#Take15Challenge

Alright!

The always fab Barre Studio is having a 15 class challenge and it couldn't have come at a better time! The wedding is close...but more importantly the Honeymoon and I want to look and feel awesome! 

I think I have been slacking a bit with Barre but only because there is so much going on and I'm exhausted lol! 
Ashley and the Barre ladies really have a way of motivating a girl. Push myself and be rewarded with a tighter bod and a prize he he! Sounds good to me!

 They are also celebrating their 1 year Birthday at the end of the challenge. But Ashley said I am excused seeing as I will be getting married on the 24th....yikes! 

So now I just need to go...ha ha....it will be good for me and I will be so happy with myself! You should stop by and check out the Barre Studio, or check out their social-media.

Please leave me words of encouragement if you can! 

Only 14 more classes to go!
https://www.facebook.com/thebarrecapitola
http://www.thebarrecapitola.com/

-Bunny xoxo 

All Mixed Up Red Beans and Rice

Howdy!! Yesterday I made some Red Beans and Rice which turned out great. Thanks Sam!

The recipe is similar to the Jambalaya with the biggest difference being that the rice is cooked separately. That turned out to be helpful for me because the broth gets a tad spicy...i'm a wimp! 

First you soak the beans overnight then rinse and sort the next day. I found that if you are in a time crunch a can of kidney beans works well too. To start, cook the bacon fat on medium heat and add in the onion, celery, bell pepper and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle the salt and pepper as well. 

After the veggies are browning/golden add in the bay leaves, salt pork, ham and sausage.

Let the meat cook until pieces are beginning to brown and tender, then add in the beans. Stir and add in water so veggies and meat are submerged, about 1 inch. 

Let cook, stirring intermittently for about an hour. The book says to cook for 2 hours but it really didn't need that long. Add more water if it become too dry/thick.

*I added some black beans to make the dish more complex and yummy...plus who doesn't like black beans?!

Next, take a wooden spoon and mash half of the dish to one side of the pot and continue stirring until the mixture is creamy and beans are soft. About 35-40 mins. The dish should begin to thicken into more of a soup (not watery)...completely enveloping each piece with flavor. 

Remove the bay leaves and serve with rice and garnish with green onion and parsley.

Voila! Dinner for the next few days!! 

I am so happy with how this turned out. It was nice to make something so hardy and flavorful. The beans and veggies were delicious with the rice. Great combo! 

I knew I did good when I caught Craig eating some out of the fridge (left-over container). He gave it a "Sublime"!

   Thanks, Bunny

Aqua de Vida

I have found the key to everlasting life and it is Barre. 

Let me explain. Over the years... after my metabolism stopped at 25 :( I have been trying to get into better shape. Two things about me: I do not like working out and I rarely do anything for more than a few weeks. So I knew this wouldn't be an easy task. It was a little expensive, but they had a first-timer discount...so with a few clicks I signed up. With the added push that I had put money towards this, I decided to try out my first class that Saturday morning.

About Barre: Barre is a new workout fad with classes popping up all over Cali and girls(and a few select guys)stocking up on non-slip socks. Classes incorporate elements of ballet barre, yoga, strength training and Pilates. Plus everything is done to music, while they inspire us to push longer and leaner! Instructors also take notice of each girls movements, correcting form which is super helpful...especially for someone as uncoordinated as myself! 

As the class started I immediately felt out of shape but as it went on I learned more and more. It felt empowering. Each section of training pushes you to hold difficult poses and make micro movements. This made my legs burn...but just as I felt that I couldn't hold on for one more second, we would move on to another section. Wheeew!

We finished the class with long stretches and a few easy yoga moves. With the last "take a deep breath/letting the air out," a smile crept across my face. I liked Barre. It was difficult and my legs shook but I felt a tad like a ballerina, and it was worth it. 

The class I joined is located in Capitola and pretty close to my place...probably a BIG motivating factor. Both their studio and website are simple yet elegant. They are also celebrating their 3 month anniversary!Check it out: http://www.thebarrecapitola.com/

Now I have a special thing that I do, for myself. Today will be my 10th class. I still can't believe it LOL. Hopefully I keep this up and gain the sculpted lean body I want.

-Bunny