Happy New Year!!

[ChaLean Extreme strength training + Pilates + 5 mile run]
Today was a great day! Justy woke up at 4am to go meet up with a good friend to go elk hunting. It was the last day to hunt so he went. He felt bad for going on New Years Eve day but I was excited for him and eager to get some good hard workouts in with him gone. I know it sounds crazy but I feel like I can't workout as much when Justin is here because I like to spend time with him and Saturdays are a precious day when both of us are home.  Especially when he doesn't have school work.  I have to take advantage and plan fun things to do!  Today I woke up around 8:30am.. It felt good to sleep in a bit.  I did some Turbo Kick to warm up and wake up, then I did ChaLean Extreme Push Circuit 2 (strength training) and then I had a protein shake and some scrambled veggies & egg whites.  Then I decided to try out my Pilates video.  It is SO hard for me to be patient enough to do those workouts.  I feel like I have to be moving, and its hard for me to get into Pilates & Yoga.  But, I have a goal to do better.  I made it through a 30 minute Pilates workout.   Ate some cocoa roasted almonds.  Then I decided to go to the gym and watch a movie on Netflix while I ran on the treadmill.  After yesterday's 50 degree weather it decided to snow last night.  Crazy.  Then I made a cheese quesadilla with avocado.  Yum.

 I had a great day avoiding chores while my husband was hunting.  I was able to get a few things done around the house, started writing my family newsletter, went grocery shopping and cooked up a storm.   When Justy came home I had our traditional New Years Eve dinner ready. Crab legs, shrimp, baked potatoes, homemade cheddar biscuits, broccoli, and sparkling grape apple juice. Yummmmmm. This has been our tradition since we aren't near family for the holiday and most friends are out of town.

Side note....I made baked sweet potatoes this year instead of red potatoes and I did not like them.  I love sweet potatoes when I cut up the potato into chunks and season them as fries or as chunks, but as a whole potato for some reason I didn't like them at all.  Weird?

My cute little hunter

Yummy New Year's Eve dinner

I wouldn't even let him shower...I was soo hungry! 

Happy New Year!  May 2012 be filled with happiness & peace!  

50 degrees....in December?

The weather has been crazy warm!  I've been trying to take full advantage, because I can't very well complain about winter and cold weather if I don't get out and enjoy the nice weather we do have.

I hate working at a desk job, so on my lunch break today I decided to take a nice walk along the river.  It was the perfect temp-- 50 degrees-- and the wind wasn't too overbearing.

I keep walking shoes in my desk, and during the springtime walking along the river on my lunch break is my favorite thing to do!   But, I never would have thought I'd be doing a walk during winter!! 

Beautiful view of the Falls... the running trail follows the river & the falls.

Another pretty picture of the Falls.

It was jean day at work...once in a lifetime.  And I keep these shoes in my desk always.

Pretty day!

The wind never stops in these parts....but it was still a fun walk.  I was HAPPY to get away from the office for a bit!





Can you believe its already the end of 2011?  I've been thinking a lot about what I've accomplished this year, and I'm so excited for another year.  I am in the process of writing down my goals.  Because, let's face it...if you don't write it down, it doesn't seem real.  The thing I like about New Year's Resolutions is that it is an opportunity to reflect on what we've done and what we can do.  My philosophy is that I'm a continual work in progress.  If I'm standing still...then I'm moving backwards...so I have to constantly set new goals and keep pushing forward and improving. 

It's a Wonderful Life....Pt 2

On Christmas Day we slept in, ate a delicious breakfast, took a sneak peek at what Santa brought, and then got ready for Church.  While the rest of us finished our breakfast Mandy couldn't help herself and HAD to make sure Santa Clause brought her an Elmo doll.  Santa knows her pretty well.  I think he's brought her a new Elmo doll every year for the past 10 years.  It's Christmas tradition!  And she loves Elmo.  Ahhh...I love that girl.  She is too funny.  I wish everyone could meet her in person.  

The day after Christmas I got another run in... a quick and snappy 4.5 miles with the hubby.  It was cold and we had plans for the day so we hurried.  Plus, we were up WAY too late on Christmas playing crazy games and eating too much food so we slept in pretty late.

Kinda cool, eh?

SAME exact sign I saw two days earlier that said "No Swimming".  I love it!

Later in the day we went bowling, watched football, played games, sat in the hot tub and watched some movies.  Have you ever played Balderdash?  It's a pretty fun game, especially when playing with Al Pal- Justin's other sister.  She came up with the most hilarious definitions.  We also played Wacky Sixes...which is great fun. 

