Workin’ Hard for the Money

May 21, 2012

Hi, guys!

Not a lot to report here, except that I’m working’ hard for the money. I’ve basically been glued to my computer all day long. The last two weeks were a total whirlwind, so today (and probably the rest of the week) is all about playing catch up. Besides Mal’s birthday and related celebrations, this week is pretty low-key for me, so I plan to get a lot accomplished. Get it done!

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Breakfast

I woke up bright and early this morning to tackle my To Do list. I worked for a couple of hours before my stomach started to grumble and then made two waffles and topped them with almond butter and fresh raspberries. I also drank an iced coffee with coconut milk. I definitely needed the caffeine today!

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Snack

Mid-morning, I started to get hungry again, so I snacked on a handful of mixed nuts and dried fruit.

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Lunch

A little while later, I almost helped myself to another handful of nuts and dried fruit, but then I decided to just make myself lunch. It was only 11:30, but I need a meal, not just a snack.

On the menu for lunch: salad with two hardboiled eggs, truffle oil, and balsamic vinegar.

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And half of a toasted sesame bagel with cream cheese.

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Snack

CrossFit is on the agenda for this evening, so I ate a banana with a packet of Justin’s chocolate almond butter as an afternoon snack. This flavor sort of tastes like brownie batter. My goodness, it’s amazing.

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Life… supplemented

I recently starting writing for the “the Supplemental” blog, which is managed by the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN). The goal of this new blog is to provide fun, fresh, and new perspectives to educate and inform consumers on combining healthy diet, supplements, and exercise to optimize one’s health and wellbeing. Its topics will range from eating well on-the-go and supplementing the diet to training for races and reducing stress. I will be contributing regularly to the blog along with seven other women:

  • Carla Birnberg, award winning writer, personal trainer, former bodybuilding competitor and author of MizFitOnline.
  • Leslie Bonci, a registered dietitian, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for Sports Medicine, former spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and contributor to Runner’s World.
  • Tina Haupert, freelance writer, author of the blog, Carrots ‘N’ Cake, and book, Carrots ‘N’ Cake: Healthy Living One Carrot and Cupcake at a Time, and certified personal trainer.
  • Sheryl Kraft, freelance health journalist, essayist and author of Midlife Matters.
  • Duffy MacKay, naturopathic doctor, scientist with the Council for Responsible Nutrition and contributor to Naturally Savvy.
  • Andrea Metcalf, healthy lifestyle expert as seen on NBC Today Show, motivational speaker and author of best-selling NakedFitness.
  • Danielle Omar, registered dietitian, nutrition strategist and author of Food Confidence.
  • Liz Scherer, health journalist, digital copywriter, women’s health advocate and award-winning author of Flashfree.

I’m honored and excited to be part of such an amazing group of contributors, and I hope you decide to check out the “the Supplemental” blog. Here’s my first post: Fueling for the Long Run.

Question of the Day

Do you have a morning routine when you start your work day? What’s the first thing you do? 

Me: turn on Pandora, check my email, check Twitter, upload my photos, open Windows Live Writer, start working.

{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }

Katie @ Peace Love and Oats May 21, 2012 at 4:52 pm

Stretch, post blog, then somedays workout first, others go straight to reading blogs and make breakfast.

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Amelia May 21, 2012 at 4:53 pm

Random question: Your office chair looks so comfortable – like a NorthFace puffer coat. Where and when did you get it?

Workday routine: turn on TV news, wash/moisturize face, brush/floss teeth, get dressed, eat breakfast, out the door.

Welcome back to the normal grind! It’s been fun reading about all your adventures!

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Tina May 21, 2012 at 6:04 pm

It’s from Staples! :)

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Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries May 21, 2012 at 4:54 pm

ooo i need to try that justin’s chocolate almond butter! sounds amazing! right when i get up i get a pot of coffee brewing, prepare and eat my breakfast, sip coffee while writing a post and/or reading a few blogs, then i get ready, and head off to my office. i immediately check all of my emails, return phone calls, and make a to do list for my day.

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erica May 21, 2012 at 4:58 pm

first thing i do: check twitter, email, & facebook.
what can i say, i’m an internet junky.

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Roz@weightingfor50 May 21, 2012 at 5:25 pm

Hi Tina, congrats on the new blog. I’m going to go over and check it out. OMG…I have the “this is your life” graphic printed out and pinned to my workstation too. (I don’t work at home, but love to bring little pieces of life and home to remind me of what is really important) Have a great week.

