tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22957054619021721502012-02-01T09:24:36.310-06:00Follow my triumphant return to the pavement, trails, and yoga mat -- spirit intact. No games, just sports.JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.comBlogger3171100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-40812865778013084102012-02-01T09:24:00.000-06:002012-02-01T09:24:36.319-06:00

Yesterday a tenant moved into my house - they've signed a two year lease -- a young guy, transfered here from Washington DC.  In April his girlfriend will join him.  Although I'm thrilled for financial reasons, it is weird to think about somebody living in MY house.  Over the past 6 months since we were engaged, I've had mixed emotions about the house - sadness at leaving it, confusion over

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-59272200271960875882012-01-28T11:50:00.001-06:002012-01-28T11:53:23.957-06:00

I woke up at my usual 6:15 today, but instead of popping out of bed, I stumbled - to the kitchen, to pour a cold glass of water and pop a couple of Tylenol for a crampy tummy -- then back to bed I went... ...which means that I totally did not wake in time to get to my WW meeting with Gabby.  When I woke up at 8:15, I had a text from her, asking if we were "on" to meet at the 8 AM meeting.  BUT

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-50140170100213184552012-01-26T07:40:00.002-06:002012-01-26T08:38:07.954-06:00

The past two weeks have been tough. Winter finally hit MN - blustery, icy, windy, cold, grey, wet, snowy... you name it. And that was just my attitude. After  an out of state trip to visit a friend who is struggling (fun and good, but hard), a day off to clean the house from top to bottom, a less-than-stellar return-to-work that was difficult for a number of reasons,  a head cold, an upset

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-6408466888766138952012-01-21T10:58:00.000-06:002012-01-21T10:58:28.349-06:00

The subject line today is weird one, but it is a phrase that runs through my head all the time.  It's a palindrome, and I learned it in 4th grade.  Along with "Jhirmack, Bounceback, Beautiful Hair" and "Lordy Lordy Look Who's Forty," it is one of those rhythmical phrases that just gets stuck and won't go away.  Of course, the difference with the "panama" line is that frontwards or backwards, it's

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-61585553082099650542012-01-19T10:45:00.000-06:002012-01-19T10:45:25.264-06:00

I have been absent from the old blogosphere for a while - no good excuses, just really busy.  There was a trip to Chicago, a couple of birthdays, lots of social engagements, tons of work, and now a head cold keeping me away.  Through all of it -- well, except for the past two days of being a little bit sick - I've rocked the treadmill.  Last night was the first night of "true MN winter" temps.

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-88939115403522817142012-01-05T07:38:00.000-06:002012-01-05T07:38:05.957-06:00

Now, I'm not a scientist or a mathematician, but there's one thing I've learned through life experience, and that's that if you want to make energy, you have to use energy. Our bodies thrive on being used -- and there's no truer example of this than my past week. Hit the treadmill for an hour on Monday and an hour on Tuesday.  Resulted in amazing sleep both nights -- Wednesday morning, I woke

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-69122232127722464772012-01-03T21:47:00.001-06:002012-01-03T21:49:03.291-06:00

Excuse the crappy iPhone photography but what you're seeing above is the console for my brand spankin' new treadmill, which has a lovely slot to insert my iPad so I can stream TV while walking my butt off. (literally).  (hopefully). Right ABOVE my iPad, you see a smaller square, which does all the typical exercise things: heart rate, speed, incline, calories, distance -- and also synchs

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-21675233868985028672012-01-01T08:36:00.001-06:002012-01-01T08:42:12.912-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I've apparently reached the age where I can barely stay awake until midnight, so it was a quiet night at Chez Messifer.  I'm not a huge fan of NYE - or rather, the stereotypical NYE of partying and drunken revelry and overhyped parties and overpriced steak - so as has become our tradition, The Hubs and I stayed in -- although this year was different in that we stayed a his our

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-20005110460939843152011-12-24T10:27:00.000-06:002011-12-24T10:27:38.032-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve -- I'm excited to be spending a fun family-filled weekend in weirdly-warmish MN.  There isn't any snow on the ground this year, and while I'M NOT COMPLAINING, I must say that it doesn't really feel like Christmas.  But the gifts are wrapped. Our tree is lit. Cookies have been made*, and quiche is in the oven*. My Christmas gift to you - a quick and easy recipe that I

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-26736112226463047122011-12-22T07:45:00.001-06:002011-12-22T19:39:54.038-06:00

I'm overdue in writing this week's update - what can I say, it's been a busy week! When we last saw our heroine, she was victoriously stepping off the scale, claiming a 4.5 lb loss for the week. Fast forward exactly a week (and two hours), and she was stepping off the scale again, Eeyore-esque, with a 3.5 lb gain. So, the theme so far for December?  "You've won the battle but not the war."

