Festive Things
I picked up this lace blouse in September for a wedding we went to and I have worn it quite a few times since. It's such a simple piece but definitely dresses up any outfit. I've worn it with jeans, with my go-to leather skirt and layered over this slip dress it was super comfy. I love something that looks dressed up but feels like pajamas. This is the perfect thing for a new years eve party!
These leopard print shoes are the perfect contrast to an all dark look like this. These shoes were such an incredibly find in NYC I still can't get over it. Faux fur, leopard print and lace, doesn't get much more festive than that does it?! Good for new years eve, we'll be staying home this one...christmas was way too hectic for us and I am looking forward to a low key evening.
Also the temperatures have seriously dropped here so this faux fur jacket is very necessary!! Minus 20 with the windchill...
Outfit: Dress-Oak & Fort, Blouse-Bamboo Ballroom, Shoes- Second hand (Randall Leoflleur), Necklace-Red Ribbon, Ring-Saraswati designs.
Update on Mr. Duke
I noticed a squishy lump on his low back a few months ago, the vets said to keep an eye on it. Well over the course of 3 days it had gotten much bigger and become harder. I was concerned so immediately called the vet, within 24 hours of them testing it he had it removed. I am so glad we caught it when we did and I trusted my gut to have it looked it! Mr. Duke was such a trooper and is back to his normal self humping at the dog park, going to daycare etc. I am so impressed with his ability to heal, and I think we could all take a page out of doggos books. They never sit around feeling sorry for themselves but get right back at it, which is amazing.
Christmas Punch
This is the perfect punch for your upcoming Christmas festivities! It's refreshing and fun, and the flavors are perfect for winter. I have adapted this recipe from: Jerry James Stone
Ingredients:
1 bag cranberries
1 granny smith apple
1 package rosemary springs
1 bottle pinot grigio
1/2 cup white grape juice
1 can club soda
1/2 cup sugar **can do without, just not as sweet.
Optional: Swap out the pinot grigio for some prosecco, it's pretty damn good.
1. Chop up the apple, place in jug with cranberies & rosemary springs. Combine other ingredients, stir and let chill for a few hours.
Hip Stretches You Need!
All of these glute and hip stretches are amazing if you sit for a living, are an avid runner and even if you do a lot of lifting (squats, deadlifts etc).
1. Piriformis Wall Strecth
Place one foot on the wall, bring other leg across that leg and apply gentle pressure to it. You should feel this one in the left glute (as pictured). Perform and hold for 30s switch sides, 2x
2. Hip Flexor stretch
Place leg flat on bench or edge of couch, squeeze that glute and push forward into the hips. Hold 30s, 2x per.
3. Crossed Legs
As you can see here, this pose is tight for me & I have a hard time leveling out my legs, especially tighter on the right side. Hold pose 30seconds and switch which leg is in front and repeat.
4. Pigeon Pose
My favourite!! Bring leg across in front of you, rest other leg straight down, sink into the hip and lay on forearms. Hold 30seconds per side 2x.
5. S-Sit
Legs make a sort of S, can hold here should feel a stretch in front of right hip (if positioned as photo) can also push into hips so you're up on your knees still in this position, squeeze glutes to feel a nice deep stretch. Switch sides after 30seconds 2x.
Ultimate Quinoa Salad
This Quinoa salad is such a great addition to any meal, the flavors go with everything and it's super healthy!
Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas
1 medium cucumber
1 red bell pepper
1/2 red onion
1 ripe avocado
1/2 cup cilantro (more if you like)
1/2 cup parsley
1 1/2 cup quinoa
sauce:
1/2 cup lemon
1/2 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1 red wine vinegar
1. Cook quinoa, let cool and set aside
2. Chop up all veggies and mix together, rinse and drain chickpeas
3. Pour sauce and mix together!
Sweater Weather!
You can always tell it's colder outside by my pinched smile, I'm trying real hard to look happy here but clearly am not digging the wind that's blowing at me making it feel like -17. GROSS. Just means it's truly time to bust out my super thick, cozy sweaters and go to town layering away. I love me a good sweater dress, & this one was a great find at value village a few months ago.
Outfit: Sweater-Value Village, Purse-Rebecca Minkoff (Second hand via crossroads trading), Jacket-Second Hand, Hat-H&M, Boots-Aldo.
