Category Archives: Family Fun
My Week So Far + Five Things
This week started out dragging and then suddenly flew by!
My weekend was nice and quiet. Saturday was a rest day for me, which my body truly appreciated since I’ve been pushing it so hard. As I was lazily laying in bed, I stumbled upon a Groupon for the Color Me Rad 5K, which is taking place in May. Of course I couldn’t resist signing up for another Fun Run…especially since it was only 20 bucks! After a lazy day and dinner, the hubs and I watched “Oz The Great and Powerful”, which I enjoyed but had some issues with. Have you seen it? What were your thoughts?
Sunday I earned my final badge in the #FurtherFasterFurther Road ID Challenge, by doing a 3.17 mile run, wearing green for St. Patty’s Day. After my run, I begin cooking our St. Patty’s Day Feast and then we spent the rest of the day relaxing and eating.
![IMG_5230[1]](https://getfitwithnikki.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_52301.jpg?w=300&h=300)
I ended up earning 31 badges….some had double or triple worth so I think I ended up 37 or 38!
Wednesday I did ChaLean Extreme, Push 1 & 2 and then followed it with 10.5 on the trainer. I also took a ride up to The Vitamin Shoppe and picked up some Quest bars. I’ve seen the lovely RunEMZ rave about them on Twitter and Instagram, so I had to check them out. Upon returning to my vehicle, I immediately tried the Chocolate Brownie and I was not disappointed at all! I need to get my booty over to GNC (since Vitamin Shoppe sucks and had limited stock of these) so I can try the other flavors she recommended.
![IMG_5249[1]](https://getfitwithnikki.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_52491.jpg?w=300&h=300)
Today has been a rough day. The hubs woke up puking around 1am, then my son woke up at 3am puking and finally the girl woke at 6am and followed their lead. I honestly don’t know how I escaped this, but I am truly grateful, as I am a total wuss when it comes to vomit. I did however complete a 15.5 mile ride on the trainer a little while ago and I’d like to do a short run as well as some yoga later.
Now for the Five Things…
The lovely Jackie, from Nora & Jac, tagged me in a Five Random Things post (which I didn’t realize was “random” so I’m winging this as I go) the other day, and I’ve been a super slacker about blogging, but I’m finally completing it soooo…
1. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York in this apartment building:
2. I HATE mayo…loathe it. I’m so against it, I don’t even like to touch the jar in the fridge. There is something about it that creeps me out.
3. I have “corpse extremities”. Seriously… my hands and feet are ALWAYS ice cold. I can have socks and boots on all day, take them off and I have toesicles. The hubs just LOVES when I stick my icy, dead hands on his back.
4. I love taking road trips. Granted, I am referring to road trips sans kids. I love driving, seeing the landscape and listening to whatever I want on the radio.
Finally, I’m borrowing one from Jac’s post, because my brain isn’t really functioning due to lack of sleep…
5. I’ve had many people tell me that I look like Mary-Louise Parker…you can be the judge.
Okay…there you have it. My week in review as well as Five Random Things about me. If you want to join in, please feel free and leave a link to your post below!
Filed under Health & Fitness, My Ramblings, Running
Expecto Patronum! You Can Be Fit & Nerdy!
In keeping with the theme of my Wordless Wednesday post this week, I offer you the Harry Potter Workout!
What better way to get yourself and your kids moving?!
Expelliarmus!!
Drop the popcorn and quit sitting on the couch, like a spud, watching these movies the 100th time, make it interesting and fun!
How it works: Each time one the items listed on the left is seen in the film, you and your kids perform the task listed on the right that goes with it. You can pause the movie or keep watching, that’s totally up to you and Potterhead level of fandom. Pretty simple, right?
I think “games” like this are a great way to get your kids moving, and make a movie a hands-on experience. Not a Harry Potter fan? Well…you’re probably not human. No really….. just make up your own cues and moves for your favorite movie and share them with me here or over on my Facebook page!
Filed under Family Fun, Health & Fitness, Quick Workouts
Pancakes! Pancakes! Pancakes!
Today is National Pancake Day!
Normally I would love to toss the kiddies into my truck and head over to iHop for some pancake delishiousness, but that’s just not happening. Instead, we have decided to make some for dinner tonight, right here in the comfort of our home.
The boy has requested traditional pancakes, the girl will most likely want chocolate chip and I’m going to have a banana protein version.
Of course I had to hop on Pinterest to see what they had for inspiration and as usual, they didn’t let me down. I found a paleo version of the pancakes while just browsing thru what the people I follow pinned. (Thanks Jackie!)
So here is the I found and what I’ll be using in the kitchen tonight:
This stack of fluffy goodness is made from 4 simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand!
Photo and recipe from RecipeBoy.com – Click on the photo to view both!
I’ll be using this recipe to create all three variations I mentioned above (unless the picky boy sees me, then he’ll be having Bisquick pancakes….don’t judge!) I think I’ll add some cinnamon and a scoop of vanilla protein powder to my banana pancakes….think a healthy version of banana bread!
Do you have a healthier version of pancakes that you love? Care to share your recipe? (wink wink)
Filed under Family Fun, Health & Fitness, Recipes, Snacks & Treats
2012 – A Year In Review
Last year I couldn’t wait for 2012 to arrive. I was fed up with 2011 and thought things had to get better. Well….I was wrong. My 2012 had a very shitty start, then improved, then bottomed out and finally fixed itself for the most part. One might say it was a roller coaster but I always thought those were supposed to be fun….hmmmmm.
