Tag Archives: Team Roxie

High Five Friday

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Happy Friday!  Today is a jam packed day for me and my beautiful best friend as she is getting married TOMORROW!  (More on that later.)  Let’s cut right to it and get started with High Five Friday with Meg!

Nancy (my mother-in-law):  Nancy came to my summer school class on Wednesday to do an exercise dance class.  (She is a certified personal trainer and group exercise teacher.)  We jammed out to quite a few songs included the Cha Cha Slide, Macho Man, Electric Side, and Walk Like An Egyptian!  The kids had an absolute blast and were surprised at how tiring dancing can be!  We all loved it.  Thank you, Nancy!

Stephanie (my seester):  Stephanie was the featured photographer at lilian.grace this week.  Check out her interview and some of her amazing pictures here.

Roxie: Many of you have been following Roxie’s story, and supporting her along the way.  Well, I’ve got fabulous news: Roxie went home!!!  After 3 weeks in isolation during treatment, her counts are in and the doctors cleared her to go home.  This is unbelievable and just another example of how Roxie is a true fighter.  Learn more about Roxie here and stay up to date by following Team Roxie on Facebook.

Me:  While it’s hard to give myself any credit compared to what Roxie has been through and accomplished, I will say I’m happy with my #RWRunStreak this week.  Before, I had been getting in the minimum: one mile.  This past week, I got outside in the morning (instead of on the treadmill in the basement or at the gym), and ran two miles most mornings.

  • Monday: 2 miles
  • Tuesday: 3 miles
  • Wednesday: 2 miles
  • Thursday: 2 miles
  • Friday: TBD

Ok, two miles is not groundbreaking, but I’m happy I maintained it throughout the week at 5:30 am!  And it is double than what I had been doing so…. I’m proud. :)   Plus, I’m running around like crazy with my kiddos during summer school, just not counting that distance.  On Wednesday I actually brought my Garmin Forerunner and saw that I ran a mile with both classes!  Extra 2 miles for the day!  Friday (today) is TBD because I am pre-writing this post since I joined the other bridesmaids for a sleepover with our fabulous bride last night.  This morning, I’ll sneak out for a light jog before the festivities begin.   I will keep the streak alive!

Doesn’t Zoey have the longest tongue ever??

The Barlean’s Pina Colada Omega Swirl Fish Oil giveaway winner is #57 Rachel!  Congratulations!  Please e-mail me within 48 hours or another reader will be chosen.  Although this concludes our month of Barlean’s giveaways, stay tuned for more giveaways coming.  There is lots of fun stuff coming this summer, so follow Itz Linz on Facebook to get the latest news!

Weekend plans?  Workout plans?  What’s going on with YOU?  Talk to ME! :)

Staycation

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We took a little staycation last night.  Granted it was a half of a mile from our home, but it was still a staycation.  Jonny’s parents traveled to Kentucky for the evening, so we had dog duty at their house.  They have a beautiful backyard and the weather has been phenomenal lately, so we invited our good friends, DiAndy, over for some dinner and a picnic.  June 17th will be filled with Father’s Day events, so last night we decided to have our picnic for International Neuroblastoma Week in support of Roxie.

Read about Roxie here, or stay up to date with Roxie on Facebook.  After sharing a bottle of wine from Trader Joe’s, we had quite the time trying to capture a picture with all four of us on the blanket.  But eventually we managed.

After many tries, we even captured a cute one of the engaged couple who are also in support of Team Roxie.

We ate an amazing dinner, if I do say so myself.  Jonny cooked the chicken to perfection, and I made bread for the very first time (successfully, too!).  I also made lentil jambalaya, three-bean salad with gouda, and strawberry pie for dessert.

Recipes here:

Lucky for everyone involved, DiAndy are very much dog-people and were loving on Paris, Zorro, and Zoey just as much as we usually do.

After a fabulous night with our dear friends, we went to sleep and woke up at 5:30 am thanks to our fur-babies.  We fed the mongrels and enjoyed large cups of coffee poolside as the sun was rising.

