Challenge 1- SQUATS

Hi Ladies and Gents

Lately I've really been 'promoting' a challenge I started doing. I'm spreading the word on Facebook, at work, with family or anywhere else I can find someone wanting something new to try. After thinking about it I realized you guys should know too.

My challenges are ones I find that everyone can do...that don't require special skills and equipment. We all have ten minutes to give to these challenges and we will all get results. I was a week in when I hurt my leg, so I decided to start back over again with Day One...it can only help me, so why not!

I have to say in that week I did notice some improvement in my derriere. As I've lost weight my co-workers and family said my booty has disappeared and completely flattened.

 I also was graciously given my grandmothers back end....'the box butt'. It's so bad I once was told it could be the mold for any cereal company around.

So flat and 'box-like' = not cute at all! Thanks to the 30 day squat challenge it is starting to shape up....HALLELUJAH!

I don't want to be Beyoncé, but it would be nice to wear a dress without people thinking I'm smuggling a book back there.

So my challenge to you...start today with me!
We got this...together we can get through it. Now you might be sore because it does work.

Don't give up and know there are people of all shapes and sizes doing this with me and they are struggling to get up from their desks today.
 (Haha - It will get better as you get use to the activity)

Don't forget- Always stretch before you exercise!

If you need to do these in reps that's totally fine. I normally do 20 reps...rest 5-10 secs then do another 20 until I am done.

THE 30 DAY SQUAT CHALLENGE!!

 

 

 

 

In case you can't read the picture...

 

Day 1    50

Day 2    55 

Day 3    60

Day 4 Rest

Day 5    70

 

Day 6    75

Day 7    80 

Day 8  Rest

Day 9   100

Day 10 105

 

Day 11  110

Day 12 Rest

Day 13  130

Day 14  135

Day 15  140

 

Day 16 Rest

Day 17 150

Day 18 155

Day 19 160

Day 20 Rest

 

Day 21 180

Day 22 185

Day 23 190

Day 24 Rest

Day 25 220

 

Day 26 225

Day 27 230

Day 28 Rest

Day 29 240

Day 30 250

 

 

Let's do this y'all!

Until next time, be the best you can be!

 

XOXO

Cori

 

 

 

 

A Week of Dinners (2)

Hi All!

 I know, I know it has been 17 years since I have brought you newness to check out! I haven't been twiddling my thumbs though.

 A friend delivered her second child, so I kept her other daughter for a few days. Y'all I'm not going to lie...I got my laptop out, but there just wasn't enough time to write anything with a nine month old running around. I have officially been soaked from everything from bath splashes to milk and applesauce. She is a cutie, but I definitely learned that children are a challenge...They are like running a marathon when you haven't walked a mile in ten years.

Soon after I gave 'baby' back my grandmother had to have surgery and I, myself got an infection in the large vein of my leg. No, I am not happy about that at all because that means...I can't exercise until it heals. When my gorgeous doctor said those words..."No exercise at all until you heal"...I wanted to hit my knees and scream.

Now I know that sounds a bit...ok a lot...extreme, but since I began working out walking is a part of my routine. Every day I take the time to be alone and relax. Walking is how I release my frustrations and quite frankly...it's what has kept me sane for the last little while.

Other than that the only other reason why I haven't brought you more yummy goodness is I'm a senior Marketing major...funny thing when you become a senior all of your classes require a lot more work than all the years before, so I've been busy trying not to fail....those classes are pricy so this is a tad bit important!

Anyway...back to why you came by to visit my page...THE FOOD!

Barbeque Turkey Meatloaf

(can also use ketchup instead of BBQ sauce)

This is not a Cori original....I found this recipe while searching around.

I will use part of the original recipes directions.

 Ingredients:

1 lb. 85/15 or 90/10 lean ground turkey
1 small onion, finely diced
1 small green pepper, finely diced
1 egg, beaten
½ c. Italian blend shredded cheese
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 c. prepared stuffing, any kind
1 c. barbecue sauce, divided (prefer ketchup? switch BBQ sauce for ketchup here)
Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Note: I used the onions, but since I'm not a fan of onion I normally just use a little onion powder in place of the real thing.


I did 1/4 ketchup, 3/4 BBQ sauce...it is two different kinds of yum...and I'm not a meatloaf fan normally!

Directions:

Sautee your onions and peppers. 

Set your oven to 350.