Now were was I? Oh….right…. I learned a lot over the past year. I learned that I can handle a lot without breaking (although I came pretty damn close), who my real friends are (and that there aren’t many), that as much as it’s nice to have fun with people – you have to be able to enjoy being alone as well…..cause happiness comes from within and if you aren’t happy with yourself, it’s hard to be happy with others. There were many other lessons but that’s the gist of it. Or at least all I’m willing to openly discuss ;)
As 2013 prepares to make it’s grand entrance tonight at midnight, I’m both excited and a bit nervous. I have high hopes that 2013 leads me towards new, exciting and happy things, but as I mentioned above, I learned a lesson in 2012 …things could always get worse.
Anyway, I’m going into this new year positive, happy and with the mind set that anything can happen. I have a list of goals and things I’d like to do in the up coming months and I have a new focus on what’s important to me.
With that being said, 2012 wasn’t all bad and I have the photos to prove it! Here are some of my most treasured moments from 2012…
As much as they drive me crazy, my family is the most important thing to me. Top Left: Mike & I at a BBQ over the summer, Top Right: Family photo while visiting Lady Liberty. Bottom Photos: My amazing kids at the beach.
Good friends are hard to find! Top Left: BBQ with Mike’s coworkers. Top Left: Mike with Beth at the Jersey Shore . Bottom Left: Me with Kris during one of my OH trips. Bottom Right: Cheers to new friends!
Fitness Goals & Fun! Top Left: I can finally rock a bikini. Top Right: The fitness trail & my goal of being able to run a 5k. Bottom Left: The Color Run. Bottom Right: Me sporting my “tough” look.
The Sky’s The Limit! If you know me, you know I love taking pictures, especially of sunset and landscapes. Here are a few of my favorites from 2012: Top Left: Times Square while walking to Sweet Suite at BlogHer. Top Right: Open field on my way to the mall. Bottom Left: Sunset on my drive home. Bottom Right: My daughter and friend swinging high above Point Pleasant.
This quote is so true and I know I’m capable of making great strides in my fitness this year.
If there is one thing I hope to do…it’s to never lose focus on this.
There is always good to focus on, despite the bad that might be plaguing you. Here’s to a very Happy and of course Healthy New Year! Thanks again for following my blog and keeping me focused on what is important to me. You all inspire me so much and I’m forever grateful to everyone who takes the time to read my ramblings.
Filed under Family Fun, Fitness Inspiration, Health & Fitness, My Ramblings
![IMG_4237[1]](https://getfitwithnikki.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_42371.jpg?w=300&h=300)
Getting Crafty For The Holidays
As you all know, I’ve spent a lot of time on Pinterest this year, so it is no wonder I decided to look for inspiration for teacher gifts on there.
I normally do some kind of gift card for them as well as the bus drivers and religious instruction teachers. It tends to add up quickly and after the expenses that Super Storm Sandy brought with her, my budget was kinda small (not that it’s ever overflowing to begin with).
Thankfully I found these cute ideas to dress up holiday gift cards, as well as inexpensive printable gifts:
Dress up a coffee house gift card with this cute printable! All you need is a printer, a coffee cup sleeve and a glue stick! Ribbon makes a nice touch too!
Classroom art printable in a cute frame I found at the dollar store. Gift bag tags I made to dress up simple candles in votive holders. (I’m all for the cheesy sayings this year)
Make sure you stop by Eighteen 25, it’s where I found the coffee gift card holder and the classroom printable. I plan on using the bookstore and iTunes printable as well!
Merry gifting and sorry this post came so late, it’s still a handy little “last minute” gift idea!
Filed under Family Fun
Family Movie Night….Holiday Time!
Thanksgiving is always the official holiday kick-off here. As I shared before, it’s when we put up our tree and start decorating the house. It is also when we all start wanting to watch holiday movies.
The first holiday movie we watch every year, is The Nightmare Before Christmas. This is my all time favorite, so I love that we can start watching it before Halloween arrives!
This year, my daughter requested a family movie night. She thought it would be fun if every night, until Christmas, we all sat together and watched a holiday favorite. I really liked this idea, especially because people are usually so busy and hectic during the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year.
So…..Family Movie Time was born! We don’t watch a full length movie every night, but rather a Christmas special. We have tons of them on DVD and this time of year, they are always on TV which makes it easy.
We started off with our favorites, like A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty and one of my favorites, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (the original Grinch, not the abomination with Jim Carrey….shudder).
Last night, ABC Family kicked off their holiday movie countdown with another favorite of mine…. ELF! If you have never seen it, please stop depriving yourself of humor and laughter….go watch it now! No really…go, this blog will still be here when you’re done.
Another family favorite of ours is the Polar Express. While I sometimes find the computer animation of the characters a little creepy, I love the story and the soundtrack of this movie. I think it covers a great topic, especially for the age of my children. Do you believe or are you a doubter? Hot chocolate is must have while watching this holiday favorite.
As the holiday quickly creeps up on our family, I look forward to a little unplugged time with the kids and Christmas classics like, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, Muppets Christmas Carol, Mickey’s Christmas Carol and many, many more.
Next up on our traditions list? Holiday baking!
Do you have a favorite holiday movie or family tradition?
Filed under Family Fun
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