Hello lovelies!  I hope y'all had a wonderful weekend!  Mine was excellent.  David came to visit me from Minnesota and we had a fabulous weekend full of good times and good food.  The weather was awesome for the most part which made it perfect because because there was a base-wise garage sale where I am stationed, and while I am not a garage sale person, David loves rumagging for books and in the process we found a beautiful oil canvas painting and he got me these beautiful antique German rolling pins that are made of solid wood.  The man knows what I love.  :)

Afterwards we went to Weston, MO.  We love this little town and spending time at the Irish restaurant in town.  They have a beer garden and the weather was so gorgeous that it was perfect for sitting around and just relaxing and having some good food.   Later we headed on down to O'Malley's irish Pub right next door.  This place is amazing because it is an underground pub thatit's located in three vaulted limestone cellars of the historic Weston Brewing Company.  In the capacious bottom cellar, which is 55 feet below ground, there's a stage for live music. The middle cellar has darts and sports bar amenities. The intimate top cellar looks like the perfect Irish pub, with draughts, ales, and ciders flowing and Irish troubadours performing in perpetuity.

The brewery was designed to utilize ice from the river during winter and lagering cellars dug deep into the ground to create ideal conditions for his beer which needed to be stored below 60 degrees for more than six weeks. In creating the brewery, the Weston Brewing Company became one of the first lager breweries in the United States. And you won't be surprised to learn that this dank, windowless underground pub was utilized from the Civil War through Prohibition as a bootlegging hideaway.  It truly is an awesome place to spend an evening.

Sunday we went to Kansas City and then met some of David's relatives.  Again, it was fantastic to catch up with them and enjoy some good food and company.  One of the most valuable lessons I have learned as I grow older is that sometimes you just have to relax.  And I have to admit that this weekend was not about super healthy food (nor food shaming for that matter) but more about enjoying those times when the good life is about enjoying each others' company and celebrating life... as simple as it may be.   And it was perfect.  

How was your weekend?

 Weekend Shenanigans.  Monday Morning Gossip. My Happy Monday. Treat Yourself Tuesday.

If you are like me you probably love cute workout clothes unfortunately most fitness clothes are pretty pricey especially tank tops.  I have to admit that I have a few tank tops for which I have paid a pretty penny only to then find an alternative that is more affordable.  Here are my four favorite tank tops and an affordable alternative to each of them that will not break the bank.

NO. 1// YOGA

When I started yoga, one of the first I noticed is that I needed a top that wouldn't ride up during the sessions.  Luckily UA has a Studio line and the banded tank works just great!  Unfortunately, with the pricey tag I needed an alternative so I could have additional yoga tops.  Enter Old Navy Active.  With almost the same design, this makes for a pretty cute alternative plus you save $30.00!

Then there is the super cute Lululemon Flow & Go tank.  When I saw this tank I was in love because of the back design.  But at that price, it almost gave me a heart attack.  Let me be honest, the cute element about this top is the back, so I looked for something that also had an interesting back design and the Danskin Mesh-Min Tank Top provides that beautiful element in a more fitted top and for almost half the price.

NO. 2 //  ACTIVE OR GYM

You have seen me wear the Lululemon Tuck Me In top on a few blog posts and this was my first Lululemon purchase ever a few months ago.  I love it because it is super comfy and has a built in sports bra.  I love the design in that the sides overlap making it very flattering and easy fit especially if you have curves.  But again: I don't want to wear the same top every time and at $64.99 this is WAY too much for a tank top (I got mine on sale by the way).  Luckily Danskin offers a similarly designed top.  Although the inside layer is not a sports bra, it still offers that layered look that is so trendy in fitness tops right now and for half the price. 

I love a tank top that not only I can use on the gym or for yoga, but also to go out when I am in a casual mood and this tank top from Athleta with its flowy easiness fits the bill just right.  At $44.00 it can be considered pricey but Old Navy has a beautiful alternative that is flattering and has that flowing design for half the price too!  Score! 

The beautiful thing about these alternatives is that the are nicely made.  As someone whose mom was a seamstress, I pay a lot of attention to fabrics and how clothes are made.  And both Old Navy and Danskin make quality clothes.  Other brands that sell affordable fitness clothing?  Gap Active and C9 for Champion at Target.  And there you have it my friends, proof that you do not need to spend a lot of money to have quality and beautifully design fitness clothes. 