Workouts to try this Christmas
Christmas is a busy time of year where we all probably do our worst eating and drinking so it's a fun idea to try some new workouts or workout classes. Not only is it going to be a nice break away from the stress of the holidays you'll feel way better when the holidays are over. Who knows by trying something new you might find something you're obsessed with too!
1. Obstacle Course:
Fitset has a ninja warrior obstacle course set up in Kingsway and it's so fun! I got to go in November and had an absolute blast. All fitness levels are welcome and you can adjust certain obstacles but it's super fun to push yourself.
2. Boxing:
My favourite workout in the world, there are so many studio's in Edmonton for all levels! If you want to do a more cardio boxing class Champs is where it's at. If you're looking to get a bit more technical panthers is good, and for muay thai you can't beat Frank Lee's.
3. Rock Climbing:
A really great workout that's challenging, and very social at the same time. We love Rock Jungle Boulders, but there are quite a few spaces in Edmonton to check out! Bonus: rock jungle boulders allows dogs.
4. Yoga/Meditation:
What could be a better way to get away from the stress of the holidays than taking a meditation class or going to yoga?! Perfect way to relax. Lifestyle Meditation studio has different classes for everyone!
**All recommendations are being made off my personal experiences, none of this post is sponsored.
Fluff
Outfit: Sweater-"From Palmer" via Red Ribbon, Top-Jackson Rowe via Miss Boss, Jeans-Dynamite, Boots-Aldo, Purse-Rebecca Minkoff second hand (Crossroads trading), Sunnies-ilymix
Spicy Pork Bowl
This pork is so spicy and delicious! I am very pleased with how this turned out, just make sure you open a window when you're grilling, or else your lungs will burn....trust me.
Sauce:
3 T Soy sauce
3 T sriracha
2 minced gloves garlic
1 T minced ginger
For the bowl:
1-2lb pork loin
2 cups brown rice
1 can coconut milk
1 red pepper
2 green onions
1 serrano chili pepper
1. Slice pork into 1 inch thin rounds, pain with the sauce and place on a hot grill for a couple minutes per side.
2. Mix coconut milk and rice in your rice cooker and let cook
3. Slice peppers into thin pieces, slice onions and chili into thin slices, as well as the cooked pork
4. A scoop of coconut rice, top with pork, peppers, onions, chilis and crushed peanuts. Add more sauce on top to taste
Knee Stability Exercises
At soccer a few weeks ago I had a moment where my foot was planted, my knee got hit and fell in with a lot of force. I was sure I tore my MCL when I woke up in pain later. However I am so fortunate that I didn't! I do most of these exercises before I do a heavy leg day or work them in on a corrective day and I am so certain this is why my knees have survived soccer as long as they have. Having strong glutes and good hip stability is crucial in protecting your knees as well as having balance quad muscles. So work these babies into your next leg day to keep your knees strong and happy!
Clamshells
Ensure knees are at a 90 degree angle, feet are together, and knees open without rotating body. 10x per side 3 sets
Side Plank leg lift
Beginner version: Bottom knee bent, lift leg up and lower back down. Ensure chest is open and body is aligned. 10per side 3 sets
Advanced version: Straight bottom leg, ensure everything is in line and lift top leg up and lower down with control, 10per 3 sets
Glute bridges
Band above knees, ensure hands can touch heels, push up through heels and squeeze the glutes. You should feel this mostly in the glutes and not the hamstrings, it's a glute engaging exercise. 10x 3 sets
Knee Drive Outs
Resistance band just above knees, let fall in and then drive knee out with control. 10x per knee 3 sets.
Standing Side Leg Pull
Standing ensure the hips are level, attach band to outside leg, and lift outside. Bring back and forth 10x per side 3 sets, should feel this in the side of your hips.
Split Squat Knee Drive outs
The band is trying to pull the knee in, push out against it and lower down and up. Bend both knees and push through the heel of the front leg, 10x per leg 3 sets. To increase difficulty hold a weight in a goblet position (in front of chest)
Ball Squeezes (Wall Sit or Seated)
Sink into your hips at a 90 degree angle up against the wall, place volleyball between knees and squeeze into volleyball. Hold 30s on and off 3x. Can also be performed in a laying glute bridge position, also 30s on and off 3x.
Touch downs off small box
Really be aware of the position of the knee on the box, ensure it does not fall in and the hip remains neutral. Push through the leg on the box lowering down and up with control. Range of motion depends, start with a small 6 inch box and if you can control the knee position properly move up. 10 reps per leg 3 sets.
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