Keep Calm and Get Caked

As always I have been wayyyyy too busy to blog. I always laugh because I have good intentions of sitting down to write but never have enough time and when I do have short spurts of time I just want to veg out with my fam-jam. Today is a lazy Sunday. It's all about soccer and vegging - Except I thought I would incorporate a bit of writing into this veg sesh.

On Easter weekend my fiancé and I took a one nighter road trip to Toronto to celebrate his besties birthday by going to see Armin Only - Intense. 

To start with, I have to throw a shout out to the hotel that we stayed at - InterContinental Toronto Centre Hotel. What an amazing stay we had! I didn't get a picture of the room we stayed in but it was absolutely amazing, a King Junior Suite (Room 2002 - The 20th floor). The entire room was spotless, the bathroom was huge with tons of counter space to wreck while I got ready to go out, the shower was perfect and the living room that was decked out in natural wood furniture with tones of purple throughout was spacious enough to get our pre-dance on. Even though the fridge was stocked with literally every beverage imaginable from water to pop to liquors and beer it was a little pricey. One can of ginger that I purchased amounted to $5.50 so I don't even want to begin to consider how much the alcohol charge was. The bed was super comfortable and made out in the best duvet and pillows I have ever experienced - They were so white and so fluffy and warm, it was like a little piece of cloudy heaven. It really couldn't get any better but the InterContinental is directly connected with the Metro Toronto Convention Centre so walking to and from the Armin event was easy peasy. The staff, service and room price were all top notch, so much so that I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone; especially if you have an event to attend at the MTCC. Absolute perfection!

The doors for Armin Intense opened at 8pm and the show started at 9pm. The production was very well put together with live instrumentals, singers, acrobats and phenomenal lighting. The music was absolutely out of this world and I have to admit that this was one of the best shows I have ever been to. Music generally takes me over and although I'm not a huge Trance fan (even though I have listened to Armin for years) Armin's show made the feeling inside of the building so intense that I cried, I laughed, I sang and I didn't stop dancing - for 5 hours straight I might add.

I wasn't aware of this until the show but Armin's brother plays a mean guitar. I don't want to ruin anything for those of you who may be attending Intense but at one point during the beginning his brother destroyed the guitar so well that I couldn't contain my tears. It was beautiful.

Like my fiancé always says, there really is nothing better than the feeling of thousands of people focused so deeply on one person, one stage, one song. It's a unity like no other and Armin did a bang up job owning this. What a legend he is, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it!

The photo below is compliments of my fiancé. I try not to take my phone to shows because I don't want to lose it so my fiancé is always my photographer. Just look at that skill ;)

On top of Armin's show I have to add that the venue was perfection. The workers at the MTCC kept the floors and bathrooms so clean (there were people on the floor and in the bathrooms cleaning at all times), the bars were set up well, the staff was over the top friendly and the entire production very well organized. Maybe I'm a drag for saying this but organization at events this large means a lot to me. It means that I don't have to kick garbage out of the way to dance, I'm not slipping on spilled drinks, I don't have to wait excessive amounts of time to get drinks and I'm not having to use a disgusting washroom because quite frankly, no girl wants to have to use a dirty loo. Great work, MTCC!

This Saturday we attended a DNA show at the Ernst and Young Centre in Ottawa where Steve Aoki, Rebecca & Fiona, AutoErotique, Nause and Stefano Lasne were on stage. 

Sadly I missed AutoErotique, Nause and Stefano Lasne because I forgot my ID (I'm ridiculously forgetful and usually count on my fiancé to ensure that I have everything in check) so I had to go back to my house to get it. By the time I made it back to the EY Centre, through the line-up outside, through the ID check, through the coat check and then through the pat down Rebecca & Fiona were on stage and killing it I might add! Female DJ's make me proud especially when they are as good as these two. I actually had to bring my phone back with me from home so that I could find my fiancé when I arrived (and I didn't even lose it!!) so I was able to take some of my own pictures - Yayyy!!