Tuesday we got out AGAIN and went for a run together.  It had finally snowed so we enjoyed our nice 5 miler in the snow.  It was pretty and we were some of the first tracks in the snow.  It felt good!    We got a nice hard run in so we could enjoy some scones, apple cider & skeet shooting later in the day.  Me like to shoot guns. (More pictures to come soon!  Oh goodie goodie!)

We had to prove that it actually snowed!

Haha...I beat you, boy!

We did it!

While on my relaxing Christmas break I was able to sit down and enjoy some quiet reading time.  I started The Help and I read the first 300 pages in 2 days of reading.  It's a great book and I can't wait to see the movie Justin got me for Christmas!    Did I also mention that I got a sweet gift card from my sweetie for a day at the spa???  I'm pumped!!  Plus I got a Christmas piano book with beautiful artwork, some pajamas, Turbo Kick music, new books, movies, that beautiful black/gray striped sweater I'm wearing in my pictures in the previous post,  perfume, and some other great gifts.  He sure knows how to treat his lady!  It was a fun Christmas!

Now...I'm back to the grind.  Our Christmas present from my in-laws????? A trip to San Diego for the fam!  We're all going to San Diego to create some bomb-diggity memories.  So, what does that mean for me???   I've got 2 weeks to get my butt into major gear!

It's a Wonderful Life...Pt 1

I hate that I left my post right before Christmas on a "bad" note, but while I was on my Christmas vacation, I just really needed to relax---so I put all my electronic devices in my bag and left them there.   It was refreshing.  I loved not being connected to the world.  I even started reading a book! 

My first run was the morning of Christmas Eve.  It was cold (13 degrees).  It was beautiful.  It was glorious. I went alone.  My husband asked if it was ok if he didn't go with me, and I was thrilled.  I just needed some me time.  I ended up with 7.5 beautiful miles. 

You can't see them...but the rolling hills are beautiful in the background.

I love this little running trail next to the road.

Me!  It's dang hard to take a picture of ones self while running.  Yes, I'm talented.

Ran by this sign and I thought it was funny...

While dinner was cooking I sat down with my handicapped sister-in-law (she's SO cute!) and sang Christmas songs.  She doesn't speak in full sentences, but she is really smart.  She will sing the last word of every phrase.  And if she doesn't know what the word is supposed to be (if she's not familiar with the song), she'll make it up.  So adorable!  Or if she doesn't like the word used, she'll change it.  When she was younger she would change the words to Away in a Manger:   (keep in mind she only says the last word or two words of the phrase)

Away in a manger
No crib for his bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down his sweet head
The stars in the sky
Looked down where he lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the bed

She is so tender and she obviously didn't think that sleeping in the hay was any way for the Lord Jesus to sleep.  So, even though she knew the words she would change it.  So precious! 
 


Merry Christmas!  I didn't notice, but Mandy still had her headphones on when we took this picture.  She was listening to ABBA by request.



"Smile!"  I obviously was concentrating too hard on the music to smile.  Haha...I look constipated.

Later in the afternoon & evening we played some games, delivered Christmas goodies to neighbors & friends, watched the old school  White Christmas, watched The Nativity and discussed it in depth.

Funny story:  Earlier in the day we were playing with momma's new IPAD, taking lots of silly pictures.  And Mandy thought it was hilarious, so she was making funny faces and smiling.  When I pulled out my ipod to take a picture of me & Justin (12 year old boy in the picture) she snuck in the top of the picture with a big ol' grin on her face.  We were DYING laughing afterwards.  So funny.  You can tell by our faces we didn't see that coming.  Hahaha!

Merry Christmas to my love!  Goodness he looks so young in this picture! 



Sometimes it seems impossible

Last night I was in the dumps.  Bad.   I sometimes feel like I work SO hard with health & fitness and I don't see any results.  My pants size has pretty much stayed the same in 2 years, my weight hasn't changed in over a year, and I sometimes just feel disgusted with the way I look.  I think it's normal to feel that way.  But, what do I know?  On the other hand...I have days I just feel so good and empowered by my hard workouts and good eating habits.  I know everyone says the last 10 pounds are the hardest...but I never thought it would seem impossible.  I'm just frustrated.  And I just want to do this the right way.  I feel like this is one thing in my life I can control, and I can't seem to control it. 