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-6605507813692942612011-12-16T13:16:00.000-06:002011-12-16T13:16:54.096-06:00

I have the very best girlfriends in the whole entire world. (You might think YOU do, but you're wrong, because I do). Last night*: Tonight*: Have a happy weekend, y'all!Off and running,~Jessica *These pictures were not actually taken last night, but are just the most recent pics of my college and high school girlfriends that I'm lucky enough to have dinner plans with this week!

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-35686863907653714672011-12-10T11:53:00.000-06:002011-12-10T11:53:07.060-06:00

As you can see from my just-updated weight ticker, I hit a Weight Watchers meeting today, with happy results:  Week one back on the program, and I'm down 4.4 lbs.   Ah, I love the first week back at weight watchers - if only they were ALL that great! Here's what worked: 1) Through the lips and over the fingertips. Last week, the leader challenged us all to journal every day up until New

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-66365354220762304712011-12-09T08:34:00.001-06:002011-12-09T15:12:10.051-06:00

(I wrote this post for December 6th but forgot to post it!) Three years ago today, I went on a first date with a tall, funny, blond-haired, blue-eyed guy that, in emails and blog posts, I referred to as "The Salesman." Above is the first picture ever taken of us -- right before Christmas, by my favorite waitress at Leaning Tower, one of my favorite hangouts over the years. He made me laugh

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-85239122211750649012011-12-03T11:11:00.000-06:002011-12-03T11:11:40.038-06:00

When I was in 4th grade, I came to my mom one night with the news that I had to do a major science project. And that it was due tomorrow. The next 24 hours were filled with trips to the library, grocery store, craft store... and in the end, I turned in a pretty cool science project that, using dixie cups, tupperware, water, and straws, demonstrated how hydropower worked. Needless to say, my

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-65266780682136869982011-11-26T20:40:00.001-06:002011-11-26T20:41:19.398-06:00

Like all good midwestern wives, I assessed the cold, blustery weather today, and decided it was time to go where no Jessifer has gone before: Hotdish, aka, casserole. I participated in a recipe exchange a few weeks ago - it was the type of thing I normally avoid ("please! who uses recipes!"), but there was a phrase in this particular chain email that intrigued me: "The recipe shouldn't be

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-31027733972109779002011-11-23T08:53:00.000-06:002011-11-23T08:53:25.431-06:00

There's a meme floating around the blogosphere that I didn't stumble across until today, so here goes: 1. What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? Dinner #1 at The Hubs aunt's house; dinner #2 at my parents; dinner #3 at my father-in-law's (where we won't really eat, just visit). 2. What are you most thankful for this year? It is really hard to narrow this down to one thing, but I'm going

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-68302332798141846512011-11-20T19:47:00.000-06:002011-11-20T19:47:58.298-06:00

I've always loved the notion of a nice Sunday dinner -- since The Hubs and I were engaged, I've tried hard to make Sunday a day of relaxation, indulgence, and produtivity... a day that always ends with a nice meal.  Now that we're all married up and getting settled (and football season is in full swing), our Sundays typically consist of coffee, "big breakfast," and LOTS of football.  (To

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-65109427406002017122011-11-16T09:25:00.001-06:002011-11-16T09:26:39.797-06:00

Dad: So, I'm reading this article in the New York Times about how to talk to your kids about sex... Me: (Oh God, where is this going?)Dad: And it's about how you shouldn't just talk to them once, but it should be an ongoing conversatio--- Me (interrupting), Um, I definitely don't want to talk to you about that NOW.. Dad: That's not what I was saying.  Just wanted to make sure we did this for you,

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-53816762823042152632011-11-15T07:14:00.000-06:002011-11-15T07:14:47.862-06:00

...and have nothing for the second act! People, I know I said I would post every day in November, but I'm sort of at a loss for topics outside of my quick "gratitude" posts. Help a sister out? This is an open call for topics - not only to get some meatier writing going here on the blog, but for some essay contests I'd like to submit to.  What do YOU want to read about? Grateful, Day 15: I'm