Sharing with Fitness Friday

No other experience in the world makes me happier than rescuing dogs in need.  I do not hide it.  I love dogs and would love to find each one a home.  In my case the dogs I've adopted have been adult or senior dogs and there is something so sweet about that age in dogs.  They are love-dovey and so sweet.  But I would be lying if I did not admit that sometimes I wish I experience the puppy phase of them.  Because truly there is something so utterly adorable about puppies... especially Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. 

But a few days ago I received an opportunity to, at least through photos, experience Jack as a puppy.  You see when I adopted Jack in August his previous family contacted me through Facebook because they wanted to make sure Jack was ok.  Long story short: his previous owners were not devious and "got rid of him".  They had some valid reason involving their toddler.  Anyhow, they are awesome people and they love seeing his photos on Facebook and are so thankful because they can tell Jack is with someone who loves him and cares for him.  That was very important to them.  

So a few nights ago his previous mom sent me some photos of Jack as a puppy and oh my goodness, he was an adorable chunky furball!  Below are some of the photos she sent me (the first two are of Jack now). 

For those not familiar with Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, they are born with apricot hair with black around their face and some of their coat.  As they grow, and usually around 10 months to 1 year, their coat starts turning a wheat color.  I so want a Wheaten puppy but truly puppies require a lot attention and time, which with my work I do not have.  Part of the beauty of having an adult dog is that I do not have to let him out every two hours plus he is not into chewing things.  Jack is pretty chilled and when I go home lunch all he requires is a long walk and some play time with mommy which I am glad to give him. But seriously, how adorable was he?  can you say "puppy fever"? 

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I come from a very traditional Hispanic family where I was expected to act and be a certain way.  I was expected to dress a certain way, talk a certain way.  Instead I grew up to be an athlete, a ballet dancer, a good student, a model, a Soldier.  It does not get more "outside the box" than that.  And I did all these things because my parents especially my father noticed my independent personality as a child and instead of crushing my spirit, he nurtured it by never telling me that I could not do anything.  And growing up in that loving and nurturing environment gave me self confidence and made my independent spirit bolder and fearless.  That my friends, has served me well throughout my life, especially as a Soldier.  Those memories are like snapshots of motivation that move through my mind reminding me who I am.  And I love it because I do believe there is power in images and the message they convey.  A few nights ago I was on Facebook when I saw this image and it stopped me on my tracks.
 

CONFIDENT

FEARLESS

STRONG

DETERMINED

You can tell all this from this photo.  Upon doing more research, I found out this photo is part of a project by photographer Kate T. Parker who wanted to use her talent as a photographer to capture her daughters' life and in time turned into a study of her daughters personalities.  Eventually shooting her daughters as they genuinely are, STRONG GIRLS, became the focus of the project.  She wanted to show them that they are ENOUGH.  Are you loving this yet? Because I am.   As an aunt to three girls who range from super girlie to uber tomboy, I appreciate each of my girls' personalities and who they are.  So, this premise behind the project grabbed me.  Not only because the photos are beautiful and strong but because they are a celebration of who they are.

 

And momma, I salute you for that.  We need more women to stand up against the crazy pressures we are putting on women from the time they are children.  To show them they are strong, capable, and confident.  As someone who benefited from parents who instilled that in me, I can tell you that no better gift can be given to a child but especially a girl.  Because every girl counts.  Every girl rock! 

Last week during the one of the days I was feeling good, I did back and chest at the gym.  I love working back because I can handle a lot of weight and it makes me feel pretty strong.  As I was moving through the machines I spotted a shiny new gym machine that immediately caught my attention.  I wanted to try it but had no idea how it worked.  Finally a guy gave it a try and I realized it was a rope trainer! 

There is something about climbing a rope that is just hardcore to me.  I love watching Crossfit people climb the rope because they make it look so easy, and I honestly struggle climbing the rope.  So I just knew I had to give it a try.  And I did.  And it burned.  And it was love at first sight.  This machine gives rope burn a whole new meaning. 

This weight-assisted machine simulates actual rope climbing from three positions: seated, kneeling on the seat and standing but if you are tall like moi standing really does not work.  The seat is sort of levitating meaning that it moves with you which gives you that feeling if climbing a rope, and immediately you feel your core, arms and back being targeted.   

I do not think I am over exagerating when I say that I think I found my dream machine at the gym especially if you do not want to do a whole weigh training routine at the gym and spend a lot of time there.  This is a one-stop machine and I am loving it!

 Workout Wednesday.  Fitness Friday.  