When I was in high school I had an eating disorder and I got very thin very fast.  Obviously it wasn't healthy, but I was small.  I was 5'7" weighing 110 pounds, and wearing a size 2/4.  Ironically I wasn't happy then, either.  But, now that I'm trying to do this the right way it seems so much harder.  I had so many bad thoughts about myself last night that at one point I thought having an eating disorder seemed "easier" than what I'm doing now.  Or at least I'd get faster results.  But, such is life.  Nothing is fair.  I want to be healthy and I made a pact with myself long ago that I wouldn't ever re-treat to those unhealthy habits. 

My running shoes are packed in my suitcase, and I AM going to be running on this trip.  I didn't even bring my ipod because I just need some time to reflect...some quiet time.  Time to remember that there are more important things in my life.  Time to just listen to my feet hit the pavement and forget my troubles.  Time to de-stress myself and to remember that I need to be more patient with myself and with the Lord's timing in my life.  Time to remind myself that the judgements that others make about me don't really matter.  Time to remember Christ. 

The Dreadmill & Rowing Challenge

Last night I was stoked to get outside and go for a nice run.  It was supposed to be a Turbo Kick/Strength Training night...but I was in the mood for a run.  Plus, it seemed like a nice night for a run, it was 28 degrees- but NO wind!  Unfortunately when I told Justy the plans of going for an outdoor run he started whining.  He was too cold and wanted to go to the gym.  Ok, ok.  So, to the gym we went.  I hate the treadmill...it's pretty much a last resort.  And I've nicknamed it "the dreadmill" because I seriously dread my workouts when they have to be done on that stupid thing.    I'd rather run on the indoor track, but running in circles the same direction hurts my hips & IT band.  

I brought my ipod and decided I would watch an episode of Drop Dead Diva on Netflix.  The show is kind of a girly cheese bomb, but I like it.  The show is about 40 minutes so I knew I could plunk out at least 4.5-5 miles in that time frame.   The only positive side about the treadmill is I can set my pace to meet my goals.  Luckily I had Netflix to keep me company because it was the most boring run I've had in a long time.

After completing about 4.75 miles, I decided to show my husband the rowing machines at the gym and have a friendly competition.  In my last CrossFit class we learned how to properly...(key word...properly) use the rowing machines.  So, I did my best at explaining proper form to my husband.  And then I came up with a challenge----first one to complete 2000 meters WINS.  Ready, set, go!    I was sweating bullets, it was a hard workout.  Both of us were making funny noises and looking at each other's screens as we pushed through.  Our heart rates were racing.  My poor husband...I have this weird drive that I have to beat him at everything--- Phase10, running, rowing, golf.  (I never do beat him, except maybe running...but I like to pretend that I'm going to.)  He likes it--- I think.  We were pooped by the time we were done, but it was a great workout.  The employees may have looked at us weird when we gave eachother high fives.  It's Justin's way of saying "Great job honey!  But, I'm still a guy." I love it.   Yep... I lost my challenge...Justin beat me by 15 seconds-- about 5 hard rows. He's so strong...it's hot.

 I dare ya to try it out, and its even better if you have someone else to challenge!

Exercise Like Crazy Week

Tonight is the first night of Exercise Like Crazy Week.  Here's the thing....I struggle around Christmastime because I LOVE the holiday treats.   Usually I try to limit myself, and it works for the most part, but I still feel "icky".  So, I try to make sure that am very active to counteract the sugar effects on my body.  I can't give up my fun holiday treats, so I make up for it with workouts. 

My workouts so far last week were:
Wednesday- 4 mile run
Thursday- no workout
Friday- Turbo Kick
Saturday- new Turbo Kick routine, Strength Training, 4 mile run
Sunday- rest day

If I plan it out for this week I'll be more likely to stick to it:
Monday- 4 mile treadmill run + 20 minutes spin bike
Tuesday- Turbo Kick + Strength Training
Wednesday- 4 mile outside run with hills
Thursday- Insanity Max Plyo
Friday- Strength Training
Saturday- 5-6 mile run  (I love running on vacation....so many new things to look at!)


I hope I'm not jinxing myself (please, please, please pray for safe driving roads on Friday!) but I want some snow!!  Sledding is something I do whether I'm with my family (behind the 4-wheeler) or Justin's family (hills & mountains).  It's something I love to do in the snow.  I am not typically a cold-weather fan, but sledding is so much fun.   Plus, Christmas needs to be white! 

Me in a tiny saucer sled, behind the 4-wheeler.  Minnesota country-style! 

In the mountains at a cool place that had a tube-lift!  Idaho Mountain style!

Toothpaste on my pants?

