WEEK EIGHT: LOVING CROSSFIT

I know you've been tempted by those late night fitness info-mercials. I've been sucked in myself. I've done P90X, I've tried INSANITY and as advertised, they're actually LEGIT workouts--->or at least, I believe them to be. Actually, INSANITY is pretty ridiculous!

To tell you the truth, I love the fact that fitness is trendy! Who hasn't plateaued at the gym or been bored with the stand-by workout routine that you've been doing for a decade? I often need a change from the grind of the gym and quite frankly, I'm getting too old (As Bobby Orr says "...easy on the knees!") to do the crazy long runs I used to do back in the day.

So here's my latest fad that's actually had some staying power--->CROSSFIT. I'm sure many of you have heard of it, but if you haven't, check it out! I've been intriqued: the work-outs are short, it's never the same thing twice, you're dead by the end and it's competitive (you record your times to beat later). To boot, you're pounding the weights so intensely that you don't even realize you've banged out a cardio component too!

Paul Assaiante (winningest coach in College sports EVER) visited campus the other day and went on and on about cross-training and mixing it up so that the body doesn't plateau--he actually used the words "muscle confusion" which makes me laugh. Regarless, we all know that training has become a science--->optimizing results and being as efficient in doing so is key, hence the hunt for the plateau-less workout. My point about Assaiante is that he confirms that this isn't new stuff but clearly it's something that top programs do and, do well.

Alright, enough blubbering. CHECK OUT CROSSFIT---I've attached a few links. There's three places in Toronto and shockingly there's even one in my hood only 15 minutes away. CrossFit gyms are traditionally warehouse-like in appearance and use some pretty rudimentary equipement but you can adapt most of the work-outs to any gym setting or even in the privacy of your own home.

Here's my advice if you're intriqued--->Sample a few posted work-outs from these sites and see if you're a fan!

P.S. CONGRATS TO DANI + KIM FOR WINNING LAST WEEK'S GIVE-AWAY!!

RIGHT CLICK TO OPEN IN NEW WINDOW---->
CROSSFIT SITES:
CrossFit Work-Out Of The Day
CrossFit: Great Barrington
CrossFit: Toronto

OTHER SITES:
Outside Online: 2011 Health + Fitness Report
Blog: Straight Dope
CrossFit Zone Diet (via CF Journal, May '04) 

WEEK SEVEN: THURSDAY GIVE-AWAY!!

TO WIN ~ CHECK OUT WEEK FIVE + MAKE A COMMENT/POST BELOW!
WIN your VERY own 5FT. personalized ART as seen in WEEK FIVE.

Note, winner will be chosen at random from the comments/names below.

(printing + framing not included; PDF to be sent via e-mail)

WEEK SIX: AVOCADO + AVOCADO + AVOCADO

NATTALIE MEET AVOCADO--->I'm not sure how it took me 20 years to introduce myself to what could quite possibly be my favorite topper, compliment to a meal, fixin', snack or you-name-it, but the AVOCADO has become just that.

In the RURAL bliss that I live in, often is the case where we're DINNER GUESTS. HERE'S WHY: We're COMPACT with no kids, we're MOBILE as we're always seemingly available and sadly, and more recently, for the sheer fact that we currently don't own a DINING ROOM TABLE (quick fix for this + new project to come with my next post) Seemingly, we've become a hot commodity in our community!

THE GIFT~We can't come empty-handed? So, what can we offer over and above the standard bottle of wine or dessert or hostess gift? Why not consider one of these casual appetizers that are super easy on the prep time and only use a few ingredients. These recipes has definitely become fan favourites in my circles.

Try one out this coming weekend + let me know how it/you fared....

AVOCADO + FETA BRUSCHETTA
3 avocados sliced in small wedges
1 package crumbled/block feta
2 french bread loafs
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup oregano (fresh)
Peel and remove pit of avocado, cut into halves and then cut into smaller bite size pieces. Add crumbles of feta to equal cut avocado. Mix avocado in with feta, drizzle olive oil on top along with oregano, mix together. On serving tray, surround avocado + feta mix with french bread slices. (Thanks KIM---this is your hand-me-down)

AVOCADO + BLACK BEAN SALSA
1 red onion
2 cobs of corn (seasonal)
2 avocados
3 vine tomatoes
1 can black beans
dressing:
1 tsp. cumin
2 tbsp. olive oil
sugar + salt to taste
Chop avocado, onion, corn and tomato (smaller the better) + add in black beans. Prepare cumin, olive oil, sugar + salt in separate bowl. Mix with salsa. Add tortilla chips and you're good to go!