Add your eggs, shredded cheese and soy sauce. Add the onions and peppers and mix well.

Line a cookie sheet with plastic wrap with about 4 inches of overhang on each side of the sheet.

Place your meat on the plastic wrap and press it flat until it reaches about ½ inch thickness. Cover “meat sheet” with stuffing mix.

Using the plastic wrap overhang, fold a third of the meat over onto itself. Peel back wrap and roll the meat again until it forms a log that looks like this:

Transfer the log to a baking pan, seam side down and pinch the sides closed.

Brush with barbecue sauce and then cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and cover with the remaining barbecue sauce and bake an additional 15 minutes. (This is where you would substitute the ketchup)

Allow to cool 10 minutes before cutting.

 

 

Cowboy Soup

Another borrowed recipe. This one is so yummy!!!

Ingredients:

 

2 pounds ground beef or turkey
2 cups diced onions 
2 (15 1/2 ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 1/4 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained 
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can tomatoes with diced green chilies (I used Ro-Tel)
1 (16 ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (1 ounce) package ranch dip/salad dressing mix
1 cup Beef Broth or Stock

Directions:

Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or stockpot.

Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, mixed vegetables, taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, & beef broth. Cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove.

Optional: garnish with Greek Yogurt, cheese, green onions, and jalapenos...trust me...try the Greek yogurt!

 

Stuffed Peppers

 Ingredients:

Bell Pepper (Any color)
Southwest Rice (It's microwaveable...I'll check the actual name)
Cheese

Directions:

Boil peppers while you cook the rice in the microwave.

Stuff the rice in the peppers and cover with cheese.

Put in oven to melt cheese.

You can also put taco meat in these, fajita meat. There are so many alterations to this recipe. Quick, Easy, and Delicious!

  

 

 

Fajitas

 

 

Ingredients:

 

Fajita meat (or any other lean meat)

Cumin Seasoning

Onion Powder

Garlic Powder

Bell Pepper (all colors are awesome)

Salsa

Greek Yogurt (or sour cream if you haven't made the switch yet)

Southwest rice packet

Tortillas (corn ones are best, but I won't lie I normally eat the flour ones...I know they aren't as good for you, but they are better than many other things I COULD be consuming)

Cheese

 

 

 

 

Directions:

 

I prep the meat and veggies ahead of time for this one normally, but it isn't necessary. Cut the meat into thin strips, sprinkle well with cumin powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and maybe even some tenderizer. Toss that in the fridge or cook if you aren't prepping ahead of time. Cut the bell pepper into strips as well.

 

When it's times to cook toss some Olive Oil in a pan and sauté your peppers. I know chef's might tell you to keep the peppers and meat in separate pans while cooking, but "I ain't got time for that"...and I despise washing dishes. So When the peppers are soft I remove them from the pan and cook the meat in the same pan. When the meat is done I add the peppers back to the pan.

 

Cori's layering method (note you don't have to add all of these ingredients...I just have at some point. Every time I make this dish it's something different)....don't like my spices? Try Worcestershire sauce as the marinade.

 

Take tortilla-sprinkle with cheese, a little of the microwaveable southwest rice, dab of salsa, dot of Greek yogurt, and finally the fajita meat and peppers....BAM we're done!
 

Simple, yet yummy! I normally make these and my stuffed peppers on the same night if I am entertaining.

 

 

 

Chicken Salad

 

My chicken salad is quite simple....really.

Ingredients:

Chicken (fingers, bone in, or canned)
Eggs
Relish (dill and sweet)
Mustard
Mayo
Salt
Pepper
Dill Seeds

Also:
Apples
Grapes

Quick Version:

I like to make my chicken salad on a Sunday afternoon so I will have it for work, but occasionally I'm lazy and open a can of chicken, toss in the ingredients I'm about to tell you about and I'm done....this honestly isn't near as good as my homemade salad...so please get chicken fingers or breasts etc.


Directions:

I take the fingers or bone in chicken and boil them. I also boil some eggs. I can't tell you exact amounts of anything for this because I never measure anything on this one.

 Once everything has boiled and cooled I get to chopping. I chop the chicken and eggs. Now I'm a tid bit OCD so I take all the yellow from my eggs and put them in their separate bowl....for all you normal folks this isn't required.

If you have a food processor you can put the chicken and eggs in it and get everything really fine....it makes a difference from actually chopping yourself. That's a preference...I do it both ways (depending on how motivated I am that day).

