Surprise, surprise! It was actually a pretty quick week for me. I thought this week would drag on but it flew by. Now just two more weeks until Winter break! I am going strong and intend to get tons of things done before then so I can spend my time relaxing and doing some old favorite hobbies like reading (real books!, not just blogs), cooking, and just letting my mind de-stress. For the rest of December I have some really awesome posts planned for you guys! Recipes, reviews, giveaway, hot topics. I can't wait to share it all with you guys. (P.S. I am giveaway obsessed and enter like everyone I see and during this holiday season there are multiple new ones everyday! It's getting to be a little much. So many blogs, so many giveaway! My giveaway bookmark folder is exploding. Hopefully I will actually win something 😉 )
A quick highlight from this week. The #elf4health challenge that so many of us are doing is really a lot of fun. Wednesday was no-makeup day. I usually only wear light makeup to school and non on the weekends, but It felt really good to not worry about any make-up on a school day. I felt fresh and beautiful all day long. We don't need make-up to mask our real beauty! Live it up and go make-up free. I think I will do it again today 😉
O and another highlight! I have been making some really awesome dinner messes. Last night I had a bowl with lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, smoked paprika tilapia, raw beets, spicy hummus, yellow grape tomatoes, and baby button mushrooms along with some chestnut brown rice crisp breads! It was so good, I am dieing to make it again! I am loving raw beets and those chestnut crisp breads too! They were a new find at the grocery last weekend and they are so good!
SS Posts from the week:
Monday: Power Monday #22 Holiday Kettlebell Circuit
Tuesday: Guest Post: How to Create Flawless Skin for the Holidays
Wednesday: Artichoke and Shiitake Mushroom Split Pea Soup
Thursday: Holiday Gift Guide: For the Yogi
Blog Posts I loved this week:
No it does not! Do not fear healthy fats. Nuts, seeds, nut butters, avocado, salmon, sardines. Some of my favorite foods! Eat it all!
+ A Vegan on Pills or an Omnivore with Balanced Nutrition
Are the benefits of being vegan great enough to outweigh the possible vitamin deficiencies?
+ The 10 Rules of a Great Warm-up & Cool-down
Another great post from Taylor! I usually don't warm-up, but I always cool-down by stretching! (My favorite thing!)
+ 11 Tips to Stick with Your Workouts through the Holidays
Great tips for those who struggle to find the time during this hectic season!
+ 6 Exercise Alternatives to the (Barbell) Front Squat
I love front squats! They are killer for the quads! But if you don't or you don't have a barbell, try these alternatives!
+ Healthy Eating Tip: Buy Greens + Use Them
Great tips on actually using those greens!
Just because it's winter, doesn't mean fresh produce is gone!
+ 5 Reasons I joined Crossfit---5 Reasons I Quit
Two perspectives, the pros and cons of keeping with Crossfit.
+ 10 Things I want My Daughter to Know about Working Out
Everyone should know these things!
+ 9 Things I Learned During Yoga Teacher Training
I can't wait to see what I learn one day!
Change is scary, but it is inevitable and we must embrace it!
I guess I have a BRF, because annoying people are always telling me to "smile", it is so annoying!
Great read! I was planning on doing a similar post next week, but different so stay tuned!
Links to everything you need to know!
+ Do Not Say These Things to People with Celiac Disease or Food Allergies
O my God, yes! Please read this!
+ Oil Pulling Method
Have you ever tried oil pulling? It sounds intriguing, haha!
Favorite Pins:
(Follow me on Pinterest – RebeccaGF666)
Quinoa with Veggies and Almond Butter Curry Sauce. This looks divine! Three of my favorite foods 🙂
Spicy 3-Bean Veggie Chili. Warm winter goodness 😉
DIY Ruffle Christmas Tree. This look so cute and easy to make. Totally doable DIY project!
Raw Thai Noodle Salad. Perfect blend of spicy and sweet!
Holiday PROOF Arms. This looks like a good one.
Aztec Patriot Leggings. I only own black leggings, but these printed ones look so fun!
A few things I loved about my week or am grateful for:
+ I am grateful for some fun new opportunities that were offered to me for the blog! That's why I am so excited about the next few weeks here 🙂
+ 179 days (I had a few slip ups last weekend and I am not proud of myself. But Once Monday took hold, I was to busy to think about it and got it back under control! So I am keeping my days (179) since I didn't completely fall into it again. I am planning on keeping my hands away form my face this weekend by keeping very busy. No mindless computer time. I want to get as much work done as possible before the next holiday break in two weeks. I will work to my full complicity until then. Then I will also myself to relax. Hopefully this will work, fingers crossed!) of being (eyebrow and eyelash) trich free!
+ I am loving the Christmas (Hallmark!) movies and music! We still have no decorations up yet (hopefully this weekend we will get those things in order). But the music and movies are really getting me in the spirit! I am so excited for the holidays 🙂
+ Some of the Black Friday online shopping I did arrived! I got 3 pairs or black legging type pants (all different styles), a peachy/pinkish sweater, and a beautiful dark blue blouse from Express. I am still waiting for my Old Navy buys now!
So tell me:
What is your favorite Christmas movie? Mine is The Christmas Box! I saw it one year on TV and then could never find it anywhere because I had no idea what it was called. Until my research payed off last year and I finally found the name!
How is your holiday shopping going? I still need to get to work on my DIY gifts....running out of time = stress!
What is your favorite thing about the holidays? The music, movies, and all around feelings of warmth, love, peace, and happiness!
Have a lovely weekend! See you all on Monday 🙂
Deborah Smikle-Davis
What a wonderful Friday Finisher! I got so many great ideas from this post! Gee, you really know how to finish the week with a bang! My favorite Christmas movie is "You've Got Mail" tied with "Love Actually". I am addicted to them both! I went on a cruise last week so I started shopping on the ship and during port stops in the Bahamas, but I still have a lot more to do.The best part about the season for me is playing Secret Santa for needy children and filling their Christmas gift wishes.
Thank you so much for sharing this valuable post with us on the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Hop! We sincerely appreciate it!
strengthandsunshine
Ah, I am sure you were able to pick up some awesome exotic gifts in the Bahamas! So jealous 😉
Danica
I really liked the make-up free day challenge, too! It's something I've decided I'm going to do more often 🙂
Thanks for sharing my post!
strengthandsunshine
It is lovely! I did do it again today and felt great! 🙂
janetha
Thanks for the link love 🙂 I am obsessed with printed leggings. SO much better than wearing actual pants, haha. Happy holidays!
strengthandsunshine
I hate hate hate jeans! I only where leggings...or sweatpants, haha!
Julie
I tried oil pulling once and liked it, but it takes awhile.
strengthandsunshine
Yea, it seems like something that would offer great long term benefits!
Heather
Those printed leggings are adorable! I need to start purchasing some. Thanks for linking up... hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
strengthandsunshine
Wild clothes like that have never been my style, but for some reason I really like them!
Lindsay L, RD (@LeanGrnBeanBlog)
thanks for the link love!
strengthandsunshine
Loved the post!
Christine
Oh man. I'm so behind on my holiday shopping and preparations in general! Thanks for including my post here with all these other awesome posts. Happy Weekend!
strengthandsunshine
I feel like so many people are ahead this year! And I have loved reading all you yoga teacher training posts! They were lovely! I am hoping to start mine soon in 2014 🙂
jillconyers
Except for a few random stocking stuffers my shopping is done! Woohoo! I made the quinoa with almond butter curry this week. It's as good as it looks! The 3 bean chili looks good. I'll have to try it.
strengthandsunshine
O good! I'll have to make the quinoa ASAP!