our month of Paleo in December. The Primal Blueprint is very similar to Paleo except more lenient in terms of dairy, rice, wine, and beer.

Veggies for the week

This month we’ve decided to do 30 days of Paleo while also cutting out drinking. Not only does it save us some money (no cheese, no alcohol!), but I also feel a lot better cutting these things out. What’s a month, anyway?

We honestly didn’t get off to the best start with this challenge, but we’re back on track now. Sometimes I find myself looking at others and thinking they never have setbacks. I know this isn’t true though so I don’t want to come across as one of those people who never falls short. I do. Frequently. But I try to keep it in perspective. There’s no point in dwelling on a few beers or a couple french fries you shouldn’t have eaten.

Cutting up colourful peppers for snacks

One of the best ways we’ve found to be successful in our day to day lives is to prepare snacks in advance. This doesn’t always happen Monday, but usually early in the week. (Meal Prep Monday just sounds better than Meal Prep Sunday or Tuesday). I find it easiest to do everything for the week at once, so I’ll cook up any bacon we plan to eat for breakfasts, cut up veggies for snacks, make egg bites, or bake muffins. I’m lazy so this works for me.

Breakfast for the week: Bacon Acorn Squash Patties

It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut so I’m more than grateful for websites like Civilized Caveman and PaleOMG and books like Practical Paleo. I would probably end up eating the same thing every week if it weren’t for these awesomely talented and creative people!

Bacon Beef Butternut Squash

Yup, we eat a lot of bacon.

All of these sources have inspired me to be more creative and taught me how delicious life can be, even without my beloved grains. We tried a ridiculously good pasta recipe with George’s Sweet Potato Pasta and our own sauce creation. I’ll try and get some decent pictures of that one next time since it’s one of my new favourites and it’s ridiculously simple!

CrossFit Open Games

By whoalansi

On April 14, 2013

In Uncategorized

I’ve blogged quite a bit about the CrossFit Open. It wasn’t something I originally had any plans to participate in, but a few of the girls at the box I go to were all doing it and talked me into it. It’ll be fun to see how you rank, they said.

I probably sound like a broken record, but I’m really glad they talked me into doing the Open. I don’t have a problem pushing myself in work outs, but I’m sure I pushed harder in the Open than I would in a normal workout. It definitely helps to have people cheering for you (or sometimes yelling).

Workout 13.3
12 min AMRAP
150 Wall Balls
90 Double Unders
30 Muscle Ups

When this workout was announced, I felt ok about the wall balls. I’d done 150 wall balls before and it had been awful, but it hadn’t taken me 12 minutes. I didn’t factor in the fact that I’d done them with less than a 14 pound med ball. On my first attempt at this workout, my shoulders gave out well before my legs did. I only got 136 reps. My legs weren’t too sore, so I decided to re-do the workout on Sunday and scored 154. From now on, I think I’ll be doing wall balls with a 16 pound ball.

Keegan and I doing Toes to Bar

Workout 13.4
7 min AMRAP
3 Clean and Jerks (95 lb.)
3 Toes to Bar
6 Clean and Jerks (95 lb.)
6 Toes to Bar
9 Clean and Jerks (95 lb.)
9 Toes to Bar
…if you complete 9, move on to 12, and so on until 7 minutes is up.

Keegan’s Clean and Jerk

This workout was pretty fun for me. Most people were worried about Toes to Bar, but those have never been something I struggle with so I was more worried about the Clean and Jerks. I’d never Clean and Jerked more than 75 pounds before. I guess I’m getting stronger because 95 pounds didn’t feel nearly as bad as I thought it would (at least at first).

Noel doing Clean and Jerks

I’d also convinced N to come take photos for us. He got lots of great shots of everyone at the gym. There were lots of people around to cheer and support. It was great!

Toes to Bar

Clean and Jerks

The coaches at CrossFit Airdrie organized a potluck to celebrate the end of 13.5. The workout got pushed a bit later and I ended up getting there a bit late, so I didn’t get photos of anyone else doing the WOD. I did bring my SLR that day though and one of the guys who’d already done it took some photos for me so I have some pretty entertaining one of myself. The faces I make while I’m lifting heavy things are pretty entertaining.