When we were fully caffeinated, I began preparing breakfast.  We shared and had a little bit of everything: bagel, lox, and cream cheese, a banana, and a turkey sausage, egg, and potato bowl.

We were even able to get the Garden Table reservation.

The staycation hotel wait staff’s service was impeccable.

Though Jonny got a little fresh with one of the waitresses…

I forgave him since she was so hairy.  All in all, we had an amazing staycation.  Hopefully this weekend, you’ll find some time to have a picnic since there are many families out there who are unable to due to the disgusting childhood cancer.  Help bring awareness about Neuroblastoma by taking a picture of your picnic and posting it on Facebook or Twitter with Holly’s mantra: Know Neuroblastoma.  No Neuroblastoma.

Have you had your picnic yet?? Have you ever taken a staycation??  Where was it and how was it??  Happy Saturday!! :)

Cookie Brownie Cheesecake

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Cookie Brownie Cheesecake all rolled into one.  Sound ridiculous?  It is.  But I made it and it was oh so tasty.  When I told my dad, he was like, “Uuuuhhhh that totally goes against everything you’re about with all this healthy living stuff.”  No, no.  Itz all about balance.  I don’t deprive myself.  I fuel my body with healthy foods because it makes me feel my best.  However, I do still thoroughly enjoy sweet treats, just in moderation and not a ton everyday.  So now I present to you: Cookie Brownie Cheesecake!

The idea came to my when I saw a couple different recipes for layered desserts.  I wanted something relatively easy to make (aka: from a box).  After browsing Pinterest, blogs, and tons of recipes, I found Thanksgiving Cookie Cake Pie on PB Fingers.  I knew I wanted to modify it a bit because, well… it’s nowhere near Thanksgiving and I wasn’t really feeling the pumpkin flavor.  (However, this would be a killer dessert to make in the Fall!)  My creation had 3 layers: Cookie, Brownie, Cheesecake.

Cookie:  The first layer was Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookie Dough which I followed Julie’s recipe exactly (yellow cake mix, oats, and some other stuff).  If I make this again, I wouldn’t add cinnamon unless I was using pumpkin flavors.  I would have preferred just a plain oatmeal cookie taste.

Brownie:  The second layer was brownie, but not just any brownie.  I used Betty Crocker’s Turtle Brownie Mix and it was a fabulous addition, especially the caramel that was drizzled on top!  I prepared the brownie mix as directed on the box.

Cheesecake:  The top layer included 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1 egg, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.  I mixed it all together and then poured it on top.  It covered the entire pan, but then when I baked it, the brownie and cookie crust rose up and overtook the cheesecake.

The cookie-brownie crust ended up being awesome, so it all worked out!  The dessert was definitely a hit and so tasty!  I won’t make it often, but I sure did enjoy it while it lasted.  All three desserts rolled into one.  Oh baby.

The caramel was gooey, the cookie was chewy, and the thin layer of cheesecake was perfect.  Looking back on the recipe, I only used Julie’s recipe for the cookie crust.  I baked it at 325 for a little more than an hour.

Now let’s keep the goodness going with some High Five Friday with the Megster.  (She really likes that nickname. ;) )

This week  I think it’s pretty obvious who deserves a high-five.  Roxie.  If you missed yesterday’s post, you can read it here to find out why.  Roxie is a rockstar who is fighting an incredibly tough battle.  There are tons of us rooting for her and I hope you will join us on June 17th.  Anyone can do it.  You can do it anywhere, with anyone, and at any time.  And it doesn’t cost a dime.  Check it out.

We love you, Roxie!  Stay strong!  Much love to the Schopp family.

Now for the Barlean’s Omega Swirl giveaway winner.  (Drumrull, please…)  Laurie from Love, Laugh, Laurie!  Congratulations on winning a bottle of Mango Peach Omega Swirl!  Please e-mail me at ItzLinz@gmail.com with your mailing address to claim your prize.  The rest of you: Thank you for entering and remember – Stay tuned to each Monday in June where a different flavor of Barlean’s Omega Swirl will be given away!

