A day on the trails

Day-on-the-trails-headerHow has your week been? I always like to say it’s Friday Junior on a Thursday because — isn’t it?  Does anyone have exciting plans this weekend? I’m bringing you a post today about our weekend that just passed.

The Guy is training for a marathon in December, so while he went on his weekly 30km run I ended up going to yoga and then bouldered for about an hour after the class. Once we got our exercise out of the way we made up a delicious lunch for ourselves. This was a toasted tuna bagel sandwich with the freshest strawberries I have ever eaten. I posted about on Instagram a while ago, but we pretty much mimicked the same deal for a quick bite before heading out for the day. bagel-sandwich-with-tuna

The Guy and I spent our weekend on the trails, and scoped out the Stevens Creek Dam and Reservoir which is looking pretty dry, unfortunately due to the drought. We packed some snacks (vitamin waters and clif bars) because I cannot stand being away from home without being able to eat for a few hours.Tony-Look-Trail

Snacks-for-trail

On-the-trails

burrows

trail-walking

Alfie-on-the-rocks

No-Trespassing

Alfie-licking-nose

Alfie-and-our-shoes

Sitting-on-ledge

TheGuy-and-Alfie

me-and-alfie-side

Running-with-Alfie

hut

Dam

No-swimming

Alfie

Lifting-Alfie

solong

When we got home, I made us some cod flounder-au-gratin (it tastes pretty good with any white fish, really) which is always a hearty meal to come home to after a long day. You can easily whip this up before/after your big ol’ day: pop it in the oven for thirty minutes and you got yourself one awesome meal. A tip for when you’re strapped for time is to have your veggies or produce cut up and sealed in tupperware containers right when you buy them. I know when I’m tired I don’t feel like cutting up a pepper or a few mushrooms for a healthy salad. This was super quick to put together!Cod-au-gratin-and-salad

30 minute Cod au gratin recipe:

  • White fish, ½ can of mushroom or cream of celery soup, 1 tsp dry mustard (or mustard/dijon), salt + pepper and 1½-2 cups mild cheddar cheese.
  • Mix all together and pour over fish. Top with bread crumbs if you want (I like to use panko crumbs). Then dress it up with whatever herbs (Italian seasoning is my go-to).
  • Bake 350° for 30 minutes.

Grocery shopping on the weekends isn’t the top of my priority list — I usually reserve that for the weekdays when The guy is at work. Weekends are the only time I get to really spend with my husband as he works long hours. The Guy and I are known for going long stretches without eating a proper meal so to combat that issue (because: hangry) I like to plan ahead and if I know we’re going to be out all day long I can either bring along snacks, prep our meals ahead of time or take food out of the freezer and have leftovers.

Walmart asked me if I wanted to try out their Walmart Grocery delivery service and supplied me with a gift card to make the initial purchase. Of course I’m going to say yes. The Guy loves Walton’s Mart (his nick name for it) so I stocked up on a ton of pantry items, meat, cheese, the regular things one would usually get when they buy groceries. But I also threw in a few goodies and healthy snacks for taking along when we go on hikes or day excursions while we discover all that California has to offer us. All the photos with delicious food in them were from the Walmart haul. The great thing about the delivery service is that if we ever needed to buy groceries on the weekend, they can be delivered straight to our house before we even get ready for the day so I can spend quality time with my husband, instead of waiting on him while he picks out a cereal in the crowded aisles. There’s only so much patience a woman has in the run of a day ;)

How often do you explore your city?

Have you ever tried a grocery delivery service?

What’s your favourite go-to quick meal to make for supper?

Disclaimer: Walmart-to-go provided me with a gift card to try out their delivery service.

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What I’m Wearing: Weekend edition

What-I-wear

Weekend-OOTD

Weekend-OOTD2These photos were taken last weekend the day after I had a few friends over for coffee and croissants. It was a much needed relaxing day, sipping my coffee from the new Nescafe machine we received for review. I love those days, where nothing is on the agenda and The Guy and I can hang out and do whatever you please. Even though I don’t have a full time day job, and can wear whatever I like when I like — I still like to kick back and relax on a weekend and put on my comfy clothes.

Here I am wearing my incredibly long lounge tee that I bought last year at Anthropologie. In hind sight, I really should have picked up another in a different colour despite the forty dollar price tag since I wear it so much. I thought I’d tell you guys about the new jeans I scored at Forever 21 for twenty four bucks a few weeks ago (I can’t find the exact pair but these are similar, although a few bucks more). This was the first time I had bought a pair of jeans that were pre-destroyed. Something I always thought was ridiculous, since you’re only going to get little wear our of them as they’re already broken in. Whatever, I love them man. They’re comfortable but require a belt. The size that was smaller down was too tight on my thighs, weird. Does that mean I’m enlarging? Lol. Hope not.

I really miss doing my weekly outfits of the work week! I should add this in as a weekly occurrence, whether it be one outfit, or many. What do you think?

What I’m Wearing:
Dior Shock nail polish, Anthropologie top

Forever 21 jeans, American Eagle belt, Starbucks mug

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12 Gift Ideas for Rock Climbers

12-Gift-Ideas-for-Climbers

Has anyone thought about Christmas shopping yet? It’s coming! My favourite time of the year! Thought I’d put together a little wishlist for myself or those who have rock climbing friends and have no idea what to get them for Christmas.Climbers-Gift-Guide

1. Hand Grip Strength donut — Although it may not look like much, it comes in handy especially when it comes to healing finger injuries or wanting to improve your strength. With 3 resistances to choose from, your climber friend will thank you for this small, yet thoughtful gift. I have the 30lb resistance, then do reps of 10 squeezes until failure. Oh the burn!

2. Rock climbing mugs — Who doesn’t want to practice their crimp strength while chugging their morning cuppa joe? You know I had a nickname once: Crimper Queen.

3. Carabiner necklace — LOVE! A mini carabiner that is functional in the way that it locks and opens? Way too cool. Clearly not for climbing. But it’s sweet.

4. Crash Pad — Anyone who heads out to get a bouldering session in, most likely would require a crash pad to cushion a fall. And guess what? After 19 years of climbing and bouldering, I still don’t have one! Many companies make them now besides the bigger brands, and what is neat is that they can now be completely branded and customized to your own style.

5. Figure 8 bracelet — Back in High School this was all I wore on my wrists.

6. Chalk bags — What else are you going to put your chalk in?

7. Climbing tee’s — You know, to keep you warm before you start climbing.

8. Sculptures — Self explanatory, a little artwork on your walls?

9. Climbing Shoes — La Sportiva is a trusted brand of mine. The lace-up (now men’s) miura’s create a snug fit for a narrow foot, especially in the heel cup area. I’ve retired those and bought La Sportiva women’s velcro Katana’s. Not as aggressive, but still can do a mean heel hook and not slip off. Their rubber is impeccable too.

10. Harness — I’m due for a harness upgrade. Thinking keeping with my theme and going for the always reliable Arc’teryx.

11.Chalk — Check out Friction Labs, especially the Unicorn Dust. You don’t have to chalk up as often, take that from me. I’ve been using it since the summer.

12. Mini rope keychain — Adorable, another must have. I’m’ eventually going to buy this for myself.

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