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-30176294503438884862011-11-12T08:19:00.001-06:002011-11-12T08:20:10.468-06:00

Oops - it is Saturday and I haven't posted since Tuesday.  My bad! I guess I'll post twice today to make up for it.  On a "thankful" note, here's what I'm thankful for today -- this is actually at the tippy top of the list, but I was waiting to get professional wedding pictures back to post about it. ;-) FAMILY. And of course, not only do I already HAVE a great family, but I married INTO a

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-30913079045960009352011-11-08T09:47:00.000-06:002011-11-08T09:47:05.301-06:00

Well, I did it. Got up at 5:45, was on the treadmill by 6, and in the shower by 7 AM.  By 7:15, I was looking up the train schedule on my iPhone when I decided to quick check my work calendar, and realized that I had an 8 AM meeting. So I didn't take the train to work -- which is too bad, because I'd just downloaded a new book that I was excited to dig into -- but I did burn 400 calories,

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-20377068122669059792011-11-07T20:06:00.000-06:002011-11-07T20:06:28.657-06:00

Over my years of weight loss / fitness blogging, I've probably used that title, oh, 5 times.  Each time, it was about my strategic and calculated decision to step on the scale and get back with the program. Today, it happened to me accidentally and it was possibly the best possible thing. I had the best of intentions of hitting the downtown gym before I left the office today -- I even brought

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-80348559093672426472011-11-06T11:56:00.000-06:002011-11-06T11:56:09.477-06:00

Oh how I LOVE "fall back" time -- I feel like I got a solid 8 hours of sleep, AND I've been awake long enough to hit the grocery store, make dinner, prep 4 days worth of lunches, and it isn't even noon yet!  There's a post coming your way soon about cooking, prepping, shopping, etc... but today, I have to take a minute and be EVER so grateful for great friends - and also for the fact that we

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-62179101454426234202011-11-05T10:14:00.000-05:002011-11-05T10:14:39.378-05:00

Today I'm grateful to work for a cool company, comprised of smart, creative people!  Harajuku Mini (Gwen Stefani's line) launches on November 13th -- cute! Off and running, ~Jessica

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-6232054734795769252011-11-04T10:18:00.000-05:002011-11-04T10:18:40.487-05:00

Today, I'm grateful that it is Friday... And I'm grateful for this:

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-57897627104408174402011-11-03T08:19:00.000-05:002011-11-03T08:19:23.441-05:00

Since I've already started November off on the right foot by writing on the 1st and 2nd, I figured I'd just bite the bullet and attempt to participate in NaBloPoMo. What is that, you ask?  No, it's not some weird alien babytalk or a new form of pig latin -- it stands for National Blog Posting Month, and it's something that I've always shied away from in the past because, well, I've never needed

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-50263799106310048232011-11-02T12:03:00.001-05:002011-11-02T12:03:59.594-05:00

Workout Number 5 took place last night - earlier that afternoon, I ALMOST had myself talked out of the gym ("Let's just go for a walk instead!"), but ended up having one of the better cardio sessions I've had in months -- further proving my theory that when I want to workout the LEAST is probably when I need it the MOST.  30 minutes on the treadmill at an incline 30 minutes on the elliptical

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-87764783957120501812011-11-01T07:34:00.000-05:002011-11-01T07:34:26.066-05:00

It's Week 2 of our re-dedication to the gym, and things are going well -- we skipped out on our plans of one weekend gym session, but I figure that I got enough of a workout schlepping storm windows up from the basement and installing them + hauling bags of clothes to the goodwill.  Yesterday, we were on the treadmill by 6 PM, home about 7:30, and by 8 PM eating a healthy & homemade dinner. 

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-51127041845636824242011-10-28T07:10:00.000-05:002011-10-28T07:10:11.382-05:00

It's the morning after gym session #3 and man-oh-mangoberry, my abs and gluts and shoulders and everything in between is SORE! I think I must have hit snoozer 6 times this morning -- but I'm up, having coffee, and about to head to work.  We'll hit the gym one time this weekend and will have accomplished our first week.  I brought my lunch every single day this week (except today - I have a work

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-14003111382609586332011-10-26T07:12:00.001-05:002011-10-26T07:23:54.317-05:00

The Hubs and I have challenged ourselves to "be really good" until Thanksgiving -- this applies to physical and financial health.  No more expensive dinners out, no more quick lunches on the fly... we (and our bank accounts) are in "wedding recovery mode," and we're trying to hit the gym 3 nights and one weekend day per week, and just sort of hunkering down to establish a new routine. I'm proud

