Whew! Another night at Crossfit done! I was not nearly as sore as I thought (and as everyone told me) I would be. But I can already feel the soreness coming on from tonight’s class.

Here are a few shots from the day:

Including all 3 meals plus 1 snack. Sorry Instagram followers for hogging your news feed. I’m back!

1. My favorite morning ritual: A cup of coffee+splash of milk with a side of blog reading and celebrity trash.

2. Breakfast! Buttered+jam(med?) english muffin, two drippy fried eggs, and a side o’ grapefruit!

3. Perks of being home for the summer… I have countless kitchen toys! A crunchy apple with an {unpictured} tablespoon of peanut butter.

4. Mid-day bath. #necessary

5.  Lunchy munchies: Ham, green onion cheese(!!!), & dijon on whole-wheat. Sabra’s Spicy Hummus and Stacy’s Naked pita chips. <– the best snack ever! hard to keep it at a serving size, though.

6. Dinner and pre-Crossfit fuel: Salad with warm, crumbled bacon, one roma tomato, one mini yellow bell pepper, and a handful of shredded carrots. The best part was by far the dressing! Do it now. For breakfast. for lunch. for a snack. for dinner. for dessert. Just do the dang thing! Recipe follows.

Honey-mustard-bacon salad dressing

1 serving

• 2 slices bacon
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp dijon
• 1/2 tbsp honey

In a microwave-safe bowl, cook bacon for 3 minutes. Remove bacon and let rest on a paper towel. Add the vinegar, dijon, and honey to the bowl of bacon grease and stir well. Crumble, chop, inhale the two bacon slices. Serve the dressing atop a salad with crumbled bacon!

This dressing was soooo good. I can’t give credit where credit is due to the original recipe creator because well… the recipe is everywhere! This dressing could’ve easily served two people so if you like light dressing or you are watching calories/fat, I’m sure it is just as delicious cut in half.

See ya lata.

xo. Mindy

Have you heard about that thing they call Crossfit?

From the first time I read about it, I wanted to know more so I watched video after video. Then one of my favorite bloggers, Tina, from Carrots n Cake joined and I found myself checking her blog daily for her Crossfit updates. Then my older brother joined and fell in love and I was even more intrigued. FINALLY, I gave it my first try tonight.

I may not be saying this tomorrow, but I AM IN LOVE. I had the biggest smile on my face walking out of those doors and I can’t wait to go back. Though it IS a bit pricey, I can go ahead and say that it is well worth it. I am so excited to start my Crossfit journey and of course I will keep you all updated throughout. I highly recommend anyone to check out their area for a Crossfit box.

On another note, these past few weeks have been hectic due to finals, audition week, and moving from Atlanta, so my eats have been all over the place from being semi-healthy to all out indulgent and I just didn’t photograph or document them. After my grocery haul tonight, I have no excuse but to get back on track. So expect to see lots of healthy meals very soon.

p.s. If you are from my hometown and need a workout partner, preferably not at a gym , then don’t hesitate to comment, e-mail, Facebook message, or call me and I would love to sweat with you!

p.p.s. I have my own website now! I purchased my own domain this afternoon and thankfully no longer have that pesky (wordpress.com) behind my blog’s name. Also, expect to see somewhat of a make-over in the near future. I am working with a buddy on making my blog easier to navigate with new tabs and pages and hopefully a new layout!

xo. Mindy

My bruises have finally healed.

I’ve started off my summer with a trip to the beach,

celebrating the quickly approaching arrival of baby Porter,

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and making a birds nest necklace for my mama.

x

I hope all of you mama’s out there have a great Mother’s Day weekend!

xo. Mindy

p.s. If it ain’t red, don’t wear it!

A little blood, a few buckets of sweat, and a pool of tears.

Have you ever wanted something so bad that when you don’t get it the first time, you try again?

On Sunday, April 29,2012 I auditioned for the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders. I made the preliminary cut and then the semi-final cut advancing to the final auditions which took place Thursday, May 3, 2012. On Monday, I had an interview with the head director of AFC and the choreographer of AFC. On Tuesday, we 65 finalists were required to participate in a mandatory boot camp led by one of the AFC trainers. On Wednesday, we were required to attend a final practice and more dance was added on to the already learned dance. It may seem like alot, it is. Keep in mind, the time it takes to get ready, get to the different locations, buy/make appropriate outfits, and squeeze in practice and gym time.

To say this week was easy would be a lie. But it wasn’t supposed to be easy. To say I worked my butt off and did my absolute best would be an understatement. You see, this isn’t the first time I have gone through the same exact process resulting in the same exact outcome. I auditioned when I was 17 only to be told I was too young and to please come back. At 18, I wasn’t mentally or physically prepared, so at 19 I honestly felt like I was at the right place at the right time. You know when you just know?

Aside from a minor brain fart at final auditions, I danced my heart out.

I didn’t make the team.

I cried. and cried. and cried.

Prior to final auditions, I told my family if I didn’t make it I would accept that this isn’t for me and I would move on and not be upset.