Nice Game Face

Workout 13.5
4 min AMRAP
15 Thrusters
15 Chest to Bar Pull-ups

Thrusters hurt so bad

This workout was crazy. It’s basically an infinite Fran. Fran is one of the CrossFit benchmark WODs and is notorious. The workouts named after girls are always pretty beastly, but Fran is in a league of her own. There’s something about the combination of Thrusters and Pull-ups that just makes you want to puke. So Dave Castro took the worst set of Fran and changed the Pull-ups to Chest to Bar Pull-ups and gave elites the possibility of extending the workout. For every 90 reps completed, the workout would be extended another 4 minutes. I don’t think anyone made it into the 16 minutes range, but getting through 8 minutes is beyond impressive.

Chest to Bar Pull-ups make for hilarious photos

I got through 31 reps the first time I tried. I didn’t think I’d have as much trouble with Chest to Bar Pull-ups as I did. For someone who hasn’t mastered kipping, I’m pretty good at pull-ups. I really struggled with them though, as evidenced by my post last week. I watched tons of videos online for tips on Chest to Bar Pull-ups before re-doing it Sunday. It definitely helped, but I still hit a wall pretty quickly in the workout. My final score was 36 reps. Fran, you are one terrible lady!

Last Thruster.

Now that the Open is over, I miss excitedly tuning in to the WOD announcements at 6 pm every Wednesday. It was really fun to watch two elite athletes go up against each other a few minutes after learning what the WOD was.

The results are all officially up on the website now. I am 657th in Western Canada and 18 426th in the World for Individual Women. It’s unbelievable how many people participated this year! I’m already looking forward to next year!

This post is ridiculously long now, but I wanted to get all my CrossFit Open talk done for this year since I know not everyone cares about the subject. Congratulations if you made it this far! I know I’m very long winded.

Easter

By whoalansi

On April 10, 2013

In Uncategorized

N and I spent Easter Sunday with my parents this year. Mom asked that I bring an appetizer so I got up early Sunday morning and set to work. I decided to make deviled eggs. What is more perfect for Easter than deviled eggs?

The recipe I used is from Bon Appétit and they were a huge hit! Even my brother seemed impressed with them. I can definitely see myself making them again, since they were so easy and they include ingredients we tend to have on hand: bacon, eggs, and green onions.

Bacon Deviled Eggs

Mom set out some other delicious appetizers including homemade bruschetta, olives, crackers, and a selection of delicious cheeses. I was in appetizer heaven. This is honestly one of my favourite things about family gatherings: sitting around the island, munching on delicious things, and having a couple drinks before dinner.

Appetizers

Nathan hanging out before dinner

For my family, Easter is usually either Ham or Lamb. Luckily for me, my parents had decided on lamb this year. I’m just not a big Spiral Ham fan. Don’t get me wrong, I like Ham, but it inevitably makes me think of lamb and then I’m just disappointed. Sorry, Ham, you just can’t compete with Lamb!

Mom originally told me we were having Lamb when she invited us for dinner. I then came over the week before Easter and she told me she had some news for me: We were going to be having Ham instead of Lamb at Easter. She then took photos of my disappointment and laughed a lot before telling me it was all a joke. We would still be having Lamb.

Mom Cooking

Delicious Lamb

As usual, dinner was delicious. Dad made risotto and roasted asparagus with harrissa to go with the lamb. Looking at these photos makes me wish I could go back in time and eat this right now.

All in all, it was a wonderful day with N and my family. The weather even cooperated enough for me to wear open toed heels and a skirt! I forgot to ask Nathan to take a photo of me, but I did manage to snap this one of my gem of a brother.

What a photogenic kid!

Weekend Wears

By whoalansi

On April 9, 2013

In Fashion

Last weekend it finally got warm enough not to have to wear tights, so of course I took advantage of this. Since it was Good Friday and we couldn’t eat meat, we decided to go for sushi. It had been so long since we’d last gone, so it was a nice treat. We tried a place downtown that we’d never been to and it definitely passed my salmon sashimi test so we’ll be back. (I rank all my sushi experiences by how good their salmon sashimi is. It’s my absolute favourite Japanese food!)

We grabbed a car2go downtown but afterwards it was so warm that we decided to walk to a bar for a couple drinks. It felt very much like spring. I probably should have known it wouldn’t last for long. We got snow yesterday morning so it’s been back to tights or pants.