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-56872670758063476082011-10-23T23:04:00.001-05:002011-10-23T23:05:40.661-05:00

And now real life goes back into affect. After weeks and months of stress and furious planning, The Hubs and I are settling into real life -- for me, that means moving most of my things over to his our house, while we get ready to either rent or sell mine.  It also means hunkering down and saving some cash -- fewer meals out, more home-cooked dinners; fewer celebrations and more sessions at the

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-56152554296017105032011-10-21T07:22:00.001-05:002011-10-21T07:23:06.290-05:00

Time is still slipping away from me each and every day - I'm up to my eyeballs trying to catch up with work, thank-you notes, and moving into Manfriend's H2B's The Hubs house.  Everything on Saturday was absolutely perfect.  Perfect!  I would not have changed a thing -- except of course to have a few people make it who were unable.  Other than that, perfection. While it was a bit overcast and

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-22020811325934740482011-09-22T22:06:00.004-05:002011-09-22T22:06:49.221-05:00

September 21, 1951 was undoubtedly a great day -- Because MY dad was born... .... and H2B's dad was born!Yep, my father and my future FIL shared a 60th birthday on Wednesday, September 21st, 2011!I'm a day late in writing this post because I got super busy, but I'd be remiss if i didn't say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to two of the greatest dads on planet earth. I'm so lucky that they are both in my

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-86095508649354765172011-09-11T09:14:00.001-05:002011-09-11T09:30:21.810-05:00

Ten years ago today (well, ten years and a few hours), I woke up and quickly showered and dressed.  It was 4 AM, East Coast Time, and I was in Detroit, working as an event planner for the UniverSoul Circus as a part of my first job out of college with The Kydd Group.  I brewed some crappy coffee in my hotel room, got in the car, and drove to a nearby hospital where we were doing a promotion

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-10476323888699995782011-09-07T07:16:00.000-05:002011-09-07T07:16:06.858-05:00

Hey, just wanted to pop in because there's something weird going on with my blog and whenever I open this site, I get redirected to blogrolling.com or something, which is definitely not my blog. :-) Also - to a few who have commented or emailed.  I'll be back to blogging soon, but with trying to plan a wedding in 90 days, move, get two houses ready to sell, and have a full time job, i just

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-14264573999591988392011-08-27T22:10:00.000-05:002011-08-27T22:10:50.439-05:00

Whew, now that I've told you all my big news, I kinda feel like I can take a breathe.  Here's the deal -- the planning is basically done.  Yup.  I know it is nuts, but I used to be an event planner here in Mpls, AND I'm not that picky, so really it was a bunch of phone calls, a few appointmnets, 2 arguments, 1 instance of tears, a TON of laughter, lots of chills and butterflies (in a good way!),

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-34154781468591510702011-08-10T07:36:00.004-05:002011-08-25T22:09:11.946-05:00

Hi!  Thanks for your emails, comments, and notes -- so sorry that it is taking me a while to get back you, but there's a lot going on: 1) Getting engaged!!!!!!!!!! (over the 4th of July) 2) Planning a wedding for October, 2011*  3) Getting my house ready to sell** (~sob~) 4) Getting manfriend's hubby-to-be's house ready for me to live in and eventually sell 5) Pack.  Sort.  Throw away.  Donate.

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-70690338655565103552011-07-26T07:07:00.002-05:002011-07-26T07:07:43.397-05:00

I've spent the past few days doing work around my house - scraping paint, painting trim, weeding the gardens; rinse, repeat. How many calories do you think THAT burns? Proper post is coming, I promise - life is awesome right now, so much to share, just no time to do it justice! Off and running, ~jessica

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-81926314475287434422011-07-20T12:19:00.000-05:002011-07-20T12:19:58.044-05:00

Apparently, massive amounts of stress in both my personal and professional life cause me NOT to eat.  How about that?  For the last two weeks, I've actually FORGOTTEN to eat on a few occasions... I have a lot to update you on - all good things - but not a lot of time.  But for now I'll leave you with this: I lost 1.8 at my WI today, for a grand total of 9.8 since rejoining WW a few months ago.