Know Neuroblastoma. NO Neuroblastoma.

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Have you ever heard of Neuroblastoma?  Neither had I.  That is, until a family friend’s daughter got diagnosed with it at the age of three.  My sister wrote a guest post about Team Roxie back in February.  I ordered my Team Roxie t-shirt.  Now, Roxie’s mom, Holly, is asking for a favor.  She has never asked for anything throughout her daughter’s entire battle, but she’s asking now.  It doesn’t cost any money.  Holly writes:

I am asking you to have a picnic with your  family. Nothing big, nothing fancy, we’re talking sheet on the ground  in your own back yard – or do it up high style at a park with a  pavilion, whatever works for you. June 11-17 is International  Neuroblastoma Awareness Week and on the schedule for June 17th is a  global invitation to sit down with your family for a picnic. Well, we can’t. So please, in an effort to help bring awareness to neuroblastoma,  have one with your family for me. Take a picture, throw it up on  Facebook & twitter and in the caption write my mantra- KNOW  Neuroblastoma/NO Neuroblastoma. Maybe if you have time, do a little research and include a high risk neuroblastoma fact under “KNOW  Neuroblastoma/NO Neuroblastoma”. Then share it. If even one person in  your network does a little searching after seeing your picture because  they’re not sure why you’re talking about neuroblastoma or what it even  is, they will learn of it and understand why it needs to be gone. It  will start a conversation and we’ll have accomplished something huge  together. My family and families like mine need your help getting the word out. Say it with me! “KNOW Neuroblastoma/NO Neuroblastoma” (source)

You better believe that Jonny and I will be having a picnic on June 17th.  Will you?  Read Roxie’s full story here.  Show your support by becoming a fan of Team Roxie on Facebook.  Donate here (if you wish).  Get a really cute Team Roxie shirt here (if you wish).  But most importantly, have a family picnic to help bring awareness to neuroblastoma.  KNOW Neuroblastoma.  NO Neuroblastoma!

Phase 2 Begins

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This morning I listened to Jonny’s alarm clock go off at 6 a.m. (Not cock-a-doodle-do, thank goodness!)  Today is President’s Day (hopefully you knew that), so I don’t have work which means I have a much more flexible schedule.  Zoey was snuggling in bed and I really wanted to stay with her for a bit longer.

However, I met a friend at Starbucks at 9:30 to work on report cards, so I was pressed for time a bit this morning.  Today is the first day of Phase 2 of Jamie Eason’s LiveFit Trainer.  Check out my Phase 1 workouts here.  Phase 2 reintroduces cardio to the mix and that makes me very happy.  Although I am not sure how I will accomplish it everyday that I don’t have work, but for now I was glad to have the time to get it in.

Week 5 Day 1: Back

  • Bent Over Barbell Rows: 3 sets of 8 reps (40 pounds)
  • Seated Cable Rows: 3 sets of 8 reps (14 pounds each side)
  • Wide Grip Lat Pull Down: 3 sets of 10 reps (50 pounds)
  • One Arm Dumbbell Row: 3 sets of 8 reps (20 pounds)
  • Hammer Strength Lat Pull Down: 3 sets of 10 reps (60 pounds)
  • Hyperextensions: 3 sets of 12 reps (25 pounds)
  • Cardio: 30 minutes (stairmill)

The first two exercises were supposed to be completed as a superset with no rest in between, but that was not very convenient with the way my gym is set up.  Instead, I completed each exercise individually with minimal rest between sets.  I lifted heavier than I had been (hence, the lower reps).  I recently read how doing high reps with low weight only builds muscular endurance, not strength or muscle. (source)  This encouraged me to go grab heavier weights, plus LiveFit suggests upping the pounds during Phase 2, as well.

After my workout, I came home to cook breakfast, shower (yes, again!), get some chili started in the crockpot, and get dressed – all before I was supposed to be at Starbucks by 9:30!  It was quite the productive morning in a short amount of time.  Now it’s time to work on my blog report cards.  Have a great day!