 

And Spring is definitely here which I love because there is an abundance of produce and it is so colorful and pretty.  Love it!



 

This two-herb combination is delicious and works so well with the lobster flavor.  What I love about this recipe is that it takes me back to island living in 2.2 seconds so when I am missing home (whether Puerto Rico or the Sandhills of North Carolina) and want to prepare something fancy, this is one of the recipes I make.  It is also easy to make but packs a wow factor that will impress whoever graces your table.  So the next time you want to make something a little different and special give this a try.  You will love it!

 

Sharing with these lovelies: Mouthwatering Mondays.  Melt In Your Mouth Monday.  Tasty Tuesday.  Heart & Soul Blog Hop. Real Food Wednesday. Tuned-In Tuesday.  Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Blog Hop.  Fitness Friday. The Fitness Friday Linkup.  Strange But Good .  Recipe Friday. Foodie Friday.  Food-tastic Friday.  Friday Favorites.  Foodie Friday.  Weekend Potluck.  Aloha Friday Blog Hop.  Full Plate Thursday.  Fantastic Friday.  Cast Party. Wake Up Wednesday. The Wednesday round Up. Wake Up Wednesdays. 

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Email me your address so I can send it on your way.  Thank you all to those who participated!  Happy Eater, everyone!  He has truly Risen!

 

On Sunday we celebrate the implications of the three most important words in history: HE HAS RISEN.  Three simple words.  Simple yet powerful.  These words capture Christ's journey from beginning to end.  The God who made himself human and came to us in the form of a small baby, grew up spreading the Word of God.  He knew what his fate would be, one written for him and in a way, BY HIM, to be a sacrificial lamb for humanity.  He died in the Cross and for a split second he felt the magnitude of all the sins of the world inside his human body, and I always wonder what he felt.  But I also always thank God that I do not have to experience that excruciating weight of sin, because I think it would be unbearable.

 

There are many moments in Jesus' life that move me to tears and the crucifixion is one of them.  Even now when I seem to be going through a slow reawakening process with God, I can appreciate the magnitude of what He did.  He-- the omnipotent God-- loving us with an immense love sent His only son to be like us in form and feeling-- except that he was righteous.  And then He had his son die for our sins, his blood washing away the sinful nature of our existence. 

 

With three words Jesus closed the loop that began in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve.  By dying for our sins, God took away the enemy's illusion of control over humans, and gave us freedom.  All we have to say is YES!  This moment of Jesus' life always make me laugh with joy in a "gotcha!" kind of laugh because when Jesus died at the Cross I am thinking the enemy thought he had won, when in reality God did.  This was His plan all along from the moment Eve ate from the Tree of Life. 

 

Easter is not about the Easter bunny.  It is about new life.  With the crucifixion came new life, everlasting life, for Jesus and for those who choose to accept him.  Just like the words "HE HAS BEEN BORN" or "IT IS FINISHED", the words "HE HAS RISEN" are simple yet powerful in their meaning and the implications to all of those who choose to follow Christ.   He has risen so that we can find eternal life should we chose to accept His open and free invitation to open our hearts to Him. 

This moment more than any other moment in Jesus' life shows that we do not have to be sinless nor perfect to come to God.  Take the fact that God elected Mary Magdalene-- the former prostitute-- to be the first to hear the news of Jesus' resurrection.  God loves everyone including the broken and flawed.  God loves us all.  Jesus loves us all.  The Holy Spirit loves us all.  All we have to do is say a simple but heartfelt YES!  YES! YES!  And that my friends is something worth celebrating, not only at Easter, but all of the days of our lives.

 

Happy Easter everyone!  HE HAS RISEN, indeed!

 

Recommendation Saturday.   The Weekend Brew.  Whatever Is Lovely.  Sharing His Beauty.  The Sunday Community.  Quit Judging.  Coffee For Your Heart.

Hello everyone!  Well, my weekly recap this week is almost non-existent.  Last Friday I developed some kind of stomach bug and by the time Saturday arrived, I felt like a truck ran me over, then back up and ran me over again.  By Sunday I a chills/fever combo that was awful and on Monday I had to leave work early because I was feeling awful.  Luckily grandma came to the rescue with one of her concoctions.  I took a shower, put on some sweats and wrapped myself in a comforter and the sweating session began.  It felt like a long night.  On Tuesday I woke up feeling much better thank goodness but today it feels like it is back.  So here is my weekly "training":

 

• Friday: 3 miles outside at 10:30 pace.  Glutes and abs

This weekend I was supposed to spend Easter with the fiance and his family in Minnesota.  I love spending time with the big (ætt) or clan in Norwegian.   And the plan was to spend Friday and Saturday in Lacrosse, WI and that is always such a pleasure because I love this college town.  Great restaurants and bars to just sit and relax.   Unfortunately I don't think I'll make it to the airport if I keep feeling like this.   We'll see. 