Now toss your chopped chicken and eggs in a big bowl...mix in that yellow after you smash it up really well. Now add some mustard....give it all you want and don't feel bad about it...mustard is a freebie when it comes to calories! Sprinkle some salt and pepper next...now some relish...

I am not a huge fan of sweet relish so this is what I do...to every 3/4 of dill relish I add 1/4 sweet relish. Last add some Mayo. I realize mayo isn't our friend, but I do use Kraft Olive Oil Mayo. Start out adding a small amount-stir-taste-add more.

This recipe is all about stirring-tasting-adding more. I can eye it and know what I need, but occasionally something will be missing for that kick!

I change things up a bit sometimes...I make more than one type of chicken salad....I add grapes and apples to some when I have it available...on this one I normally add LESS mustard though. It's all about the taste.

My aunt told me about dill seeds....that's what you see in half the salad. Try sprinkling some on yours and see how you like it.


I'm working on some newness for you all and won't wait until you've all had a birthday to post again. Sorry it took so long! I'm going to try to have a few new adventures very soon as well....so we shall see what I have to tell you next!

Until next time,
Be the best you can be!

XOXO

Cori



Surprise Inside!!

I'm Baaaaaacccckkkkkkkk!!!

Good news Y'all! I didn't fall off the face of the earth; I simply took a break while I strived to hit my first goal. I decided not to post until that magic number popped up on the scale! While I was working my booty off...literally-I had a few adventures!

 I took a vacation one week then spent the next on Spring Break. I voted to spend that week really getting into exercise. The following week after that was my Bday week...so I've been a little busy!

My vacation was really a reward, or more of a celebration. I was hoping to hit the big goal by the time I hit the road for the first vacay of the sunny season, but that isn't what the Lord had in store for me.

What happened on this vacay Cori?

My vacay was EXACTLY what I needed. I took advantage of the gym at the condo and worked out every night. While I was pedalling, lifting, and walking, I met a really nice retired gentleman that opted to work out in his robe and sandals. From what I gather that's his thing...and I'm cool with that. I have no room to speak ill of him because he can out walk and bench more than me any day of the week. He was a little beast!

Headed to the gym!

I enjoyed seafood every night, but in small portions. I ended up saving money because I shared plates or ordered gumbo. I love being money savy!

I made it home relaxed and happy....oh whhyyy???

I found a big sale on bakeware at the Outlet on the way home! After that I was very content riding home watching the Chew with all my new goodies wrapped up in my trunk! :)


Check out some of the temptations my family brought along....

On second thought...Don't look at that crap!

I made it...somehow...still not quite sure how though!


















Next week....

Spring Break What?

I mostly take online classes now, so I can have an open work schedule, so not much changed this week except instead of hitting the books, I hit the pavement. I really got into walking....turns out I love it!

The first day I walked at home I went as far as I could....only one truck backed up to make sure I didn't need help.....HaHaHa

 I wish you could have seen their eyes when I said I was out exercising. They were like "Huh?!?!"

Yes, I'm a big girl in progress....you've got to start somewhere, right?

Since then I have really gotten into a routine of walking most every day, playing a little Wii Fit, or doing one of my DVD's.











Birthday Week yyyaaayyy!

This is what I have been most excited about telling you guys about. So much happened this week. Since I didn't hit my goal weight by my vacation I really worked hard to make it by my bday, but it still didn't happen. The big day came around, I visited family, had dinner with the boyfriend, and spent the evening with my friends.

 Now I realize this seems two levels more fun than watching paint dry, but to me it was just what I wanted!

You see, my friends, for the most part, all live in different states now. We see each other a few times a year. The fact that all of us would be together on my special day made me smile just thinking about it. (Not to take away from what the bf did because it was amazing, but he's on the blog a lot...others aren't) :)

When I arrived at Chris' (one of my oldest friends) we all road down to where the boys set up a fire and chairs (aren't they so sweet). We sat for hours talking about old times and our future plans (as we always do).

At one point I looked down at my phone and noticed one of my friends there had sent me a text that said "You look great, I can tell a big difference, so proud of you, keep it going". This friend always sends me motivation with his texts and is really a part of what gives me drive. Fighting back tears I responded "Thank you, I am trying so hard". You really don't know just how much it means for someone to compliment you on the hard work you are putting in.