Steve Aoki headlined and did an amazing job. My fiancé had seen him before at the Veldt but it was my first time seeing him live and witnessing his cake throwing. I didn't want to get hit with a cake but the guy in the picture (to the right) with the Keep Calm and Get Caked shirt did hahaha. I think that Aoki threw six cakes into the audience. He had his infamous raft with him too but it didn't stay afloat on top of the crowd for very long. There were two girls on top of it riding the waves but within a few seconds some guy climbed on top and destroyed the rave rafting as quick as he got up...and they all went crashing down :( The lights were amazing and the sound was perfect! I went crazy when he played Boneless and Tommy Trash's remix of Ladi Dadi with Wynter Gordon. Ladi Dadi has held a very special place in my heart since my fiancé introduced it to me in 2012. I would post the video that my lovey took of Ladi Dadi but you can hear me screaming the lyrics at the top of my lungs and I totally destroyed the song - Sorry to all of the people around me that had to witness that :)



All in all these two shows were amazing and we had a great time at both. We even took my fiancés parents to the Steve Aoki show and they loved it too! His Dad was thoroughly impressed with AutoErotique's sound and his Mom of course loved everyone. It was amazing having them there with us - We had so much fun! I love that they were so open to go, especially when so many people have such negative opinions about EDM shows. I know that more people are going to start realizing that EDM is about the beauty of the music and the artists creating the music, it's about the feeling of unity that I discussed above and the positive energy that an entire venue of people can create when they focus. My fiancé swears up and down that we as people would be able to do amazing things if we always focused as positively and passionately as we do at music shows.






I'm excited for summer and all of the upcoming shows that are in the making. One of which I will be seeing my favourite DJ of all time - Chuckie! Eeeeeeeeee! I get crazy excited when I think about it.

I would like everyone that reads this to fall in love with EDM as much as me. I will start you out with a few songs that my amazing fiancé has dedicated to me with love - Enjoy <3

John Legend - All of Me (Tiesto Remix)

Avicii - Penguin (Club Mix)

Steve Aoki feat. Wynter Gordon (Tommy Trash Remix)

Tawns xoxo

Photos © Copyright, JustTawny, 2014

Hashtag EDM

Like most people I spend a lot of time listening to music.

I listen while I'm driving to work, I listen while I'm at work, I listen as I drive home, I listen at home.

Essentially, music is always around me.

Most of my evenings from 8pm-10pm are spent at the gym, where of course I have music blaring into my ears from my workout playlist.

The music playing over the sound system at the gym is always the latest mainstream hits where Beyoncé is battling it out with Rihanna and Lady Gaga is going toe-to-toe with Justin Bieber. Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, Kanye West and then Bon Jovi. Don't get me wrong, all of these artists are great and I can rock out to their songs with the best of them but I'm not a mainstream type of girl and I can't stand listening to this music while I'm working out because it's so mundane.

I need music that hits hard, has a mass amount of bass, motivates me, keeps my spirits up and makes me smile while I'm sweating my tush off. There is nothing better than going full out on an elliptical feeling like you want to jump off and dance because the music you are listening to is so good!

Recently I have had a few people ask me what my favourite workout music is, so here you have it - All 58 songs on my current workout playlist, in no particular order :)