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Annette@FitnessPerks May 21, 2012 at 5:30 pm

I too just had a whirlwind week/weekend, so I am back to the grind as well. Lunch looks delicious–hardboiled eggs are the jam!

And congrats on writing for the “Supplement”

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Amy @Health Hungry May 21, 2012 at 5:32 pm

GAH! I looked everywhere for an office chair like that! Where did you find yours? You have been eating the truffle oil a lot on your salads lately – what do you like about it? Congrats on another gig – you are a wanted woman! Hmmmm routine… must start the day with water – 32oz. of water before anything else. I also like to light my favorite candle at my desk when I know I’ll be there for a bit – I’m all about the ambiance! ;)

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Tina May 21, 2012 at 6:02 pm

My chair is from Staples!

For info about truffle oil and why I like it, check my FAQs! :)

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Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles May 21, 2012 at 5:38 pm

Congrats on the new blog- it sounds really great! I MUST try that flavor almond butter. YUM

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lynn @ the actor's diet May 21, 2012 at 5:55 pm

the first thing i do is take my laptop out and start blogging from bed. but the other day this all backfired on me, since my dog went crazy and everything, including the water bottle, landed on the floor and created this massive $400 crack:

http://theactorsdiet.com/2012/05/03/no-more-monkeys-jumping-on-the-bed/

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Lindsey May 21, 2012 at 5:58 pm

Once I get to work I fill up my water bottle, turn on my computer, open my emails, and Twitter – my personal account and work account since I tweet for it too.

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cait May 21, 2012 at 6:01 pm

I have been meaning to ask… what type of workout and/or diet were you following around your wedding/honeymoon? I came across a pic of you on your honeymoon and your arms looked awesome!! I would love to know what you were doing!

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Tina May 22, 2012 at 9:53 am

@cait: Thanks! I actually think I’m a lot more fit now than I was when I got married. Nowadays, I mostly do CrossFit and run, and my diet is what you see on CNC! :)

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Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction May 21, 2012 at 6:01 pm

Congrats on writing for the new blog! I’ll be sure to check it out! In the morning I shut my alarm, wash my face brush my teeth, get dressed, do my makeup (unless I’m going to the gym), eat breakfast and blog!

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Kailey May 21, 2012 at 6:04 pm

I love love love getting up early to get work done! I always feel so much more productive!

Ps. Have you tried the chocolate hazelnut butter?! That one is my favorite by far.

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Tina May 22, 2012 at 9:51 am

@Kailey: I haven’t, but I bet I’d love it! :)

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Lisa May 21, 2012 at 6:05 pm

I get my coffee, stumble to my computer, hope that everyone leaves me alone until I wake up…(I am not a morning person, no sir…nothing about birds chirping etc I care to see lol) But I do look at the news, some of my favorite cooking blogs etc and get that out of the way so I have no excuse for it to interrupt my work :)

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katie @ KatieDid May 21, 2012 at 6:14 pm

I literally walk straight to the coffee maker. Set it, tidy the kitchen while it runs, then settle in with the computer for some work. Love my mornings.

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Cait @ Beyond Bananas May 21, 2012 at 6:25 pm

When I wake up.. I always pee and then put my contacts in.. (after washing my hands of course!). I yearn for the day when I can see without putting anything into my eye balls.

I always wake up so I have some time to do nothing (watch the news, browse the web) before leaving for work.

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Hillary May 21, 2012 at 6:30 pm

I swear my work-life resembles the movie “Groundhog Day.” As soon as I get to my classroom, I chug my coffee, check my emails, and start grading papers. I like trying to get as much done before the kiddies arrive!

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Kristen @ notsodomesticated May 21, 2012 at 6:32 pm

Love Justin’s nut butters!! They are so delicious!

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Grace @ Grace Dishes May 21, 2012 at 6:35 pm

I always do 20 minutes of morning pilates! It helps get my circulation going and clear my head before I start the day. I’m a huge morning person though :)

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kristle May 21, 2012 at 7:10 pm

mon – friday i wake up, shower, get dressed, make protein shake and sip it while looking at facebook. then brush my teeth, put together my lunch and my boyfriends lunch, go give him and my dog a kiss, and head out to work!

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Sarah May 21, 2012 at 7:55 pm

LOVE your office space. It seems like it has really good Feng Shui. You must have been so proud of yourself once you completed it! And yes, your Staples chair looks totally comfortable.

