Garage Girls: Workout #31

I LOVE this quote! So simple....and sooooo true!

So the Garage Girls no longer work out at 8:00am...we are still trying to figure out a time that we can all work out together, but in the meantime, we are each fitting the workouts in where we can.  On Monday, I ended up working out at 3:30pm and it was scorching hot.  Here is my biggest takeaway from that experience...if you get easily discouraged or your mind plays tricks on you to convince you that you can not possibly finish...pick your workout time wisely.  Me...tomorrow my neighbors will be enjoying some energetic music with me at 6:30am : )

     Warm-up:

     1 min. plank hold
     1 min. side plank (both sides)
     1 min. downward facing dog

     Workout: (once for time)

     run 800m
     10 burpees
     20 side bridge dips (each side)
     30 jump squats
     40 push-ups
     50 box jumps
     run 800m
     50 weighted sit-ups
     40 bicep curl
     30 kettlebell deadlifts
     20 reverse lunges (each leg)
     10 burpees
     run 800m

...and here is another great workout song-

Have fun : )

Photo challenge: this is "above"

via Angie

via Jason

via Kelly

via Angie

via Kelly

via Angie

via Kelly

via Angie

via Kelly

via Angie

Maternity Photo Shoot: Jessica and B.R.

My whole family has anxiously been awaiting the arrival of our newest family member.  My cousin Jessica and her lovely husband, John, are having a baby boy affectionately called B.R., until we learn his real name on the day he is born. 

I recently photographed Jessica and B.R. at home one sunny afternoon.  I was very honored to capture one of the most joyous times in her life.  She has never been more beautiful...and at peace.

I can't wait to meet little B.R.- he is already incredibly loved.

*** Look here for maternity photo inspiration.  You can also see Jessica and John's wedding here and their baby shower here ***

Fabulous Food: Chicken and asparagus pasta with basil cream sauce

This is one of the meals that I am asked to make whenever my family gets together.  It was inspired by the chicken and asparagus pasta I ate at the Nordstrom's cafe in Kansas City a few years ago.  It is soooooo good.  Seriously....soooooo gooooood : )

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs of chicken cut into thin strips
1 box of farfalle pasta
1 8 oz. package of sliced mushrooms
1 bunch of asparagus cut into 1 1/2" pieces
1 can of diced tomatoes with green chiles drained
1 tsp minced garlic
4 tbsp. butter
3 green onions thinly sliced
1 carton of heavy cream
1 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp oregano
1/4 c parmesan cheese

Prepare the farfalle according to the directions on the box, drain, rinse and set aside.  Melt 2 tbsps. of butter in a large pan.  Saute the chicken until no longer pink.  Turn down the heat and add asparagus to the pan.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Stir occasionally.

In a large saucepan, melt the other 2 Tbsps. of butter.  Add 1 tsp of minced garlic and stir until lighted browned.  Add the sliced green onion and lightly saute.  Add the mushrooms and cook for 4 minutes or until they have started to reduce in size and have begun to change color.  Add the drained tomatoes, 1 tsp of dried basil, 1/4 tsp. of thyme and 1/4 tsp. of oregano and stir.  Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to low.  Add salt and pepper- I usually use 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper, but some people like more (my Mom) and some people like less (my sister).  I suggest adding a little, taste it, add a little more until you have it exactly the way you want it.  Leave sauce to simmer for 5 minutes and then take it off the heat and let it cool down. 

Make sure the asparagus has softened, but is still a bit crunchy.

Add the chicken and asparagus mixture to the pasta in a large bowl.  Stir until all three ingredients are mixed well. 

After the sauce has cooled a bit and has become a little thicker, pour it over the pasta mixture.  Sprinkle the cheese over the top and it's ready to serve. 

This recipe is always a crowd pleaser, so expect requests for seconds : ) 

 *** these cookies are another hot item at our family gatherings***