1. Internet Friends - Knife Party
2. Antidote - Swedish House Mafia & Knife Party
3. Apollo - Hardwell & Amba Shepherd
4. Bangarang - Skrillex & Sirah
5. Better Run (Afrojack Remix) - Tocadisco & Nadia Ali
6. Cry - Bingo Players
7. Rattle - Bingo Players
8. Breaking Up - Chuckie & Amanda Wilson
9. Can't Control Myself - Krewella
10. Can't Stop Me (Tiesto Remix) - Afrojack & Shermanology
11. Cascade - Tommy Trash
12. Tik Tok - Chuckie & R3hab - Bob Sinclar feat. Sean Paul
13. Breaking Up Quasar - Mike Ramirez Mashup
14. City of Dreams - Dirty South & Alesso
15. Concrete Angel - Gareth Emery & Christina Novelli
16. Datsun Tropicalia - Torro Torro & 2 Edit
17. Dear New York - Firebeatz & Schella
18. Deviance - Excision & Datsik
19. Devil's Work - Miike Snow
20. Easy - Mat Zo & Porter Robinson
21. Electro Dude - Chuckie & Glowinthedark
22. Eyes - Kaskade & Mindy Gledhill
23. Fall Into the Sky - Zedd & Lucky Date feat. Ellie Goulding
24. Feed the Dada - Dada Life
25. Follow You - Deniz Koyu &Wynter Gordon
26. Generation 303 - Nicky Romero
27. Greyhound - Swedish House Mafia
28. Hands High - Afrojack Remix
29. Hell Yeah! - Tiesto & Showtek
30. Holdin' On (Skrillex & Nero Remix) - Monsta
31. I Could Be the One - Nicy Romero & Avicii
32. Iron - Calvin Harris & Nicky Romero
33. Hook - Joachim Garraud
34. Kill The Noise vs. Tristam and Zealot - It's Rocket Science Mix
35. L'Amour - Bingo Players
36. Tomorrow (Luis Canela Bookleg) Laidback Luke vs. Dimitri Vegas
37. Like Home - Nicky Romero & Nervo
38. Nuke - Wolfgang Gartner
39. Oh What a Night (Lil Jon feat. Claude Kelly) - Chuckie Remix
40. Oh My (Dirty Dancer) - Alvin Risk Remix
41. Pair of Dice - Tiesto & Allure
42. Breakn' a Sweat (The Doors & Skrillex) - Zedd Remix
43. Toulouse - Nicky Romero
44. Who is Ready to Jump - Chuckie
45. Ladi Dadi (Steve Aoki feat. Wynter Gordon) - Tommy Trash Remix
46. Rock n Roll (Porcelain Black & Lil Wayne) - R3hab Remix
47. Mek Money - Chuckie, MRK1 & Doctor
48. Let the Detroit Bounce - Chuckie
49. So Far So Good - M.F. Mike
50. We Run the Night - Jeremy Gygi Bootleg
51. WTF!? - Nicky Romero & ZROQ
52. Sleaze - Knife Party
53. Years - Alesso
54. Slam the Door - Zedd

55. Mush Mush - Bassjackers
56. King  of My Castle (Wamdue Project) - Chuckie Mutfakta Edit

And last but not least, my two favourite mashup's mixed by my very own in house DJ <3

57. Sweet Sweaty Saga ( Avicii, Cazzette, Zedd, Skrillex & Gareth Emery) - VictorVee Mashup
58. So Far So Hooked on Ladi Dadi (Mikey Enriquez, Joachim Garraud, Steve Aoki & Tommy Trash) -VictorVee Mashup

So there you have it, my favourite DJ's and songs that keep me moving!!

And now I'm off to the gym...

Tawns xoxo

"I want you to see what you should have seen all along. What others see. More importantly what those who love and know you best see. The girl. The woman. Her beauty and her singularity" ~ One Black Dress

I wear many titles.

I am a daughter, I am a granddaughter, I am a niece, I am a cousin, I am a sister and I am an aunt. 

Although I love my family, unfortunately there are times that I'm not the best title bearer. I admit that I'm not exactly the best daughter and granddaughter - I should call and visit more. I'm not the best niece and cousin - I should text and chat more. I could use some work on being a good sister and aunt - I should be with my siblings and my nieces more. Sometimes life gets so busy that you put some of your titles on the back burner and let them simmer; we all do this.

One title that I bear was a title that I chose - My largest title of all. 

With this title, there is only room for improvement. Although I am well aware that no one is perfect, I do not feel that this title allows for failure. With this title I must be sympathetic, empathetic, trusting and honest. I must provide guidance as a leader, never being a follower. I must teach and listen. I must be understanding, open and engaged. I must be unselfish and giving. I must be comforting, forgiving, patient, kind and loving. 

I am a mother.

I became a mother on March 14th, 2004, I was still a baby myself - Young, afraid and uncertain. It took everything I had some days to stay strong and smile but I did it. I did it because I wanted to teach my daughter the beauty of life. I wanted her to grow up well-rounded enough to understand that even though I may not ever be the perfect mom, I will always be sympathetic, empathetic, trusting and honest. I wanted her to know that I will always guide her, I will never let her stray. I will forever teach her what I feel is right from wrong and she will know that if she doesn't agree I will listen to what she wants to bring to the table. She will know that I will understand her, I will be open to her feelings and thoughts and I will always be engaged in what she has to say. She will understand the importance of living an unselfish life because I will teach her to give and share her gifts. She will know that I will comfort and forgive her, I will be patient, always kind and I will love her unconditionally. 

From a tiny seed she will be cultivated into a strong and beautiful woman. This is my promise to her.