If I don't talk to you, I wish you all a very Happy Easter! He Will Rise Again!

Joining Fitness Friday.  Workout Wednesday.  Finish Line Friday.

Happy Thursday, y'all!  Is it Friday yet?  Because I am going to Minnesota to spend Easter with my fiance's family and I cannot wait to see them!  Have I told you what a blessing it is when you love you fiance's family and they loVe you back?  I actually think they love me more than they love him. ;-)  Just kidding.  He is a wonderful person and they love him to pieces.  Today I'm just sharing favorite things that I am loving. 

Oh yes, I went there.  I saw this on Etsy (gee what a shocker) and immediately thought "This is going to be a good prank and David its going to think I'm crazy".  Well the joke was on me because he loved it and his family took it as a sign that I won't change my mind and breathed a sigh of relief (see? I told you they like me better...lol).  No, seriously everyone loved it!  What do you think?  Too much? I have to admit, I actually love it!

The left is the preview of ours "Go, Baers!"

Wow, this madness is already starting but I am loving it!  Happy Thursday, y'all!

Wedding Wednesday.

  Let's Be Friends.

  Lovely Thursdays.

The other day I was having a conversation with a friend discussing how switching my wheaten Jack to home cooked food had made such a positive effect on him, and she gave me the weird look.  The one that says "you are becoming the crazy dog lady".  When I asked her she said that she just didn't understand why some people cooked for their dogs when there are so many good foods in the market.  And my reply to her was: "Well let me put it like this; we strive to find what food works better for us so we are healthy.  Same goes for pets.  Pet parents want the best for their pets and they strive to find the best food possible... which is NOT kibble.  If that doesn't make sense try this.  You and I know that part of being fit depends on what we eat.  same goes for a dog; if what he eats makes him sick then he is not a fit dog."

Here is the thing: humans and animals share about 75% of their genetic makeup.  So basically you can say we have similar genetic needs.  While kibble, even the expensive organic with great ingredients one, is more economical it is processed with additives to expand shelf life-- so you see where I am going with this.  We humans pay attention to what we eat but we are basically feeding our dogs foods that are full of preservatives.  I am not saying that I know better than you what is best for your dog, just sharing what works for mine. 

There is a reason why I make this point.  Since I adopted Jack in August 2013, he has been such a good eater of normal pet food.  That was until December.  Over the holidays he started experiencing bloating, "the gulpies" which is scary because it sounds as if they cannot breath, vomiting and diarrhea.  We ran countless tests and nothing was medically wrong with him.  The vet recommended switching foods.  Between December and March we tried all the best dog foods in the market-- all kibble yet we thought because they were "high quality" they would work.  They did not.  And worse, Jack would stop eating.  After much debate (and while I love my vet) I took a different approach and took Jack to a holistic vet in Kansas City.  and since then not a day goes by that I am thankful I made that decision.  Part of the reason was also Jack was having lots of arthritis pain (since he is 11 yrs. old) and I wanted to explore acupuncture as a possibility for pain relief. 

While it take a little bit of time preparing I find this to be a good compromise instead of going all raw.  I am not ready for that and Jack seems to be doing great with this healthy medium.  And is all the effort going into preparing it worth t?  You betcha! In one week I saw improvements and in two weeks I had a new dog.  He is full of energy and you can see he is a happy dog, not the miserably looking dog who could barely keep anything down.  And there is no better feeling for a pet parent than that.

Again, this is not me trying to make a service announcement about banning kibble; it is about the changes I saw in Jack once I switched him off the kibble.  I will just leave you with some food for thought:  I have not had to take Jack to the vet for digestive problems since I started him on this food.  He is better than ever, full of energy, his diarrhea and vomiting gone.  Coincidence?  I think not.  But you be the judge.

What do you feed your dog?

If off kibble, why did you make the change?

Before I leave, please come and join us for our new Happy Pet Blog Hop starting next Wednesday and every Wednesday after that.  Grab the button and join in the fun linking any posts that shows what makes your dog happy!