Quick re-cap from last night.  Our Turbo Kick class was insane!!   I told my class it was going to be hard, and short.  And it was...HARD.   It kicked my butt.  I woke up with sore muscles this morning.  I love that feeling.  I'm thinking we're going to do that kind of a workout more often next semester.

I came home from my class in a frantic rush because I totally forgot to get dinner started.  Luckily, I have the best husband ever...and he got it ready for me!! We had some delicious fiesta chicken (chicken breast + pico + little bit of melted cheese on top = heaven) and sweet potato puffs.  It was the bomb diggity.  I was SO hungry.

 

SO good.

Oh so good.  And only 100 calories...so I don't have to feel too guilty for a little snack-a-roo.

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Today has been one clumsy-filled day:

1) Dripped toothpaste on my shirt
2) Slipped on the freshly fallen snow in my work parking lot
3) Forgot my wallet, and realized it on my way to a lunch outing with friends
4) Made a frantic call to a client and forgot why I was calling
5) Realized I had not only dripped toothpaste on my shirt but realized I had a big glob of toothpaste on my pants around 2pm.  what?
6) Spilled my water bottle down the front of my pants

One word......wow.



Fartlek

Last night's workout included 4.5 mile fartlek run.   I love that word.  Fartlek.  Fun to say and fun to do.  What is a fartlek?  Short answer:  unstructured intervals.  Basically I can speed up or slow down whenever I want to.  Don't believe me?  Click here: Fartlek.

Last night I was completely not in the mood to go for a run.  But, how could I resist?  It was the perfect winter temps!  38 degrees!  So, I decided to make it fun.  Fartlek.   I took my cell phone and decided to do a scavenger hunt for Christmas houses, while doing fartleks in between each "photo op".  Fartlek.  Ok, so call me immature.  Well, despite how much I was dreading my run....it was FUN!  I was speeding along during my quick intervals between a 6:30-7 minute miles.  And going between 8-9 minute miles during my slower intervals.  It was a hard workout, but I enjoyed it!  

Here are my treasures, in high quality...of course. 

Picture #1- I loved the simplicity of the decorations on this house.  The icicles on the windows look like they are "dripping".  It's pretty cool.

Picture #2- My favorite view of the temple when I turn the corner right after a long 1 mile up-hill battle.  The view is worth it.  Such a beautiful building. 

Picture #3- I took the picture right as the lights turned off.  Go me!

Picture #4- I love those swirly trees. 

Picture #5- I was worried someone was trying to steal Frosty...he was making weird noises (top left corner) as he was deflating.

Like I said...Fartlek...fun to say and fun to do!  Try it out!

'Tis the season

Christmas season is here, and I love it!  Even if it involves ugly sweaters....

Take a look at our baby tree in the background. We've had that thing since our first Christmas in '08

Justy's work had an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, and it was a lot of fun.  Justin didn't have an "ugly" sweater so I (we) made him that sweater with lots of glue & safety pins.  You can't see it..but the bells on the snowman's scarf have bells that jingle.  Love it!

I knew there was going to be a lot of not-so-healthy food at this party.  So, I do what I always do....and brought a healthy side dish.  Veggie tray (carrots, broccoli, celery, cauliflower, cucumbers) with dip.  I do this A LOT, because I figure if there is nothing else that healthy, at least I can load up on the side dish I brought.  Good tip for the holidays! 

Not mine, but it looked similar.  YES for veggies!

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This is unrelated, but I've been thinking a lot about the signs that I'm getting old.  One sign is how much social networking can drive me crazy!  Is it just me....or do young adults/teenagers think that it's ok to post whatever thought comes to mind for their entire friend base to see, even if it is completely rude, obnoxious, or downright inappropriate.  Why, oh why?  Obviously we are all entitled to an opinion or thought....but it doesn't mean it should be shared.  I think these particular young adults/teenagers need to practice some self control....or the consequences are going to bite them in the bum!!  

There we go....proof that I am becoming an old woman.

R&R (Running Resources) #1---Mapping that Run

I love technology, especially when it comes to running.  I remember a few years ago when I started running outside I was determined to find a way to calculate the distance I was running.  So, using the obvious choice-- I hopped in my car and drove the route.  After countless times of driving around town...I finally came across a wonderful website to map out my run before I went out.  (It's absolutely free- you just need an email to set it up.  And as a tip, I have a separate email for all of my online applications.)

http://www.runningahead.com/

I love that you just click on the map to indicate your route.  Be sure to change the mile/kilometer (mi/km) option in the top left corner.