As we all know, so many girls and women these days lack self-esteem. I see posts all over the Internet and media about how we feel as though we are not good enough. We are too skinny, we bear too much weight. Our hair isn't long enough, it's the wrong colour. Our nails are too long and not manicured just so. The clothing we wear isn't as fashionable or expensive as it should be. We shouldn't wear so much make-up and our skin has too many flaws. Sometimes our bottoms are too big, sometimes too small. Our breasts aren't the best, we should have them reduced or enlarged. The bridge on our noses are too long, our eye lashes not long enough, our fingers aren't elegant and our toes look misaligned. We are too short and sometimes too tall. We have acne and scars and too much hair on our legs. All of the negative things that imprint fallacies into our daughters minds. It is my duty as a mother to ensure that my daughter doesn't just grow up hearing that she is beautiful but that she believes and knows that she is. 

Fortunately life never takes a break and is steadily teaching and preparing me for lessons that I must share with my daughter. One of the most beautiful lessons of all was gifted to Angelina and I.

Through a mutual friend I had heard of Leanna Dawn and the One Black Dress campaign that she had launched. Intrigued by her photography work I dug a little deeper to fully understand what her campaign was all about. I found that it was a campaign for women of all creeds, ethnicity's and ages - Strong, gorgeous, powerful women. A campaign to show the world that no matter who we are, no matter what we do, we are women; standing united in a world that is only as negative as we make it - Wearing the same, One Black Dress.

I had contacted Dawn regarding a photo session but funny enough, I planned to put it off because I wanted to lose some more weight before I did it. How contradictory is that, right?

Out of no where one afternoon my fiancé told Angelina and I that we had to get ready to go shopping. He didn't tell us where we were going and neither of us bothered asking - It didn't seem like anything abnormal. 

We drove about 15 minutes away from our house, all the while I was under the impression that he was taking us to a new shopping centre in our area. We pulled up a little side street, we stopped and he put the car into park asking us to get out. At this point I had no idea what we were doing. He appeared excited as he and Angelina got out of their side of the car and then came around to meet me at my side. I reluctantly started asking him where we were. "Whose house is this? What are we doing? What is going on?" I kept saying. Between all of my questions, giving nothing back but a smile he ushered us up the walkway to the front door and rang the bell.  

At the door stood one of the sweetest and warmest women I have had the opportunity to lay my eyes on. 

"Tawny" she said, "It's so nice to meet you, I'm Dawn". 

Still I had no idea what what going on, who this precious woman was, what I was doing, why my fiancé was so excited, Angelina was even puzzled. 

"You know who I am" Dawn said. "You know who she is" my fiancé sounded in. 

"No, I'm sorry, I don't know you" I chimed in. "What is this about?" I continued as we went inside and closed the door behind us. 

"You are here because your fiancé wanted you to do a One Black Dress session. He loves you so much!"

 

Dawn continued to share with me that my fiancé had contacted her privately to set up a photo shoot. He told her a bit about me, shared how much he loved me and set up our surprise date. 

We went into Dawn's prep area to  have my make-up and hair done. My hair was curled and she added a bit of foundation to my face, some lip gloss and some mascara. Nothing more because she had strict instructions from my fiancé to make sure that I was as au naturel as possible. He wanted to show me the beauty that he sees when he looks at me and he wanted Angelina and I to both understand how gorgeous we are. Awww, I know - He's so sweet! 

Once my hair and make-up was done I was taken to meet the infamous Black Dress. There she was on a display stand in one of Dawn's dressing rooms. A simple black dress, nothing fancy, as plain as plain can be. 

As I got dressed I stood in the mirror thinking that I needed my eye liner. No one ever sees me without my eye liner! I hardly had any make-up on! I hadn't lost the weight that I wanted to lose! Is this dress going to fit properly? I don't want to do this! It was unbelievable, I was almost panicking!

As the dress fit every other woman that had put it on, it fit me like a glove too. It was magical!

I opened the door of the dressing room and there stood my fiancé. He had the biggest smile on his face and told me how beautiful I was. He calmed me and I knew I was ready.

Our session was approximately an hour long, maybe a bit longer. It too was simple. The only lighting we used was natural sun light. No special tricks, no special props. It was me, Dawn, her camera and One Black Dress.  

When I was done, Angelina came into the shoot. My fiancé had gone out and purchased a black dress for her so that she was able to share a part in the campaign of beauty. Although Angelina was slightly nervous at first she owned the camera and loved every minute of it. 

