Weekend Round-up

As many of you may have seen on my Facebook, I started my weekend off by getting up early Saturday to attend my friend, James, celebration of life ceremony. James passed away on July 11th from a drug overdose. James was only 22 years-old. He was kind, loving and had the warmest heart. We are all faced with challenges. Some greater than others. James wasn't able to escape his challenge and is now looking down on all of us. His death really made me think about how blessed I am. Life is too precious. Sometimes I get too caught up in material things and take what I do have for granted. I am really going to try to stop doing that and be happy with what blessings I have. I am also going to take every challenge I am faced with head on because I know it will get better.

James' family is asking for donations to the organization, Teen Challenge of Arizona. This organization helps people struggling with addiction. I would really appreciate it if all you wonderful people could help out with a donation. Click here and then click on the upper right hand link that says "Donate". From there you can select one time donation. There are several selections for what you want to donate for. Select general and where it says other please type James Allen.

After we got done with the ceremony we went to the Ranch Market located right up the street from the church. Lately, we have been on a really tight budget so we have had to get creative with shopping and what we make for dinners. I remembered the market from when my mom used to take me there so I suggested we stop by to check out the prices. Man, was I pleased! We got a great haul of produce: 2 bunches of asparagus, 2 cucumbers, romaine lettuce, 6 bell peppers, 4 zuchinnis, sweet potatoes etc. and only spent $11! I was so happy! I love getting great deals on healthy food because I often times find myself frustrated with how much we spend on groceries. I encourage you all to search for local Ranch Markets or Farmers Markets in you area. Not only is is usually locally grown, which helps the community but the prices are great compared to grocery stores.

$11 whoo-hoo!

After we got done shopping we headed home and I made the most delicious dip. I am calling it "Not-So Clean Pumpkin Dip". It is not a clean recipe but it is delicious and a "healthier" sweet option. We used cinnamon sugar pita chips to dip but you can also use apples or low-fat graham crackers.

Here in Arizona, it is the start of Monsoon season. It will be 110 all day but then it will suddenly get dark, rainy and we will have crazy dust storms.  These dust storms are so crazy they even have a special name, Haboob. Yes, Haboob! Am I the only one who finds this funny...? Well, Robbie and I got stuck in the middle of a dust storm on our way home from our run. I almost blew away! I also eat plenty of dirt...yuck!

After eating some dirt, Robbie made us this fabulous salad for dinner! YUM!

On the weekend, especially Sundays, I like to make yummy breakfasts (breakfast is my favorite meal of the day) that are still relatively healthy. So today I made french toast with Ezekial bread topped with strawberries and of course the amazing pumpkin dip! Mmmm it was so good! I felt like we went out for a fancy breakfast it was so good. So of course, that started my day of just right!

What did you guys do this weekend? Did you make any healthier sweet treats? What were your work-outs like? Would you be interested in knowing the killer circuit work-out I did at the park before I got blown away? haha. I'd love to know!


XOXO,
E

PS are you following me on twitter or instagram? @determined2bfit : )