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-2306084014048111622011-07-04T09:05:00.000-05:002011-07-04T09:05:40.201-05:00

Everything about this weekend is absolutely perfect. Minnesota FINALLY decided that it was time to be summer... Manfriend and I, at the last minute, bought Twins tickets for yesterday.  We'd been keeping an eye on the weather forecast, and as soon as the prediction switched from rain, we jumped on it.  Friday night we had dinner with some friends, Saturday we shopped and ran errands all day

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-33042571049924549342011-06-29T08:09:00.000-05:002011-06-29T08:09:59.846-05:00

...any questions? 90 minute walk; hot coffee in hand, cool breeze in hair, great music on iPod, random thoughts in my mind, smile on my face, good mornings and head nods throughout the 'hood. Off and running, ~Jessica

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-72223846883170333572011-06-28T07:09:00.000-05:002011-06-28T07:09:44.913-05:00

After my epic bike trip on Sunday (where "epic" = about 8 miles), I woke up this morning BEFORE my 5:45 alarm and sprang out of bed super, excited to hop on my bike again.  I had a whole route planned, clothes laid out, etc.  It is absolutely gorgeous out today -- feels like a mid-September day, but with more green.  Right now I'm sitting on my patio writing this, and it is probably 62 degrees,

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-9298711336436001142011-06-26T21:04:00.000-05:002011-06-26T21:04:54.608-05:00

588 Calories Burned 1 Hr 8 minutes (8 of those minutes were spent ogling the amazingly beautiful scenery, and listening to the jazz combo playing at the restaurant adjacent to the falls) Max HR: 152 Min HR: 103 (while standing around, gawking) Theme of the ride: "Don't Stop Believing," (Glee cast version) Thanks to my Mom and my friend Amy, both who went on bike rides today, which inspired

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-84777080461429680592011-06-24T07:20:00.000-05:002011-06-23T19:20:57.259-05:00

Farmer's Market after work.  Ten bucks.  Pretty sure my week will consist of gazpacho and lots of cucumber salad and green beans!

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-11637348214845780942011-06-22T20:48:00.000-05:002011-06-22T20:48:37.059-05:00

After my OCD-induced night of garage cleaning, cooking, and laundry, I was pretty amazed to wake up at 6 AM and pop right out of bed -- no hitting the snooze button, no dawdling... I got right in the shower while the coffee brewed, drank my smoothie, got cute enough, and was at work by 8:30.  I basically walked right into back to back meetings, and then at 11:15, a little reminder popped up on my

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-71239419953371510632011-06-21T23:13:00.001-05:002011-06-21T23:16:07.014-05:00

I don't have time for much of a post right now, but wanted to share some fun / interesting pics quick before I hit the hay -- I'm still knee deep in work and home repairs.  I worked from home yesterday so the electrician could be here to work on the garage door -- he didn't finish, and I didn't get enough work done (too many distractions).  So tonight I worked until 7 PM, then came home and got

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-89503560056612593582011-06-17T08:35:00.000-05:002011-06-17T08:35:08.505-05:00

Just a quick post, and a rather non-traditional variety of the Friday Favorites theme, but here goes! First -- Friday Favorite is really a Thursday favorite.  The Mpls Farmer's Market sets up shop on Nicollet Mall downtown every Thursday from 6 AM to 6 PM.  Since my office happens to be ON Nicollet Mall, this is very convenient for me, and picking up a giant bounty of produce each Thursday is my

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-48864733690102171232011-06-16T07:50:00.000-05:002011-06-16T07:50:23.240-05:00

Sorry for my recent silence - life has been insane.  Also?  Not much to talk about -- the weather hasn't really been cooperating with my need and desire to get back into an intense workout routine.  Between my LA trip, a wedding, and a big pre-Father's Day dinner the other night, I have been eating like a savage.  My work schedule has conspired against me, preventing my attendance at the last

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-85245788083523062322011-06-09T08:21:00.002-05:002011-06-09T08:32:52.620-05:00

Sara: What did you have in mind? Harris: Well, I was thinking of taking you on a cultural tour of L.A. Sara: That's the first fifteen minutes, then what? Harris: All right, a cynic. First stop is six blocks from here. Sara: Why don't we walk? Harris: Walk? A walk in L.A*.?  ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back from Los Angeles after a whirlwind couple of days -- cannot tell you how happy I was NOT to be

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-51348577262629938422011-06-07T08:01:00.003-05:002011-06-07T08:01:01.670-05:00