6 mornings a week I wake up, wash my face, brush my teeth, throw my running clothes on and either head outside if it is nice or to the gym and run four miles (longer runs on Saturdays and/or Sundays). Running is the first thing I do and it makes me feel super awesome for the rest of the day! Call me crazy but I just love running every morning!

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Angela @ Happy Fit Mama May 21, 2012 at 8:53 pm

I love Miz! Can’t wait to check out the new blog!

The first thing I do in the morning is 5 minutes of sun salutations. It loosens me up for the day!

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Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers May 21, 2012 at 8:57 pm

I too love your office space and everything you made look yummy! My routine starts with let the dogs out than heat of the hot water so I can have a cup of lemon water while I do some blogging before I head to work. My usual routine is to do my morning blog stuff, go to work, come home, try to exercise, make dinner, blog again! Crazy boring life, but it’s what I do!!

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Christie May 21, 2012 at 9:01 pm

I’m so happy you have another blog you’re writing for as well (although CNC will always be where my primary loyalties lie ;) )

Morning routine… hmm- while the first thing I do is hop out of bed and brush the heck outta my teeth, my favorite part of my morning routine is just getting ready (ie: ironing, changing, making lunch) with the Today show playing in the background. I’m SUCH a Today show nut- it just makes me so happy to even hear the opening music as I start my morning :)

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Sma033 May 21, 2012 at 9:17 pm

Where did you get your desk chair from?? I’m looking for a new one

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Alyssa (pb and oatmeal) May 21, 2012 at 9:19 pm

Congrats on your new post! I thought it was great!

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Joelle (on a pink typewriter) May 21, 2012 at 9:49 pm

Congrats on the blog! That’s very exciting!

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Christie @Pathtothehalf May 21, 2012 at 10:10 pm

I have just recently discovered coconut milk myself! How do you make the iced coffee? That sounds amazing!

My morning routine, check emails, drink coffee, type blog post, get eh kids up:)

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Jenny May 21, 2012 at 10:11 pm

I just switched to a new job so I’m still trying to get into hte swing of things but I’m trying to wake up and go on at least a 30 minute walk every morning. It gets everything up and moving!! ;)

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Lea May 21, 2012 at 10:22 pm

Justin’s chocolate almond butter is like heaven in a little single serving packet. It makes me a little glad I’m a poor college student and can’t afford the full sized jar, it would be gone in a matter of hours.

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Lindsay @ Lindsay's List May 21, 2012 at 10:48 pm

I’m in awe of your freelance work!! Any tips for getting into the business? I just want to do it as a hobby, but being published (and asked to contribute!) would be such a blessing.

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Teresa @ fitnwoodbine.blogspot.com May 21, 2012 at 10:56 pm

Your food always looks so good!! Love your office!!

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Khushboo Thadani May 22, 2012 at 1:56 am

I just bought a sachet of Justin’s Chocolate Peanut Butter – can’t wait to try it out now! My routine when I get to work is switch on computer, put away my lunch in the fridge, make a cup of green tea and start checking emails :) !

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Anne Meyer May 22, 2012 at 3:59 am

When I looked at your images, I felt hungry. When I read at your article, I felt jealous. Seriously. :)

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Peggi Konvicka May 22, 2012 at 8:04 am

I get dressed, makeup on, then go to the kitchen and get my husbands lunch in his bag, then wake up my son, get his clothes ready and his small snack/breakfast, get my stuff together for lunch and my stuff to take with me to work, eat breakfast, take my son to daycare (for before/after school), then head to carpool and then to work and this is all happening from 4:55 AM (wake up time) to 6 when I drop my son off and I am at work around 6:50 or so…..phew……

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Cait's Plate May 22, 2012 at 8:58 am

Brew the coffee and make breakfast! :)

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Cassie D. May 22, 2012 at 9:31 am

I just discovered Justin’s chocolate almond butter yesterday – I always want to try Justin’s but it’s so expensive. It was on sale at the grocery store so I picked up a jar and holy yum! It is amazing!

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Lindsay May 22, 2012 at 10:20 am

I just love what you’ve done to your office… I just need to get off my butt and redo my own!

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Genki Kitty May 22, 2012 at 12:23 pm

Congratulations on your latest writing gig! Now you can spend even more time in that lovely new office.

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Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See May 22, 2012 at 2:57 pm

I have breakfast every morning, but admittedly, I’m not the greatest at taking vitamins. It’s one of the things thawt I really need to work on!

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