WEEK FIVE: I HEART Typography + New Art

I'M SURE YOU DO THIS TOO! Each year, I rack my brain to come up with Christmas gifts that are meaningful. I've prided myself on trying to remember the something special, mentioned months ago, that I purposely stored in the deep depths, or recesses, of my brain knowing full well, it would make a great gift down the road. That's the gift I'm after!

Selfishly, I'm really just looking for the "WOW" comment or the "You definitely put some thought into this one" remark. I revel in seeing people excited about gifts they've been given. <INSERT Christmas Story scene where Ralphie opens up his NEW Red Ryder BB Gun> Now, that's the reaction I crave! 

AND THIS YEAR, I think I might have actually hit the mark--well--who knows, maybe Leaf tickets would have resonated louder! Believe-you-me, I'm pretty sure my art-appreciating, sentimental husband truly liked this year's Christmas gift. Regardless, we certainly checked off a few items on the proverbial "decor" list: a meaningful + relevant gift, new art for the house, big art to make a statement and of course, a piece that will bring back memories every time we look at it.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER. A super simple project if you've used Adobe Photoshop before. To start, craft a list of all those places you've been solo or with your partner: TOWN, CITY, COUNTRY, NEIGHBOURHOOD NICKNAME, etc. Pick a background color, height, width and of course, font and you're ready to go! Now just hone up on your leading (space 1/8 inch between words) and you're good to go.

NEXT GOAL: To display this puppy down at our local funky outdoor apparel store in town (retailing for $150/each; no framing) and see if I get any bites.
If you're interested in one for an anniversary gift, a wedding gift or just for fun, e-mail me at: mavisblu@gmail.com.

framing = $400 (Frames on Wheels, Salisbury, CT)
battleship blue steel frame; white on white matte.

WEEK FOUR: Workouts + "No More Snow CT!!" + Traditions

DID YOU NOTICE?? I had a few people note that I hadn't put anything up about fitness-->so with that, check out the right column for the WORKOUT OF THE DAY! Or, click on SPIN, CROSSFIT or RUN+OTHER for past workouts.

FIRST CHALLENGE: I double-dog-dare you to try one out!

STOP ALL THE SNOW! With 6 snow days in the last 3 weeks, what better time to take in the sites of the tri-state area than mid-storm. Last week's Hartford Courant marked NW Connecticut encroaching on the 100+ inches of snow mark! What?? The kicker, this is just for December and January.

We've started a new tradition---a chai latte from Irving Farm (Andrew's more of a hot chocolate guy) and a walk down the Millerton Rail Trail (NY) with the pup. Here are a few snaps from our morning away (no phones, no e-mail and definitely no TV). 

SECOND CHALLENGE: Make a weekly tradition! My girls in Toronto do a rotating brunch on Sunday's, a friend from University has Tuesdays @ 8PM permanently booked in her calendar to catch up with her sister via phone, a work colleague of mine does "Margarita + Mexican Fridays", you get the drift...

FYI--->NEXT PURCHASE----XCOUNTRY SKIS!!
CrossFit Info + New Project To Come Next Week--->

 

 

WEEK THREE: Jalapeño Pepper + CITY/Jungle + Baby Room Design

DISCLAIMER: NO—I AM NOT PREGNANT + HAVE NO IMMEDIATE PLANS!!!

The dreaded CAT room—the third bedroom that we have yet to do anything with. Our bedroom is complete; the spare-room sits decorated waiting on visitors and then there is, THE ROOM that stores hockey equipment, Andrew’s suits, the four boxes we’ve yet to open from the move… and our cat! In an attempt to re-invigorate this space, I figured what better excuse then a baby’s room.

My inspiration for the room was easy, the city! What could be more playful than soaring skyscrapers with jungle vines growing from the roof tops, paired with a lion/cab motif? Voila! J

FYI--I still have a little left to complete but here's where I stand so far. 

DETAILS: Thank you Mr. Benjamin Moore for coming up with such a bright and playful green, Jalapeño Pepper. Thank you to my great husband for helping me paint. VERY EXCITED MOMENT: I recently inherited my very own over-head projector! <insert a small jump with clicking heels> Yes, a dinosaur of sorts but the best gadget to have when you’re drawing big murals on walls or canvas. Thank you Salisbury Math Department. The design came via google images; I’m not sure who to give credit to but the original was an amazing line drawing. I mocked it up on over-head paper (not cheap I might add$$) and traced it on to our walls. The lions and cabs were quick drawings AND DONE! Now, I just need furniture to complete the space—stay tuned for more pics.

