Rebuild Yourself Fitness

1. Got some fresh running shoes yesterday after putting in a couple years on my last pair. Updated to the latest Mizuno Wave Riders (20) and got them on sale for 84 at the local running store! Much lighter, more supportive, and comfier. Gotta break em in before my half marathon!

2/3. Lace locking your running shoes by using those top “extra lace holes” will be life changing. If y'all haven’t already, try it.

1. This was from over a year ago. I’m doing a major recap, haha. 3rd time seeing Young the Giant, and they’re amazing live.

2. Rooftopping with one of the best homies in downtown Houston during the holidays. We had to squeeze through an opening of some sketchy gate and climb up a ridiculous amount of stairs in darkness with just our phone lights, haha.

3. It was incredible to see the entire city come together to support one another and help those in need after such a devastating event. #HoustonStrong.

4. Flew out to Cali for my cousin’s wedding. Got to rockclimb that weekend at Planet Granite with a cousin who climbs too.

5. Goooo Astros!!! We’re World Series Champions!!!!! My brother and I got those jerseys for their birthday. :)

6. My nephews are growing up so quickly!! Look at all that hair! I love them so much. My sister flew to Cali for her birthday recently, and this was them at the zoo.

My nephews finally turned 1 a month ago!! My brother and I got them home and away Astros jerseys. They took their very first steps just the other week, and I couldn’t be any more proud of them. They’re climbing up and down the couches and eating (very messily) on their own from a plate. Their unique personalities are developing and showing so much. These trouble makers are growing up so quickly! They bring such joy and happiness into our lives. Through and through, I love y’all with all my heart.

1,2,3: Last week, I baked the best chocolate chip cookies everrrr!!! Seriously. If you never thought you could bake amazing chocolate chip cookies after failing miserably every single past attempt like I have, think again. THE perfect recipe here by Morgan (Bless your soul. Thank you!) of Host the Toast: http://hostthetoast.com/best-chewy-cafe-style-chocolate-chip-cookies/

Chicken noodle soup for the soul from last night. I changed up this recipe from the Kitchn: http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-the-best-chicken-noodle-soup-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-178790.

My modified recipe:

2 cups of chopped celery

1 diced onion

3 tbsp butter

1 1/2 cup chopped carrots

1 cup of corn

2 minced garlic cloves

1 tbs olive oil

3 chicken breasts (~1 1/2 lbs)

7.5 cups chicken broth (I used 4 14.5 oz-cans)

1 bay leaf

1 tsp of oregano

1 tsp of basil

a quarter of a bunch of fresh cilantro

salt and pepper

2 cups of mini farfelle noodles

I sauteed the chopped celery and diced onion with butter in a large pot for 3 minutes on medium heat. Stir in the chopped carrots and cook for another minute. Make space in the middle to cook up the garlic cloves for a bit, stir into the vegetables, then place 3 chicken breasts flat in the middle of the pot with olive oil. Cook for just 3 minutes, then flip over a cook the other side for another 2 minutes.

Poured in my 3 cans of chicken broth, 1 bay leaf, oregano, basil, cilantro, and corn and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for about 30 minutes. Take out the chicken and place on a cutting board. Shred it up with two forks, place back in the soup, and added my remaining can of chicken broth.