It was unbelievably warm all weekend -- but no humidity, so it was fantastic -- but by the time Sunday night rolled around, I wanted something simple, light, and tasty for dinner.  I dug out a frozen bag of scallops from Trader Joe's, and remembered a recipe I'd been wanting to try with the two ears of sweet corn in my fridge.  Since I knew I was leaving town on Monday morning, I also wanted to

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-49070981134149012632011-06-05T18:28:00.007-05:002011-06-05T20:23:29.231-05:00

Friday night - a (large) bonfire with friends... after the humidity died down, so did the fire, and we sat around talking in the cool night air... Saturday morning, I raced home from the Manfriend's house to meet my plumber, who repaired my revolting basement drain that was backing up... needless to say, I did not snap a picture of that, but early that afternoon -- brunch in Uptown --

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-1281211150973830962011-06-03T08:20:00.001-05:002011-06-03T08:56:23.700-05:00

 There is a great restaurant in Minneapolis called Chino Latino -- I think it opened in 2000, and it features "foods from the hot zone," whether they be asian or latino in flavor.  The menu is filled with creative dishes with funny names -- but my favorite is Coconut Shrimp Curry. I had a bag of frozen lobster bites from Trader Joe's on hand, and decided that it was time to use 'em up.  I've been

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-49789708594504565252011-06-02T08:04:00.001-05:002011-06-02T09:17:17.346-05:00

When I'm firing on all cylinders, I am a morning person.  I wake naturally, sometimes as early as 5 AM, and wake with energy.  Lately I've been feeling pretty sluggish - not exactly sure why, but I think it has something to do with not going to bed early enough.  I have been taking golf lessons, working late, working in the yard... and by the time I actually get inside my house at the end of a

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-85840428605159908962011-06-01T13:56:00.000-05:002011-06-01T13:56:21.567-05:00

It is a gorgeous perfect amazing day in Minneapolis -- I spent yesterday's lunch hour taking an amazing walk through downtown Minneapolis.  I took so many pictures with my iPhone, but really, only one of them does the scenery justice: This is the famed Hennepin Avenue bridge (which, oddly, they pan over before, during, and after every Vikings game, despite the fact that it is probably a

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-39647460117742433732011-05-31T07:46:00.000-05:002011-05-31T07:46:20.553-05:00

What's the best part about a three-day-weekend?  A four-day week! I woke up this morning assuming it was Monday and was pleasantly surprised when I remembered that it is Tuesday -- and Tuesday means a golf lesson (maybe), and dinner plans with some co-workers / agency peeps that are in town from SFO... we're hitting up a great restaurant in NE Mpls, one I've never been to before, and I'm

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-20685069676459994952011-05-25T22:23:00.001-05:002011-05-25T22:27:24.407-05:00

While going through some house-related paperwork tonight, I realized that I closed on my home 7 years ago today.  It was a really magical time in my life, filled with possibility and disbelief and change. Possibility because of where I knew my life could go.  Disbelief that I could be a single female home owner at 26.  Change because I'd joined weight watchers a year earlier in anticipation of

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-17707991397270316892011-05-25T12:00:00.000-05:002011-05-25T12:00:29.158-05:00

Down .2 at WI today -- that's POINT 2, not 2 lbs. I'll take it -- didn't do a great job of journaling this week, and dinner last night was nuked at 10 PM. Off and running, ~jessica

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-39115820869036315512011-05-24T07:51:00.000-05:002011-05-24T07:51:16.021-05:00

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I went on a Trader Joe's binge -- there isn't one terribly convenient to me, so I don't go very often, but when I do, I tend to stock up on favorites (frozen brown rice), and try lots of new things that they've come out with since my last visit.  Last night, I tried one of these new items, which meant that a healthy and satisfying dinner was on the table in about

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-27546908802752471872011-05-21T15:27:00.000-05:002011-05-21T15:27:46.268-05:00

This past week was gorgeous - and I was so exhausted from yard work that I didn't get out for a single run / walk... today, I woke up to rain and more rain... so I set about crossing things off my to-do list: Target, Comcast, Target again, groceries, renew license tabs, unload dishwasher... and finally, clean the basement (this task has been on my To Do list probably since LAST spring).  At

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-35507866375752139822011-05-19T11:07:00.000-05:002011-05-19T11:07:09.571-05:00

Sometimes, you want a light, fresh springy meal, even though all the contents of your fridge is mostly processed foods. Last night was one of these nights: Artichoke ravioli from Trader Joe’s Pesto (have you ever made your own pesto? I have too. It is super easy. You know what is easier? Buying a jar of Classico and saving yourself the headache) Hearts of palm (Don’t ask me what these are.