Easier said than done, huh? How do you move on for something you want so bad? The thing that has stuck with you ever since that 8th grade memory book.

This is how.

It’s not going to be easy, though. It’s not supposed to be.

I’m going to dry up my last tear, wear the same smile I had on the dance floor, remain grateful for all of the support, and have faith that God has bigger and better plans for me.

Hard work pays off and eventually I know it will. It just didn’t on May 3rd.

Let go and let God.

xo. Mindy

A short, but sweet post.

No healthy food. No recipes. No exercises.

Yesterday, while I was cleaning out my bag and tears were rolling down my face, a little bracelet (what I thought was a pony-tail holder) fell out of my bag. I have never owned or seen this bracelet and as soon as I saw “hope” I immediately felt inspired, encouraged, and…. hopeful.

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At the end of the day, when you feel like giving up- don’t. We all go through a struggle/(s) and battles… never, never, never give up.

Amen.

xo. Mindy

p.s. If this is your bracelet (assuming some of my friends are reading) I WILL return it sooner than later. For now, it’s attached to my wrist.

Sometimes I overreact. Well a lot.

Like take this morning for example: I realized the pot I use to cook “oatless” oatmeal is the same one I use for coffee (old-school, hayy.)

Ugh. OMG. Wtf?! WHATEVER!

So while the pot of coffee was warming, I stomped in the living room with my pouty face and grumbling tummy, to only realize 5 minutes later that the WRONG burner was turned on.

AYFKM?! <— yeah, I made that up.

So while the pot of coffee was warming on the RIGHT burner, I stomped back to the living room with my pouty face and grumbling tummy.

Finally I got to enjoy my three staple breakfast items.

First: Water!

Second: Coffee!

Third: BREAKFAST! Oatless oatmeal with blueberries and almond butter!

Have a healthy and delicious…. IT’S FRIDAY?!!!?!?!?!?

Hola!

When I returned home from dance last night, Seth was busy making homemade enchiladas, from-scratch roasted tomatillo salsa, and from-scratch jalapeño queso. If you want to know the way to my heart, feed me mexican!!

Inside: fajita vegetables (red pepper, green pepper, onions, jalapeños), mexican brown rice (brown rice, onion, spices), mexican shredded cheese, and spicy chicken!

Outside: Whole wheat tortillas topped with grated 2% colby-jack!

Toppings: jalapeño queso, tomatillo salsa, chopped tomatoes, and cilantro!

As usual, it was so freakin’ delicious!

Let’s talk about DANCE! I’ve been dancing basically my entire life. I’ve been a student at a studio, on a dance team, and in front of YouTube teaching tricks to myself. Dancing is truly one of the best cardio exercises that you can do. I have been attending more dance classes in the last year such as Zumba or Cardio Funk (a mixture of salsa, zumba, and hip-hop) offered at Georgia State. In the past two weeks or so I have enrolled in more advanced classes like Jazz and a leaps and turns class and I’ve enjoyed it so much! I have noticed my body lean out more than usual*.

(Source)

If you see a dance class or some sorts at your local gym don’t be afraid to sign up, especially if you hate cardio like I do. You don’t have to be great! Dancing is something that accepts all ages, sizes, and gender. It really helps to clear my mind and allows me to just be ME!

*Note: I HATE CARDIO. The only form of cardio I was adding in was in the form of group exercise classes and a run here or there until about the past 2 weeks or so.

xo. Mindy

1. last week’s lunch {a fried egg with smashed avocado on toast and a side o’ coconut oil roasted asparagus.

2. iced coffee drank after a saturday morning workout.

3. her so pretty.

4. baby brother’s prom. {his date, older sis, bro, and me.]

5. about the only thing i can afford at Urban Outfitters.

6. friday morning breakfast date. our new tradition. {egg white veggie omelet with home fries and fresh fruit.}

7. homemade taco salad made by seth. taste better than any restaurant’s taco salad!

I am two finals away from summer break. I am most sad about not having fitness classes offered in the summer! But way excited for some sun and fun. (…. and getting a much needed side job!!)

What have you been up too lately?

xo. Mindy

Baseball season has officially started in Atlanta. The first home game opener was on Friday and Seth and I were dressed in our navy + red ready to cheer on the Atlanta Braves. It was hot when we got there and chilly when we left. Got to love Georgia weather.

Unfortunately, Seth caught a cold this weekend so he’s been sleeping.all. day today. When he gets sick, it makes me feel like I’m sick. It’s no fun!

Yesterday, my besets, Leah, from Milledgeville came to visit. We ate salads at my apartment, shopped at Urban Outfitters (she did, I tried on clothes for the fun of it) ate frozen yogurt, and finished the night off with Chipotle burrito bowls. Saturday was my second day in a row eating there and I was thisclose to going there for lunch today but I changed my mind at the last minute. Anyway- I love when she comes to see me!