WEEK TWO: Breaking The Habit Deserves Pizza

Who doesn't love pizza? After countless years of shying away from the high-caloric goodness of dough and cheese, I've decided to give it another go.

Years ago I just couldn't come to grips with the back-side of a frozen, oven-ready pizza box--"Hello 300 calories a slice!" I didn't even want to fathom what our local pizzeria could offer me per pie as I'm sure the count would spike exponentially. On a quest to re-invent my relationship with pizza, paired with my newly found free time (sans TV), I gave it a go. Here's my low-cal solution to heavy cheese and tomato sauce goodness:

Home-Made Dough
1 1/2 cups of warm water
1 tsp. active dry yeast
1 tsp. sugar
2 tbsp. extra virgin oil
1 tsp. salt
3 cups whole wheat flour

Mix warm water, yeast, sugar + salt in one bowl. Flour in another bowl; create a well for warm mixture. Mix with spoon or hands + need till consistency is gummy. Cover with light olive oil and place back in bowl, cover for 45 minutes. Need and place back in bowl covered for another hour. 

The 'pièce de résistance'--here's where the calories disappear! Top your home-made dough with figs, prosciutto, honey, arugula and a tiny bit of goat cheese. I PROMISE ITS SUPER-FANTASTIC! To boot, you've now eliminated about 150 calories a slice. Bake at 475 degrees for 14-18 minutes.

ALTERNATIVELY, if you don't have the patience to make pizza from scratch, I was just recently home (meaning Toronto) in December and TERONI on Adelaide makes an outlandish version (clearly!). TERONI is fabulous but they have "rules" which makes me secretly love the place more. They don't cut pizza, they do it old-school with wine in table glasses (+ add in a few others)...and if you don't like it--tough!

NOW SINCE WE'RE TALKING PIZZA + ITALIAN RESTAURANTS: I'll also plug the NOSE on QUEEN STREET EAST. Top dinner off here with a super-sized Joe Louis from 7-11 and you're all set ;)

WEEK ONE: Back From The Framers----

WEEK ONE:
Similar to a DIET--now that I've said I don't want "chocolate", I want it that much more...
I swear it's almost a habit (or need for noise in sleepy CT) of turning on the TV when I get home. I know, pathetic! So last night I refrained from the tube and instead, headed to our local framer to pick up my latest art project.

One thing that NW CT has in abundance, is antiques. While searching through some of the antique shops that litter Rt. 44, Andrew and I found a 1931 MA plate that we thought was pretty cool. I'm not sold on collecting plates but, at the time, we had thoughts of creating a vertical art piece for the house--so this seemed to work. Insert OH, VT, ME, NY, RI, MO and ONTARIO, collected over the last few months and we were set. Below, a few pics of our most recent art piece. I love that our ONTARIO plate is bright red!

Plates: $20-$30/each; Framing: $400.

RURALurbanist BEGINS----

I LOVE THE CITY (AND I MISS IT EVEN MORE!) -- the excitement of busy streets, the cultural hot spots that continually change, live music weekly (thanks K+A), foodie finds or tried-and-true, go-to sushi joints, boutique shopping (or shopping that isn't an hour away) and in general, the CREATIVITY that seems to radiate around you when you live in civilization!

BUT ALAS, I moved to what could be deemed as the polar opposite of what I covet. I traded in my SUBWAY PASS and BLOOR STREET for the SLEEPY and UNDISTURBED FOOTHILLS of the BERKSHIRES. Although, I have to admit--I have found a soft spot for my new outdoor-esque lifestyle (maybe it's just the cool people I've met)!

SO WHY THE BLOG? Well, I needed some inspiration and since very little was finding me, I had to find a way to create it myself. After two years of denial over my move and trying to find my bearings in NW CT, I have found myself more interested in turning on the TV and letting it entertain me than learning ways to entertain myself (with my own talents and interests). I'm sick of living someone else's reality-tv-life and thought I would create my own (no matter how mundane). I've boxed up my inner creator/creative and am ready for it BACK!

ENTER 2011 and the start of RURALurbanist--I'm destined to take advantage of my six-year stint in CT. This blog will be dedicated to posts about my latest DIY art project, my newest gym work-outs (I love a good work-out fad!), running, my two-year old weim/lab, foodie inspirations, decorating and anything creative that falls in between.

SO HERE GOES...I'm giving up TV for 365 days! The RURALurbanist is UNPLUGGED, has her inner-creative DIVA IN CHECK and is ready to BLOG ABOUT IT!