Not only is this convenient, but it's safe.  I leave the map on my computer, so that my husband knows exactly where I would be if I were to call him in an emergency (whether it be bathroom, or not). 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In unrelated news....I found this picture of myself on my friend's blog from our relay this summer.  Definitely not attractive, but definitely real.  Sun in my eyes + sweaty face + hair everywhere = real running.

How else....???

C'mon...how else are you supposed to open it?  Looks like someone didn't follow directions....

Oh the weather outside is frightful

Monday's workout included a Plan A,  Plan B & Plan C. 

Plan A was to go for a run with my wonderful friend Sarah, as long as it was warmer than 29 degrees. 
Plan B was to go to the gym and run on the treadmill. 

Plan C was to try a new workout website that my crazy friend Matt sent to me.  I will report later on the new workout, when I actually do it.

Which plan did I choose?  Plan F- for Fail.  I had a craptastic day at work and realized that I had a lot of stuff I was supposed to do this weekend for a Christmas Party on Wednesday.  My husband had a bad day too, so we decided to work on some Christmas crafts and then get some sleep.  The word crafts does not bring good thoughts, but since I procrastinated, it needed to be done.  Crafts usually involve the words "ouch" ..."this stupid thing".... "that is not what its supposed to look like"...."why won't it stick"......etc.  I'm just not a crafty person, and I don't have the patience.  I hate getting glue on my fingers.  I hate scissors because they never do what I tell them.  Markers always bleed through my work after I finally get the glue off my fingers and the scissors to work...causing me to have to start all over. 

Lucky for me the craft was an ugly Christmas sweater, so it doesn't have to look pretty.  Maybe, if you're lucky I'll post pictures tomorrow. 

Needless to say, I wish I had been able to go for a run.  But with the temps, there was no way I was going to freeze my buns off in 5-10 degree weather.

  I'm from Minnesota, and people always ask "well, aren't you used to the cold?"  Absolutely not.

I'm a weirdy...

{Rest Day}

I'm really particular about some things and I don't even know why.  Like really pointless things.

I have a blanket that I like to use that has a light blue side....and a dark blue side.  And it drives me crazy when the light blue side is visible  Really crazy.  And Justin thinks its the funniest thing that I am so particular about it.  So, tonight I turn my back for a second and I see this:

It's almost like nails on a chalkboard to me.....and look at his smirk.  Haha...he likes to see me squirm.  I forced him to switch it, otherwise I was going to sit on the floor so I didn't have to see it!   He was a good boy and complied.

Insane...Insane...Insane

{55 min  Insanity- Max Interval Plyo}

Last night (after my quick workout) was spent not being guilty for sitting on the couch for 3 hours catching up on the Biggest Loser.  It was glorious and we needed it. It's been a crazy week.

This morning I woke up determined to go for a run.  Then, I looked at the weather and it said 15 degrees with a wind...oh heck no.  So, I decided I was going to do the hardest workout I had in the house.  Insanity: Max Interval Plyometrics.  It was....insane.   I could hear Justy laughing when I started yelling at Shaun T in the back room.   Shaun T....you crazy, man....you crazy.

Yeah....I was spent afterwards....like I couldn't even get off the floor....even my pinkies were sore. 

And then I got really hungry.   I was going to take a picture of the breakfast my hubby made me (aw for sweet)....but I shoveled the food into my mouth too fast.

Let me tell you about my fabulous & healthy breakfast that my amazing hubby cooked up.

Basically we scrambled egg mix using only egg whites (no yolks...too much cholesterol!)
(This is a serving size for 1 person)
4 egg whites
1/8 cup milk
1 tbsp onions, chopped
2 tbsp green & red peppers, chopped
1 medium mushroom, chopped
1/4 Roma tomato, chopped
1/4 cup raw spinach, chopped

We also cooked up some Honeysuckle lean turkey sausage.  You'd be suprised at how much fat breakfast sausage has (15-30% fat)....so we use the lean Honeysuckle turkey sausage.  Very flavorful and only 5-7% fat, depending on which you buy. 

Then, we put the egg mix & the breakfast sausage in a whole wheat tortilla...and added some salsa.  DELISH!  Here are the nutrition facts :

I keep track of my food using an online food journal at www.myfitnesspal.com  MyFitnessPal is an absolutely free site I've been using for over 2 years to track my workouts, calorie goals, weightloss goals, and it has a great support community.  I've actually "met" a lot of awesome runner friends there.  They have support groups for people with similar interests, question boards, blogs, news feeds,  etc.  It's pretty great.  If you want to find me there....my username is kicklikeaGIRL  (make sure to include a message!)