After quite some time someone had the bright idea to go ride the ATV's in the freezing cold. There was a freeze warning all during this week might I add!

I don't have any photos of Chris or the other Brit :( I will get some of all of us next time!

Britt and I layering with EVERYTHING we have.

 

We all went and bundled up the best we could and took off into the woods! We road around laughing and talking until the wee hours of the morning. Any time we get together we do stay up all night just to spend as much time as we possibly can. We aren't at bars or whatever else is going on that late at night. We are always at Chris' land...staying out of trouble! We all crank our cars and go home as the sun is coming up, with smiles on our faces and circles around our eyes, from sleep deprivation.

Jonathan and Myself before we faced the weather...he was a little more prepared as you can see!

 

 

I look as big as I use to be with THREE jackets on!!!! These go in the books as some of the worst pictures, but at least you know I wasn't kidding about us bundling up or freezing.

~ Excuse our mismatchedness* these were the only clothes I had in my trunk!

Many people don't know this tid bit of info about me: I don't drink. So for all those little brains that are spinning, thinking "Yeah, she was around that fire drinking", you are incorrect. I have never had the desire to drink...plus I would NOT waste the calories on the junk! I have the type of personality that doesn't need alcohol to shine...I can be me, with my bottle of Smart Water all night long and my friends respect that. To each their own! I don't have an issue with people of the LEGAL age making their own decisions....mine is just to not partake.

After our adventure was over I went home feeling much like a popsicle. The next day I had so much energy that I worked out twice that day! The following day after that I walked a little further than normal. I realized how much I needed to see my friends to refuel my soul! I was on top of everything again, full of love and excitement.

At the moment, as I was walking up the biggest hill on my walk , I saw just how much those people mean to me! Even if we are ten hours away I would still be there in a minute if they needed me. I don't want to loose the feeling I have and am determined to see them all more! They are my second family....and we always need family to keep us going.

Chris and Jonathan

Both these boys have a special place in my heart. They don't come as great as these two, ladies... I am beyond lucky to have them as friends...and you will never hear me say they don't spoil me because they certainly make everything about us!

*Take Note Guys*

 

Whatever ladies walk down the aisle to these boys WILL be amazing...because they have to be approved by the Britt's and myself.  

 

 

...there isn't a picture of all three of us girls, sorry!

So two days after my bday I jump on the scale and.....DRUM ROLL..........I FINALLY HIT MY FIRST GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I guess my friends gave me that push I needed.

 I have officially lost 50 POUNDS!!!

50 down and not clownin' around!!

 

Wednesday morning when I stepped on the scale and saw that golden number I couldn't wait to head to work! As soon as I jumped in the car I dialed that number I've been waiting for...my grandparents. Shockingly my grandpa answered the phone...my grandmother never lets him get it first. When I told him he said, "Baby, I'm really proud of you"...that's all it took....I was fighting back tears again and I AM NOT a person that cries often. I always want his approval and the easiest is with school because it comes naturally, but I know how much getting the weight off means to him. As I strutted down the long hall to my office I had a huge smile on my face and a nice prancey pace!

 

So much has happened during the first 50 pound struggle! I have learned to love my flaws because I am a 'work in progress'. I still have many more goals to hit, but I am much further than I was and a lot further than all the people still sitting on their couches.

I am much more confident now! I'm getting 'the old Cori personality' back and am not afraid to leave anyone behind that can't love me for me! One thing for sure -I have not changed...I am much happier now and in return probably a little nicer. HaHa!

 I never want people to think I am different because I can fit on all the rides at the fair now...aka because I have lost my butt...and everywhere else the weight has disappeared from, so I am more determined than ever to show people you can still be kind after a transformation.


Anyway...

I have a really good routine now and will keep going! Also I will have more 'Week of Dinners' for you all very soon. I am honestly still enjoying the moment I have looked forward to for months!

I only have a couple pictures of my birthday...it was way too cold...we all looked like little snowmen, but I do have photos along the way of my FIRST 50 AND THE BEACH! Beware I don't have makeup on in all of these photos ;)

 

I feel so lucky to be making progress!!!

 

 

BEFORE....YUCK! Hypothyroidism had kicked my big booty.

 

 

 

 

Now...first 50 down...the journey thus far.

 

I still have a lot to loose....so off I go to work on my second 50!

 

Until Next Time,

Be the best you can be!

 

XOXO

 

Cori