just us in here: June 2012

Sunday, June 24, 2012

{Jessica Loves}: Musicals from the 1950's

So I got on YouTube this afternoon. (bad idea.. haha)

And for some reason I ended up watching clips of old musicals and landed on this beauty from The Pajama Game.

In 1997 (the first year I was in high school), the drama program at my high school did this musical. I wasn't part of the cast, but I did volunteer to do "front of house" work.. like hand out programs, usher and take tickets... the best part was getting to watch the production for free! By the end of the two week run I knew every lyric to every song and I wished I had tried out (even to be part of the chorus) so bad.. I vowed the next time my high school put on a drama production, I was going to audition.. When it actually did roll around, I was in grade 12, so as a send off to my high school career (haha), I decided to audition.. I made it and it was one of the most fun experiences ever..

Anyway, this is my favourite song from The Pajama Game.. I can still remember the two cast members from high school who played these parts (perfectly, I might add) and anyway, I just wanted to share it.. :) Hope you get a good chuckle of it like I still do today..

xo ~ Jessica

Saturday, June 23, 2012

{Jessica Eats}: Quinoa with Tomatoes & Feta

Do you guys like quinoa? It's taken me a while to warm to it, but I am really starting to love it now! Well, let me specifiy: I am loving this combo! :) It was first introduced to me by my cousin (The wonderful Mrs Dayle-Marie!) and well, now I'm hooked.. I've had it two times this week already! Healthy, nutritious, full of flavour and so easy! Pretty much everything I'm looking for in making a meal while moving/unpacking/re-organizing.. :)

Here's the breakdown:

Ingredients: quinoa, olive oil, oregano paste, a roma tomato, herb & garlic feta, tuna

make your quinoa, as per directions on the package

chop one tomato (I love the meaty-ness (haha, that's a funny word) of a roma tomato, but I'm sure you could use whatever kind of tomato you want.. I bet grape tomatoes, halved, would be awesome, too!)

once the quinoa is cooked, add a splash (or more) of olive oil and stir...

add about a teaspoon oregano paste and mix well

toss in the chopped tomato & some feta

add a side of tuna and sprinkle with some salt & pepper

devour. :)

oh and it doesn't hurt to finish it off with a double fudge brownie. (my side is with the nuts)

maybe not as nutritious but definitely full of flavour

Hope your Saturday has been a happy one! I'm off to take Bronze for a walk on this grey muggy evening..

xo ~ Jessica

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

{Jessica Snaps}: Photos From Coronation Park

Happy Wednesday! :) And Happy First Day of Summer!! Whooo!! :) We made it! It's truly summertime now!

Today is a pretty simple post.. I just wanted to share some photos I took the other day in Coronation Park. It's the park right across from our house. And my favourite park in town. It has been for as long as I can remember. In fact, I always wanted to get married in this park..

And here's why:

entrance to the park

the wooden bridge

high muddy spring creek

bubbling brook

is that ledge wide enough for a yoga mat? :)

treetops

maybe a nice reading/writing bench?

just bliss

looking one way down our street

looking down the other way.. my car is the grey one on the right :)

xo ~ Jessica

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

{Jessica Works Out}: And Is Giving The Gym A Break This Summer

Hey everybody! Happy Tuesday! Tuesdays kinda feel like a mini-Friday to me because I don't work on Wednesdays, so knowing I have tomorrow off always makes the evening feel really nice and drawn-out.. you know, like how Friday night feels! :)

Anyway, I decided it's time I do a fitness post. I've been putting it off for a long time because well, let's face it, if you're not into fitness or weight-lifting or running or such things, they can be pretty {ho-hum, yawn} borrr-rrring! And I don't want to bore you guys!

But I'm just gonna be really frank and honest with you here.. I love to workout. I love exercise. I love how it makes me strong. I love being able to squat and lift and press right along with all the bulky dudes at the gym. It's empowering and it's a fantastic sense of accomplishment.

Before the move, I was doing this program. And I loved it. It's a gym-specific program that requires your dedication and motivation.

I coped out at the second week into Phase Two. I need to work on said dedication and motivation.

I don't mean to use time and busyness of as an excuse, but it's the truth. I was just simply too busy to dedicate my efforts all that program. Am I going to revisit it? Absolutely. And I might just take y'all on the journey with me next time too! :)

Another reason I think I faltered on finishing that program was because I was getting sick of the gym. I have been going for about two years straight now and honestly... I think I need a break. Which is where the inspiration for this post came from!

I'm taking a break from the gym this summer!! And I couldn't be more excited!

Am I taking a break from fitness? No way. Just a break from the squat rack, the bench press and the treadmill. :)

So what's my summer stay-fit regime gonna like like? I don't have all the details ironed out yet, but maybe a little something like this:

Have you guys heard of the Tone It Up Girls? I love them!! I follow them on YouTube and Facebook! I bought their Beach Babe DVD's a couple months ago, so I am definitely going to be utilizing those! Their workouts are more geared for at home, at the beach, in the park, etc, etc.. just kind of wherever you are! :) Love that!

Lots of interval training and workouts like these!

I got an interval timer to help me with my HIIT workouts and Bodyrock workouts.. can't wait for this baby to arrive in the mail!

Best of all are the running trails through my favourite park in Red Deer, which is now literally at my doorstep. I still can't believe it really. :)

I have every tool to help me stay fit this summer without going to the gym and I am so stinkin excited!! :) Rain or shine, I want to dedicate myself to having fun this summer, being overall more active, utilizing the amazing (free) parks in our city and taking in the short summer season that we all come to know and love in this great country of ours!!

..haha..

Anyway, I was just inspired to write about fitness tonight, so there ya have it... :) What are your favourite summer activities? Do tell; I always love hearing about new and fun ways to stay fit!

Well, I am off to enjoy the rest of the evening visiting my nephew!
Until next time..

xo ~ Jessica