Just Do It

{20 minutes HIIT workout}

I did not feel like working out tonight.  By the time Friday comes around I am beat, and all I feel like doing is sitting on the couch with some food...

But, I know I will feel so much better if I just buck-up and get my workout on.  Even if just for 15- 20 minutes.  And so, that's what I did tonight.  I immediately put my workout clothes on, because if I do that it seems easier to get motivated, and then I quit whining for 2 minutes and just started moving.  Something is better than nothing.  

I always know that I will feel better if I do something, because otherwise I end up on the couch all night (which isn't necessarily a bad thing), and eat too much food (which is a bad thing).  So, follow the motto I came up with a while ago......... Just Do It.  

I can kick it too....

{60 minutes Turbo Kick class  + ChaLean Extreme Push 3}

Tonight's Turbo Kick class rocked! Tonight was supposed to be the last night of the semester....but luckily I weaseled my way into teaching at least one more week of classes this semester. (So...if you're still in town....come next week!!)

  I love Turbo Kick, its such a fun workout....and teaching it makes me so happy!  My class members rock my socks off.

I love Turbo Kick as a way of cross training.  Its a combination of kickboxing, core strength, dance, and plyo-metrics.  I love love love it!  And the music rocks!

Wanna sneak peek?  Here's a two clips of tonight's workout.  I was DANG tired on the Turbo, since it was the 2nd turbo, but we pushed through it!!

PUNCHES SECTION

TURBO!

Late night granola chef

First off...my picture taking skills are horrendous, at best.  I wish I had some creative skills...and I wish I had a nice camera  (Hubby, you reading this?  hint. hint. hint.)   But, I am still going to take them and unfortunately....post them.

Last night I decided to do make some Low Fat Chewy Granola Bars close to bedtime so that I could bring some to work with me.  I don't know why I torture myself like that.  My family knows that I am a beast if I do not get sleep.   I didn't want to make eye contact with the camera because I was tired, grumpy, and frumpy.  But, the granola bars are delish...and a staple in this house.  I LOVE them because I make them with natural products (none of those long ingredients we can't pronounce).  PLUS they taste delicious!   And..they are cheap!  Buying a box of 6 granola bars at the store cost me close to $3 a box.  I can make 20 granola bars for less than $3.   I am now your bestie for sharing the recipe.........



LOW FAT CHEWY GRANOLA BARS -  Makes 20 granola bars
Nutrition: 150 Calories; 26g carbs; 3g protein, 4g fat, 14g sugar
1/4 cup lite brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup (I use the natural kind)
1/4 cup honey
2 TBSP peanut butter (I use Skippy Natural PB, or I grind my own)
1 large egg white
3 TBSP unsweetened almond milk (you could use regular milk)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 cups oats (I use the Quaker old fashioned oats)
1 1/2 cups Rice Krispies

Optional Ingredients:  (I use ALL of these...but you can use whatever you'd like!)
handful of craisins or raisins
handful of white chocolate chips (or chocolate chips)
handful of almonds (chop 'em up)
handful of shredded coconut (optional!)


In a medium bowl, use a mixer to mix together the sugar, maple syrup, honey, PB, egg white, milk, vanilla until the mixture is thick and creamy and well blended.  In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, allspice, & baking soda.  Combine both the creamy mixture and flour mixture together and blend well with the mixer.  Once it's well blended, add the oats & rice krispies and mix with a large spoon until oats & rice krispies are well disbursed.  Then, add any of the extra ingredients you'd like! 

Don't mind the mess...and don't mess with me....I'm tired!

Lay down Parchment Paper in a 9X13 baking pan.  (I've never tried this recipe without the parchment paper, and I probably wouldn't attempt doing so).  Flatten the granola bar mixture into the pan, on top of the parchment paper.  Use a hard spoon and firmly flatten mixture as even as possible. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, or until outside edges are slightly golden brown.  

Let granola bars sit for just a short few minutes, and then "score" them into bars.  Don't fully cut them yet, because the mixture is still soft.  But, if you "score" the tops, then it will be easier to take a knife later and cut them into nice bars.  I like to cut the bars long-wise so they look like actual granola bars, but you can cut them like you would brownies. 

I usually keep them in the pan, and then throw them in the fridge for about an hour so they harden.  I'm too impatient to wait...and usually the Hubster smells the granola goodness and can't wait either. 

YUM!  The black spot in the middle is a shadow.  I warned you about my picture-taking skills.