Are you off work today for President’s Day? What do YOU have planned?

PS: Are you a Pampered Chef fan? If so, or even if not and you need some stellar kitchen tools, AND you want to support Team Roxie, check this out NOW!

Itz A Pink & Red WIAW

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Welcome to another What I Ate Wednesday (WIAW)!  How did this party start?  Jenn over at Peas and Crayons put it together and each week YOU are invited!  Be sure to hop on over to her site and check out the many drool-worthy photos!  Today’s WIAW features the lovely colors of pink and red due to the fact that yesterday was Valentine’s Day!  In fact, my eats on this post are from V-day.  So enjoy!

I started my day with a Chest and Triceps workout.  I knew I would be left feeling a bit sore, plus it was Valentine’s Day, so I thought it was a perfect combination of excuses to down a glass of chocolate milk!  (And what better way to start V-day than with something chocolate?)

Why the chocolate milk after a workout?  Click here to find out!  While my chocolate milk was being slurped, I got right to work cooking a festive and nutritious breakfast for me and Jonny.  Breakfast included a gigantic, heart-shaped pancake topped with chocolate protein frosting and strawberries!

This breakfast was SO filling, barely Jonny or I could even finish our respective hearts!  During my planning period at school, I sipped on some pink tea.

Nothing screams “teacher” like a pencil mug! ;)   On Sunday, I attempted to make Chelsey’s cabbage soup, but had to improvise due to the ingredients at my house.  Basically, I ended up throwing in every vegetable that was in our fridge!  It still turned out pretty tasty and was loaded with veggies which is always a plus!

On Monday I made the mistake of eating only this for lunch.  30 minutes later I was digging into my snack plus my emergency snack pack.  The soup satisfied my appetite for the time being, but the lack of protein, complex carbs, and fat left my tummy grumbling much sooner than I had anticipated.  So yesterday I made sure to add those to my lunch:

An open-faced sammi of almond butter and strawberry chia jam on top of a slice of Ezekiel bread did the trick!  A red apple on the side rounded out my lunch, as well.  For dinner, Jonny and I went to Almonds Restaurant.  Almonds holds a special place in my heart as the Almond family also owns another restaurant, Latitude 26, where our rehearsal dinner was held.  A glass of red (duh) wine began our evening with a cheers to each other, our lives, and our love.

I love how my date even got in the Valentine spirit with his pink shirt!  Hehe.  A starter spinach salad was ordered next.  (Gotta get those veggies in!)

Almond’s spinach salad is great because the dressing is just drizzled on top instead of doused like some other restaurants.  And the croutons are extra crunchy which is an added bonus!  I ordered the grilled salmon as my entre which is always a solid choice.

I’d be lying if I told you that the pinkness of the salmon and the redness of the cranberries didn’t have anything to do with why I placed my order on Valentine’s Day…The salmon is topped with a cranberry glaze which adds the perfect amount of sweetness and tartness to the fish.  The green beans and mashed potatoes were pretty fantastic sides, as well.  My Valentine’s Day paired with my pink and red eats made for a fabulous holiday!

What is something red or pink YOU ate yesterday?

PS:  If you’re feeling the Valentine blues or just feeling down this time of year, I urge you to read this, so you can be reminded of your own health and the good things that you are blessed with [even if it's not a significant other at this point in your life].  And for those of you following Team Roxie, here is an update on how the marvelous event went yesterday.  Thank you to all of the amazing people and supporters in this world.  If you want to become one of them, click here.

Hello, Facebook!

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I ordered my Team Roxie shirt, have you?

Order here NOW!

Yesterday I began yet another productive Sunday with an awesome cardio session.  My cardio had been lacking lately since my focus has been on weights.  Since I workout before work in the morning (5:30!), I feel pressured for time; hence, cardio suffers.  This past week, the workouts were a bit longer, so I was only able to squeeze in 5-7 minutes of warm-up cardio on legs days (which means twice).  Yikes.  I got a solid 45 minutes on the stairmill doing intervals at level 10 and was sweatin’ up a storm.  And it felt awesome!