Other than doing a horrible job at playing nurse today, not a lot has been happening over here. I made a trip to Target; my new best friend. Some days I go in there for specific things and other days I go for fun. This morning, I got some nail polish, bananas, and milk. You know, the essentials. I also had a delicious lunch at Uncle Maddio’s; a greek salad with grilled chicken and hard-boiled eggs.You may remember when I ate there before in this post.

Photos from the weekend:

1.) Turner Field. 17th row baby!

2.) Seth + Mindy. I am a lucky girl.

3.) Spinach + Romaine with grilled chicken, sliced strawberries, chunks of goat cheese, and chopped pecans. The Trader Joe’s feta dressing stole the show.

4.) My breakfast this entire week: 2% Fage greek yogurt with banana, strawberries and Trader Joe’s tempting trail mix. OH! Can’t forget the crunchy peanut butter.

The Easter Bunny didn’t even bring me candy this year. He brought me Vibrams, but somehow I found my mini buggy scooting down the candy aisle full of after-Easter sales. The pastel-colored pretzel M&Ms will not get out of my hand, dangit.

Speaking of Easter, I was sent home with left-over ham and a baja slaw my mom made. Today I made an open-faced hawaiian melt (ham+pineapple+melted mozzarella) with the baja slaw on the side. The best part: I added crushed cashews to the slaw. Mmmmm.

And. and. and. What was my life like before Trader Joe’s? I went yesterday and got some new to me TJ’s goodies: Strawberry yogurt O’s and tempting trail mix. They are both equally delicious: I topped the cereal on my strawberry oatmeal this morning and the trail mix…. well before, between, and after meals. I could make a meal out of M&Ms and that trail mix.

The Color Run was so fun, although, next year I will sign up for the Piedmont Park one instead! This is a picture of me and my close friend, Kael, after the run and before the color “festival” where everyone releases a packet of color.

And lastly, I came across this blog post titled My Personality from Aubrey over at italktofood  <– by the way, go and check out her blog! I love it.} and I decided to participate in her personality quiz for those of you who don’t know me other than the food I tweet and the words I write on this lil’ blog.

1. When a cashier in the checkout line at the grocery store is being a grump for no reason, how do you typically react?
I have learned from my ma to kill them with kindness. For instance, if a cashier grabs my stuff, scans it, without saying anything besides the total amount of the purchase, I will respond with “So, how are you today?” or something in that nature. Rudeness has become one of my biggest pet peeves, but admittedly, something I could work on as well.

2. Are you the type that likes going out with your girlfriends or staying in?
I love going out and hanging with friends but I stay in more often than not. I have honestly found a balance and have found that it is not necessary to go out 24/7. Most of the time (but not all), I will go out for special occasions or because someone is visiting.

3. Do you sob and get emotional watching romance movies?
            Not really. But then again, I hardly watch movies. Or tv. I have the attention span of a 5-year old.

4. What stresses you out the most? 
Decisions. The older I get, decisions are getting to be very important and pretty big. I’m always flip-flopping and making last minute… again, decisions.

5. What do you think people think of you?
Good question. To be honest, it depends on which person you are talking about. Before I moved away for college and a little bit during college, I was the impulsive, free-spirited party girl. Want to do something? I was down. Now a days (in the past year or so) I am more calm, mature, and patient. I hope that those who have been around me in the more recent times can sense at least one of the above traits.

6. When you overindulge do you hit the gym to burn it all off, or just accept the indulgence and follow your same routine?
            Enjoy every single bite and continue on with my same routine. It bothers me so much to see someone post or say “Well I ate this (blank) today, so that means (this many) miles on the treadmill” or “I woke up at 5AM before my indulgent day.” If you wake up at 5 AM to wake up and workout on a regular basis, do ya thang girl… but just because you’re eating a piece of cake, or two then that is a leeetle ridiculous.

7. Are you easily annoyed?
           Yeahhhh. With the tiniest things that don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. I always have to take a deep breath and move on (most of the time.)


8. What do you think is your biggest personality flaw?
Like Aubrey, not thinking before I speak. More often than not, I will be in a situation where I “stick my foot in my mouth.” This is one of the things I try to work on daily and while I am a lot better than I used to be, it still happens. I even remember writing on my hand a time or two, “THINK!!”

9. What is one thing you don’t think people see enough of when it comes to your personality?

Uh. I guess people don’t see my soft heart as much. Ever since I can remember, although I was a tender-hearted child, I have always had a “hard shell.” Or at least tried to come across that way. I promise up under it is a sweet and caring person. This is another one of the things that I have accumulated over the past year- caring for others and realizing not to take friends + family for granted. I <3 ya’ll!!!

10. Can you feel relaxed in a busy crowd or messy room?

Busy crowds have never really bothered me. I am a people-person and if I am not one that particular day, I just do what I was supposed to do (buy groceries, order food, etc.) like a lady on a mission. <– LAME.

I go through these weird stages with cleaning. One week, I will have the messiest room and apartment. Then, I will get in my – what Seth likes to call- “psycho cleaning lady” mode. Everything will be spotless. To answer the question, yes I can feel relaxed in a messy room…. for  a few days and then I am stressed.

Andddd, that’s it folks.