I haven’t worn this dress since the fall, but I just love it! It’s so comfortable and easy to wear. We did a lot of walking this evening and I found my new booties totally comfortable. I think they’ll be perfect for Stampede week. It’s nice to have a shorter option when it gets really hot that week.

Looking back at these photos has gotten me even more excited for Spring and sadly I’m going to have to bundle up a bit for work tomorrow. Come on weather! I’m tired of tights and pants! Bring on the dresses!

Thanks to N for being such a good sport and taking these photos when he was hungry!

Chest to Bar Pull Ups

By whoalansi

On April 5, 2013

In Uncategorized

I was going to hold off on posting about CrossFit until the Open was over. N took some photos of the WOD on Sunday and I’m trying not to come off as too CrossFit obsessed (although I am, I know).

Open workout 13.5 was announced last night though and I did it tonight. One of the movements is Chest to Bar Pull Ups. I’ve never attempted a Chest to Bar Pull Up. I currently can do strict pull ups, but I haven’t figured out kipping and I definitely haven’t figured out Butterflies. Since I didn’t have time to learn either of these things tonight before attempting 13.5, I did whatever I could to get my chest up to the bar, as many times as possible. This mostly involved a lot of leg swing, hip drive, and sheer determination.

We all had a pretty good laugh about my “technique” (or lack-there-of) afterwards. So now there are kipping pull ups, butterfly pull ups, and my method: Alanna pull ups. I got one of the coaches to video an example of what this looks like so I could share.

Enjoy, have a laugh, and, if you’re doing 13.5, GOOD LUCK!

March in Instagram

By whoalansi

On April 3, 2013

In Uncategorized

Spring seems to finally arrived in Calgary and I couldn’t be more excited. Of course, it’s supposed to snow tomorrow, but until then I will enjoy every last ounce of sunshine that I can! H & I went for a gorgeous run at lunch and N and I plan on meeting up at the delicious Village Ice Cream after work.

April is here and I hope she doesn’t have many showers for us! March was filled with CrossFit Open Work Outs (I bet you didn’t see that one coming), delicious Big Taste meals, fun nights with friends, and lots of Fitness! I’m trying out a different way of sharing this month’s photos, so we’ll see how I like this. Here’s what we got up to in March.

Follow me on Instagram @whoalansi

1. We started off the month with a pretty big snowstorm. Luckily it was on a Sunday so it didn’t bring the city to a grinding halt and I went out frolicking thanks to my AWD!

2. Fitness Fridays have continued. We’ve recruited a few more and have been keeping things interesting every week. I love seeing new faces come out!

3. D and I at Wurst for Z’s birthday. As always, it was a great time. Who doesn’t like 1L beers and beer hall style tables.

4. Big Taste is one of the best weeks for dining in Calgary. $35 set menu at 70 different restaurants in Calgary? Mom, Dad, N, and I went to Charcut this year. By far one of my favourite restaurants!

5. The girls at CrossFit Airdrie talked me into doing the Open and I’m so glad that they did. It’s been such a great experience. I’ve seen such improvement in my lifts and confidence and am so humbled by the amazing CrossFit athletes all around the world.

6. H, N, and I headed out to Lake Louise for once last day of skiing this season. Gorgeous snow and great company!

7. Saturday Coffee Dates are just the best!

8. It’s been warm enough for bare legs lately. I’ve been busting out the dresses and booties at every opportunity. I’m so ready for Spring!

9. Stars put on another great show last weekend. I’ve seen them four times and this was by far my favourite show. Thanks for the amazing night, Stars!

Tomorrow they announce the last CrossFit Open WOD. I’m both excited and sad for these weekly workouts to end. N very kindly came out to Airdrie with me on Sunday to take some photos, so I’ll hopefully be posting those soon. I make some pretty awesome faces when I work out!

We’re planning on cutting back on a few things this month, so cross your fingers for beautiful weather so we can spend out time outside and maintain some type of social life!

What did you get up to this month? Anything exciting planned for April?

WHOA lansi

francophile, oenophile, logophile, turophile

Page 27 of 35

April in Instagram

Spicy Sweet Pasta Sauce

Tomato Sauce:

Weekend Wears

Boston

Meal Prep Monday

CrossFit Open Games

Easter

Weekend Wears

Chest to Bar Pull Ups

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