Through my fiancé's vision, my daughter and I were taught that we didn't have to be afraid to show the world our flaws that day. We all  have them and we are all beautiful. This is our world and in our world we not only have the choice but the right to feel empowered, self-confident and beautiful in our skin. 

We have the right to flip our sexy hair whether it be long or short and click our perfectly trimmed nails on tables. We have the right to flash our crooked smiles and bat our short eyelashes. We have the right to embrace the beauty of our bodies and dress however we like even if we purchase our clothing at a second hand store. We have the right to cross our long legs and curl our imperfect toes. We have the right to be proud of our skin and each scar that we bear. 

We have the right to be perfectly flawed.

As my daughter nears her 10th birthday in only five days I look back reminiscing on each lesson I have taught her as well as those she has taught me. This lesson by far was one of the most important she and I have learned together and for that I sit here with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face thanking my fiancé, Dawn and her beautiful black dress.

XO Tawny

If you are in the Ottawa area, please reach out and book a One Black Dress session for yourself. There is nothing more empowering than expressing yourself, opening up and capturing your beauty in stills.

Men too are entitled to feel gorgeous and in changing the world one person at a time, One Black Tie will be launched Spring, 2014 for all of the wonderful men in our lives. Leanna Dawn is currently looking for men to take part and will be taking submissions until mid March for the inaugural shoot that will be done in April. You can message Dawn on Facebook here, ladies!

Photos © Copyright, Leanna Dawn Photography, 2013

It's Nice to be Back!

I have wanted to get back into my blog for so long! So many exciting things have happened in my life over the past while, I really should have stayed consistent with my blog. Everyone knows how much I love reviews and I have lacked on sharing so many things lately.

Over the past few months I have been very lucky to have travelled down through the U.S. to Florida and across Canada to Alberta. Travelling to all of these places and experiencing so many things makes me one lucky girl!

I have stayed at some amazing hotels, experienced some of the best music shows and I have eaten at some of the greatest restaurants. I have also had the opportunity to do some really fun things like stand up in a wedding, model for the One Black Dress campaign and I was super lucky to have received an invitation to dine in a private dining room for a Christmas gathering on Parliament Hill. While I was there I signed Nelson Mandela's memorial book that Canada sent to South Africa. I was crazy and went white water rafting and also had the opportunity to take a trip on a gondola up to one of the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains! On top of all of the above I have found some really great new make-up and beauty products too :)

See! All very exciting things that I could have shared with you!

Maybe I will pick up from here and entertain myself by blogging while I wait the rest of this rotten winter out. I have said it before and I will say it again - I am 100% Canadian. You will NEVER hear me complain about our Canadian weather but this winter is taking a toll on me. The cold never breaks and the snow never stops. So for the first time in my life I have complained that I want the winter to end. This year I kick the winter nonsense.

While we wait for all of this gross snow to melt I thought I would share a few pictures of some of the fun times I have had lately. 

BabyGirl and I modeling for the One Black Dress campaign - http://www.1blackdress.com. I didn't realize this until tonight but you will find Angelina and I on the "Why One Black Dress" page. Very cool!



Photo cred's to the ever so lovely Leanna Dawn at www.leannadawn.com

Here I am hanging out at the very top of the Rocky Mountains :)

The view I had from the top of the mountain. Breathtaking. 

I drank a Chai Latte at the highest Starbucks in Canada.

Getting silly with the ice sculptures at Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta.


The stunning Ice Castle in the middle of the lake. For this one moment in time it was just Lake Louise and I.


Watching Duck Dynasty (my favourite show) on my flight to Calgary, Alberta. 

Me and my bear hat from Calgary - We are too cute!


Nelson Mandela's memorial at Parliament Hill the night that I dined there.


The lights outside of Parliament are always beautiful during the Christmas season!


The inside is beautiful as well!


Here I am sticking my tongue in my beautiful cousin's ear during her wedding photo sesh.


Lunching with BabyGirl at Antipasto Restaurant in Mont Tremblant when the weather was warmer!!!!


BabyGirl and I at Universal Studios in Florida.


Cry-laughing at Dane Cook's Just For Laugh's show in Montreal.


An AMAZING show at New City Gas in Montreal.


