Erica's Blog

Vanilla Pudding & Berries

If you're craving something sweet after dinner, but still want to watch your calorie intake, try vanilla pudding topped with berries such as strawberries and blueberries.  It's such a simple but delicious treat!

St. Patrick's Day 5K, Parade & Brunch in Southie

Last weekend Aunt Penny, Uncle Bobby, Joe and Michelle came down to Boston to compete in the St. Patrick's Day 5K Race in South Boston with me, Tracy and a few of our friends.  D espite the terrible  weather (it poured!), we made the best of it and all had a great time  Joe and I finished the race in 26 minutes and change (a personal record for both of us), Michelle crossed the finish line around minute 35 and the rest of the gang finished strong in approximately 45 minutes.

After the race, we all went over to a friend's place for a delicious brunch and to watch the St. Patrick's Day parade.  I couldn't believe how many people still took part in the parade with the weather as bad as it was.  Luckily we were able to enjoy it all by watching through the apartment window while drinking mimosas and coffee with baileys and not getting wet! 

Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2): Week 8 & 9

Two more weeks of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2) have now passed and we only have 6 weeks left until the winner is announced.  My results are the still the same this week - no change - but I'm hoping to see some results next week due to some changes in my eating style and some BURN classes I will be taking up at Healthworks.   

How's everyone else doing?  I got to see Aunt Penny and Uncle Bobby last weekend and they look amazing!  Truly an inspiration.

Two more weeks of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2) have now passed and we only have 6 weeks left until the winner is announced.  My results are the still the same this week - no change - but I'm hoping to see some results next week due to some changes in my eating style and some BURN classes I will be taking up at Healthworks.   

How's everyone else doing?  I got to see Aunt Penny and Uncle Bobby last weekend and they look amazing!  Truly an inspiration.

Two more weeks of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2) have now passed and we only have 6 weeks left until the winner is announced.  My results are the still the same this week - no change - but I'm hoping to see some results next week due to some changes in my eating style and some BURN classes I will be taking up at Healthworks.   

How's everyone else doing?  I got to see Aunt Penny and Uncle Bobby last weekend and they look amazing!  Truly an inspiration.

Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2): Week 7

Well, we are up to Week 7 of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2).  Some of us are doing awesome (Matt is up to 8.07% total weight loss!) and some of us have not been participating at all (I won't mention names, but you know who you are).  Unfortunately I still did not see any changes in my weight this week, but I know I'm working hard and staying healthy.  This past weekend when I was home I went for a 6-mile run around West Chazy and it was wonderful - not too cold, snow glistening in the sun, the delicious smell of sap boiling, and the calming sound of rivers flowing.  I'm in the process of training for my first half marathon that will take place in Boston on June 27th!  Mark your calendar everyone - I would love for you to come cheer me on.  I'll even offer you a free place to stay! 

So, enough about me...how is everyone else doing?  Don't forget, if you haven't been participating in the challenge much so far, there is no rules that states that you can't start now.  We'd love to hear from you and provide you with support and motivation to reach your goals!

Well, we are up to Week 7 of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2).  Some of us are doing awesome (Matt is up to 8.07% total weight loss!) and some of us have not been participating at all (I won't mention names, but you know who you are).  Unfortunately I still did not see any changes in my weight this week, but I know I'm working hard and staying healthy.  This past weekend when I was home I went for a 6-mile run around West Chazy and it was wonderful - not too cold, snow glistening in the sun, the delicious smell of sap boiling, and the calming sound of rivers flowing.  I'm in the process of training for my first half marathon that will take place in Boston on June 27th!  Mark your calendar everyone - I would love for you to come cheer me on.  I'll even offer you a free place to stay! 

So, enough about me...how is everyone else doing?  Don't forget, if you haven't been participating in the challenge much so far, there is no rules that states that you can't start now.  We'd love to hear from you and provide you with support and motivation to reach your goals!

Engagement Photos

Brock and I got our engagement photos done by Jessica Echavarria Photography in Boston.  We had pictures taken in Arlington next to the pond where Brock proposed, on the bikepath and in some of our favorite spots in Boston including Quincy Market and The North End. 

The highlight of the session can be seen in a slideshow on Jessica's website at http://www.jessfoto.com/Gonyo.  You can also check out the full collection of photos and purchase pictures by visiting http://www.collages.net and filling in the following information:

Username: Erica and Brock
Password: 25610

Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2): Week 5 & 6

Sorry for not posting last week everyone!  I've been really swamped with work at the Hospital and with wedding planning.  Unfortunately as a result I haven't lost any weight in the past two weeks either...ugh!  I seem to be in a rut and can't get past the 1.68% weight loss.  Hopefully everyone else has had better luck than me.

Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2): Week 4

Today concludes Week 4 of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2).  It's hard to believe that we have been doing for this for a month already.  Everyone is really doing great and I am so proud of all you. 

Unfortunately for this week I did not have very good results.  I did not lose any weight which means my total % weight loss is still equal to 1.68%.  I seem to be in a rut and my body doesn't want to lose anymore weight.  Hopefully this changes next week because I'd still like to lose another 5-10 lbs.  How'd everyone else do?  Are we on track for reaching our personal goals?

Wedding Planning

Wedding planning has been in full gear this past week.  Here are some updates on decisions we've made thus far.

Church: St. Joseph's Catholic Church (West Chazy, NY)

Reception: Rainbow Wedding & Banquet Hall - Gold Room (Altona, NY)

Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Angelo Bridesmaids Style 6493 in Espresso

• We are planning on having all of the dresses shortened so they fall just below the knee

Flowers: Burnt orange calla lilies

• Bride Bouquet 
• Bridesmaid Bouquet
• Boutonniere 

Band: Slab City (Malone, NY)

Photography & Video: John Mitchell, Silver Lining (Plattsburgh, NY)

Rehearsal Dinner: Malone Golf Course (Malone, NY)

 

Homemade Pizza

So, even though Brock isn't a big football fan, he insisted that I make "Superbowl food" tonight so I decided to make a homemade supreme pizza.  It turned out awesome!  I've provided links to the recipes used below for those that are interested.

Basic Pizza Dough (Food Network, Emeril Lagasse)

New York-Style Pizza Sauce (Cooking Light)

 

Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2): Week 3

So I know I'm really late making this post, but we have completed Week 3 of the Gonyo Fitness Challenge (Round 2) and it's time to see how everyone did.  I lost 0.8 lbs which makes my total % weight loss equal to 1.68%. Although I didn't lose much this week, I am still pleased with my results considering all the cake that I ate last weekend at the wedding expo.  I guess I can only try harder this week (and not eat any cake)!