The 6th Day of Christmas: A Workout

Just because it's the holidays doesn't mean you can totally forget about working out!  I know it's a busy time, but with all the desserts, carbs and snacks, the odd workout is more important than ever.  

I love TABATA workouts because they make me work HARD and I feel awesome afterwards.  You work as hard as possible for 20 seconds, followed by a 10 second rest.  Repeat 8 times.  Rest 1-2 minutes between circuits.  You can either do entire circuits of the same exercise, or do 8 circuits of each exercise on after the other.  Don't forget to warm up and cool down.  I use this online tabata timer to help me out. 

I actually did this workout on Sunday and felt really good about it.  I tried to make it a full body workout which was good because even though it only had a few arm exercises, my arms were killing me on Monday!  I chose to do an entire circuit of each exercise before moving on to the next.

Disclaimer: I'm not a personal trainer or a doctor.  This is just a workout that I enjoy.  If you don't generally workout or are pregnant, this probably isn't for you.

Note: For the lunges, do 4 rounds with right leg and then 4 rounds with left leg
For an extra challenge, I held 5 pound weights for half of the jumping jack rounds.  That might be the reason for the sore arms!

The 5th Day of Christmas: Christmas Dinner Necessities

On the 5th day of Christmas I'm talking about food.  What else is new?

Christmas Dinner.  It's a pretty important meal, and there are a few things that you want to make sure you have or else there will be a family riot.

Turkey and Potatoes.  These are the obvious necessities.  

Stuffing.  Now here is where a real riot would happen.  Stuffing is the reason why everybody loves this meal, because who doesn't want to stuff their face with an entire loaf of seasoned bread.  There is a reason why it's called "stuffing" and it has nothing to do with putting it in a turkeys bum.

Cranberries.  These never used to make an appearance at our dinners, now I couldn't get by without them.  There's no need for gravy on turkey when you have delicious, sugary cranberry!

Corn.  Because you need to at least pretend that you are caring about your health by eating vegetables.

Turnip.  Make sure it's filled with brown sugar, or it's not worth it.

Buns.  To soak up all that gravy obviously.

Cabbage Salad.  Made by Grandma or somebody who makes it just like Grandma.

Apple Pie.  For some people it may be pumpkin I suppose, or maybe even cherry cheesecake.  For me, my Christmas dinner needs to be completed with some delicious homemade apple pie.

That was delicious!  Come back tomorrow to work off some of that food!

The 4th Day of Christmas: Oh Christmas Tree

It's official, our Christmas Tree is up!  That means it's really Christmas!

Saturday was full of Christmas activities.  We started out the day by getting up bright and early and heading to a big mall that's about an hour and a half away to finish up our Christmas shopping.  We wanted to be there at 9 to beat the Christmas rush, and we did it!

When we got home, I wrapped a whole bunch of gifts while watching The Santa Clause 2 and 3.  Because this involved bags, Pipsi tried to help.

Then it was tree time.  We picked up a Christmas tree earlier in the week.  Someday I can't wait to go to a tree farm and cut down our own tree, but for now, we just pick one up at the grocery store.  Unfortunately they are already wrapped and so we can't really get a good look at it before buying it.  Which is why this may be the ugliest tree I have ever had...but what can you do.

Ryan set it up and then he watched Home Alone while Pipsi and I decorated the tree.  Ok while I decorated the tree an Pipsi tried to climb the tree.

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

The 3rd Day of Christmas: Christmas Music

I love, love, love Christmas music!  Now, if it starts November 1, that is a holiday violation, too early.  However the end of November is perfectly acceptable.  Here are 8 of my favourites (because I couldn't narrow it down any more).

Lady Antebellum -On This Winter's Night - This is definitely one of my favourites off their album

Michael Buble - White Christmas

Trans Siberian Orchestra - Carol of the Bells

Lady Antebellum - Silver Bells

Jessica Simpson - Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song)

Martina McBride - O Holy Night

Faith Hill - Where are you Christmas

Jessica Simpson - The Christmas Song