Ohhh! We also got a puppy! This is our little toy poodle, Ninja :)


Fun pics, right?! I know! Some of those were taken towards the end of 2013 but so far 2014 has been amazing! Hopefully life doesn't get so busy that I can't keep up to my blog again. It's nice to be back :)

XO Tawns

Photos © Copyright, Tawny Gelinas, 2014
One Black Dress Photo Credits and © Copyright Leanna Dawn Photography, 2013

Hearty Quinoa Salad

Quinoa - Pronounced "Keen-Wah" is native to South America and was considered the "Gold of the Inca's"; eaten by Warriors to increase their stamina. Although people consider it a grain, it's actually a seed that is relative to the spinach family. When it is cooked, Quinoa has is very fluffy, has a slight crunch (almost like caviar) and a light nutty flavour. Not only is Quinoa delicious but it is packed full of Protein, Magnesium, Fiber and Maganese and Copper (minerals that act as antioxidants in your body). I'm not a nutritionist, but you can trust when I say that Quinoa is a health food champ.

Quinoa is a major staple in our home so in this post I am going to explain how to cook Quinoa and will be sharing our favourite salad recipe with you.

To begin with, you can purchase Quinoa at in any health section of any grocer. I purchase mine at the Bulk Barn because I find that buying it in bulk is much cheaper than purchasing it from the grocery store, but where you purchase it is entirely up to you.

Some say that you should soak for up to 8 hours before cooking but the Quinoa that is purchased in North America doesn't generally require soaking. I just rinse mine thoroughly through a strainer and cook immediately.

To Cook:

1 Cup of Quinoa

1 1/2 Cups of Water

Note: Double the batch by using 2 cups of Quinoa to 3 cups of water.

After rinsing, place the Quinoa in a large pot (lid off) and bring to a boil on high heat. Once boiling, stir, put a tight fitting lid on the pot and turn the heat down to low. Let simmer for about 15 minutes until all of the water is gone and you see little dimples on the top of the Quinoa much like you do when you cook rice. Remove from heat, fluff with a spoon and voila! It's that simple.

Hearty Quinoa Salad:

1 double batch of Quinoa (2 cups Quinoa to 3 cups water)

1 Can of Black Beans
2 Cups of Frozen Corn

2 Cups of Cherry Tomatoes

2 Limes
5 or 6 Green Onions (long stem)

1 Avocado

Cilantro to taste
Extra Virgin Olive oil
Sea Salt and Fresh Black Pepper (if you wish)

Place the Quinoa into a large bowl. Rinse and drain the Black Beans thoroughly and add to Quinoa.

Microwave the Corn for 1 minute (I cook mine for 1:11 mins because I am OCD like that) and place into bowl with Quinoa and Beans. Cut Cherry Tomatoes into quarters, slice Green Onions, dice Avocado and add to bowl. Chop as much Cilantro as you wish to use and add to bowl as well. Squeeze in the juice of two limes (or 1 lime if you prefer) and drizzle some EVOO over top. Mix well and serve.

This batch is going to make a helluvalot of salad but it will last you a few days in your fridge in an air tight container and is perfect for snacks, lunches, and dinner side dishes. Ours never goes to waste!

Again, super simple and delicious! C'est Bon!

Do you have a favourite Quinoa recipe that you could share?

xTx

Gain That Indomitable Will!

I didn't plan on writing this post at all especially right now given that I am in the middle of making quinoa salad but I wanted to share something with all of you.

If you know me personally, you know that I have been working out regularly; solo and with a personal trainer. I haven't drank any soda or juice since December 7th. I eat extremely healthy (although I had like, 12 french fries [because I refuse to deny myself of something if I want it] on Friday that made me really sick to my stomach; assumed from the grease since I do not eat any greasy foods). And I'm on a total fitness kick.

Since I started working out in January the only thing that I have gained is energy, strength, better sleeping habits, better eating habits and a whole lot of will power.

I have lost two things (in the absolute following order):

1. That guilty feeling.

2. Pounds.

The guilty feeling is no longer because I'm taking my butt to the gym and hitting the cardio and weight machines. I really hate cardio (a lot) but that's just too bad. I hate feeling guilty much more than I hate cardio. Once I'm done my work out, my body feels amazing and I can carry on with my day or evening knowing that I did my body good. Although cardio and I are enemies; weight training is my BFF. I have never weight trained before until this year, never thought that I would and definitely never thought that I would say that I love it. The last thing that I want to be is muscular (only toned) but training is a ridiculous amount of fun!!