This week’s workout will be identical to last week’s as Week 4 repeats Week 3.  (Just as Week 2 repeated Week 1.)  Here is the line up:

However, we will see if I stick to the schedule given my natural rest day attitude.  After this week, I will officially have completed Jamie Eason’s LiveFit Trainer’s Phase 1!  Each week, I notice myself getting stronger and completing each set with more ease than the previous week.  This means I get to increase my weight selections. Yay!

So as some of you may have noticed… I started a Facebook fan page for Itz Linz.  Is it because I think I am totally awesome and deserving of having a fan page?  Yes.  No, it’s because I want an easy way to share my blog with all of you wonderful people out there and we all know how effective social media is.  So go become a fan on Facebook NOW by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/ItzLinz  All the cool kids are doing it and so should you.

Have you done it yet?  Benefit #513 of becoming a fan:

You get to see that face everyday on the ‘book as I post new stuff.  Ha!  (I mean, who doesn’t love self-portraits?  I clearly do.)  Do it!

Are you a fan on Facebook?  Let me know you’re out there!  Comment below. :)

Support Team Roxie

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Today’s guest post comes from my incredibly talented sister, Stephanie.  If you want to see some of the best newborn photography (seriously, she was voted St. Louis’ Best Family Photographer in 2010 Nickelodeon’s Parents Pick Awards!) and be absolutely awed by the cutest babies ever, be sure to check out her website at stephaniecottaphotography.com. 

Stephanie agreed to let me share a special post she wrote about Team Roxie on her own blog.  I was going to try to paraphrase, but it didn’t come out nearly as eloquent.  It’s too beautifully written to mess up and too grand of a story to tinker with, so with no further ado, a guest post by Stephanie. (Post originally found here.)

Support Team Roxie

If you’ve been anywhere on my facebook page, you have heard of Roxie’s story.  This photograph below was taken during Walker’s newborn session when he was just five days new.  Following this session, parents Nick & Holly found themselves on Children’s Hospital’s oncology floor with their 3 year old daughter, Roxie. While waiting for a biopsy on Roxie’s tumor, Walker stopped breathing and had to undergo emergency open heart surgery at 2 weeks old. With Walker recovering in the NICU, Nick & Holly were hit with Roxie’s diagnosis, Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma with MYCN amplification, a very rare form of cancer that occurs in approximately 1 in 100,000 children.

Roxie will soon be headed back to the hospital for round 5 of her chemo treatments.  Roxie’s mom keeps everyone to date with Roxie’s progress here:  http://teamroxie.weebly.com/.  Not only is Holly a phenomenal writer but, as you will see from her blog, she’s one of the most amazing woman and mom I’ve ever met.

“Often after I put up a post on the Team Roxie site parents will share how blessed they are to have healthy children.  I want you all to know that I feel no less blessed to have an unhealthy one!  Every day we have too many blessings to count and Roxie is definitely one of them.”  [Holly Schopp]

So what can YOU do?  Well to start with, head over to Five Guys Burgers and Fries this coming Monday… I’ll be there with my little ones around lunch time!  10% of the total sales will be donated to Team Roxie and Grand Slam Sports will be auctioning off unique sports experiences, tickets, memorabilia and more.

{I felt so lucky that I got to spend an hour on Christmas Day with this family…}

What else can you do?  You can purchase your very own Team Roxie shirt here:  http://teamroxie.weebly.com/team-roxie-tshirts.html.  100% of the profits go to The Schopp Family Fund!  Plus, Holly says that Roxie LOVES seeing people wear the shirt and see her name!

Lastly, you can head over to http://carecalendar.org/.  Enter login 95627 and password 4333.  You can see what nights the family is in need of dinners… and it can be as simple and easy as providing a gift card to one of their favorite restaurants.

Every little bit helps.

“This is the crazy we signed up for.”   {Holly Schopp, http://teamroxie.weebly.com/}

I hope to see many of you on Monday!!

xoxox,
Stephanie