Even when you don't want to work out and would rather sit down on your computer, watching a movie or even reading a book - Go work it out. I know way too many women who want to get fit and talk about it constantly but don't go out to do it. I was one of those women. Notice the past tense?

Maybe you don't want to lose weight, you just want to tone. Maybe you just want more energy. Is it that you do want to shed some inches? Or push your body into a healthier state? Whatever your goal, whatever your wish, put the negative aside that is stopping you and get to it.

No one can help you do it. Sure, people can support you and work with you but you are the only person that can achieve it.

Gain the willpower to change your habits. Gain control over your thoughts. Gain the confidence in yourself.

I have decided that my goal for the Month of March will be to work out every single day and lose 11 more pounds. Why don't you set a goal for yourself and join me?

You can do it if you really want it and, girl, you know you want it.

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." 

 Mahatma Gandhi

xTx

Healthy Mexican Fiesta Chicken Wraps

Tonight we had a little Mexican Fiesta. Chili spiced chicken, creamy guacamole, sauteed veggies and salsa. It was almost as spicy as a party during Cinco de Mayo in Detroit's Mexican Town. Well, not quite but the food was good. And healthy!

So sorry but I didn't take pictures so you will have to use your imagination for this recipe.

If you don't have all of the ingredients that I list, get creative and use what you have. I will give you some substitution ideas at the end of this post but in the meantime, I will list exactly what I used.

Ingredients:

3 Chicken Breasts Diced
4 Large Mushrooms Sliced
1 Red Pepper Diced
1 Green Baby Zucchini Sliced
5 Stems of long Green Onions
2 Avocados
3 Tablespoons of No Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
4 tablespoons (divided into two) of no fat Balsamic Vinaigrette
Garlic Powder (as much as you'd like)
Thyme or Basil (if you'd like)
Chili Powder (as much as you'd like)
Sea Salt and Pepper
Salsa (Mild El Paso is our fav)
Whole Wheat Tortilla's
Low Fat Mozzarella Cheese (optional)

Place 2 tablespoons of the dressing into pan with chicken, shake on some garlic powder (I use a lot), thyme or basil, a bit of pepper and cook thoroughly on medium-high with lid on to sweat all of the juices out. I can't stand juicy meat so I always over-cook the bird. I'm sure you know how to cook chicken, so do yo thang and cook it how you like. Just before it's done (I prefer golden brown edges) add the chili powder, a couple tablespoons of water, stir and cook until all of the water is gonzo.

In another pan, or pot, or wok, or whatever add the other 2 tablespoons of dressing and the red peppers. Cook on medium until they start to soften. Once the peppers are slightly soft, toss in the mushrooms and put a lid on the pan so that the juices from the mushrooms sweat out. Once they are close to being done, add the zucchini (lid still on), sweat them out and then add the green onions. Cook until veggies are soft.

While the Chicken and Veggies are cooking, de-pot (which is what I call it) the avocado's and place in a bowl. Mash them up with a fork and add in the plain Greek yogurt. Stir, stir, mash, mash. Sprinkle in a bit of sea salt and pepper and you're done.

Place a tortilla on a plate, add some guacamole for glue, chicken, veggies, salsa and a bit of cheese, wrap it up and eat!!

Healthy and soooooo Yummy!!

Substitutions:

If you don't have balsamic vinaigrette, use some Italian dressing or mix up some EVOO, a bit of vinegar and spices.

If you don't have any Greek yogurt, mix equal parts of no/low fat mayonnaise and no/low fat sour cream with your avocado. You could even dice up some tomatoes and sprinkle in some fresh lemon juice for a more authentic guacamole.

Cook up whatever veggies you have - Onions, carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, eggplant, or even spinach!

No chicken in your freezer? Use beef or shrimp!

No tortilla's? Use pitas or flat bread!

I find that people tend to follow recipes the same way that they follow directions to an unknown destination. They often become afraid that if they fall of the recipe track that what they are cooking won't turn out. I can honestly say that getting lost in my recipe kitchen has always ended up in a delicious adventure. I personally think that I suck at baking because I have a really hard time following the directions of a recipe. I like to break the rules and improvise when I cook and unfortunately there is no improvisation in baking. Hence the reason that I am a terrible baker but a (self-proclaimed) amazing cook.

So get creative and fiesta, my lovelies!

xTx