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-87588464975717500422011-05-18T13:06:00.000-05:002011-05-18T13:06:29.243-05:00

Quick update - scooted to my WW@W meeting today and hopped on the scale -- down .4 lbs. After wine and chinese food on Thursday night, beer on Friday, desserts and dinner on Saturday, and Chipotle on Sunday... I walked in to the meeting thinking I might actually gain. I am thrilled. I journaled every single point. I drank copious amounts of water (no soda, no booze other than Thursday and

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-1277221942189300152011-05-18T07:36:00.001-05:002011-05-18T07:37:38.560-05:00

I have a work-related conflict with my golf lesson tomorrow, so yesterday I called my pro to see if I could basically just start over with lessons next week -- since we were rained out last week, and I'd have to miss Thursday, he was amenable to that assuming that I didn't make it last night either.  Turns out that 5:45 is a little too early for me to get there on time, reasonably, so I think

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-90617987966361917182011-05-16T22:35:00.001-05:002011-05-16T22:56:20.705-05:00

I spent the night at Manfriends last night, as per our Sunday night tradition, and got ready for work this morning at his house - but I'd spent a big chunk of the day on Sunday doing yard work, so I impulsively stopped at home en route to work to water some of the grass seed that I planted... and as long as I was here, I went about making a smoothie, packing a lunch, and prepping for dinner.  I

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-41988599416715375962011-05-13T16:20:00.000-05:002011-05-13T16:20:22.182-05:00

I haven't continued on this tradition since my very first "episode" of Friday favorites, probably because I haven't had much to talk about, but suddenly there is a ton! First off -- favorite ad campaign, courtesy of my dear friend KEB.  As somebody who has struggled with "thunder thighs" my whole life, I have become reassured in my 30s that these days, the thunder is more about muscle than fat.

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-86151732250217828102011-05-13T12:39:00.000-05:002011-05-13T12:39:31.639-05:00

So, I had a really good post on here yesterday.... and one prepped for today... and blogger ate them both.  Due to some weird crash in blogger, both posts are completely gone. Boo. I don't have drafts of them -- which is unfortunate, because today's was a long overdue "Friday Favorites" post. I don't have time to write a full post, but I'll leave you with this  -- my favorite ad campaign of

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-24465392001165257252011-05-11T14:07:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:37:11.519-05:00

Over the past weekend, the Manfriend, disgusted by my lack of household tools, took me to Menards to pick out everything I need to have a sufficient at-home toolbox. For a girl who has always considered herself a bit of a tomboy and quite handy / self-reliant, I will admit that my showing of tools was pretty weak. Really weak, actually.  While trying to fix a window frame in my garage,

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-85926997389114747632011-05-11T12:46:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:37:11.466-05:00

A more detailed post coming tomorrow, but for now... Back from my first WW @ Work Weigh-in... ...and down 3.4 lbs!!!!!!!! I am beaming. Off and running, ~Jessica

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-55544113459658545372011-05-09T21:05:00.002-05:002011-05-10T07:24:20.920-05:00

(Sort of) I had a big day today -- hair appointment, makeup lesson / appointment, and a big time overdue Trader Joe's run. A little background here -- right before Christmas, my sister in law and I were both complaining that we were totally clueless about makeup -- what to buy, how to put it on, etc.  I basically do not wear makeup.  A quick dash of the mascara wand, a swipe of lip gloss / chap

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-66732976314432252752011-05-04T21:19:00.000-05:002011-05-04T21:19:53.262-05:00

I woke up this morning and put on the super cute new shirt I'd bought yesterday (stupidly, without trying it on), and instantly I hated they way EVERYTHING on my body was fitting -- I don't know if it was the bad night's sleep, too much salt, a crazy spoke in my menstrual cycle, or WHAT, but I woke up on the fat side of the bed today, rode the fattywagon to work, and proceeded to avoid mirrors,

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-87332749033331806182011-05-04T07:52:00.000-05:002011-05-04T07:52:56.173-05:00

...but broken fences make for great conversation. A few weeks ago, I had the box elder trees removed from my back yard and the stumps ground out. While I'm not a big fan of cutting down trees, THESE trees were a disaster -- not only did they drop those annoying helicopters TWICE a year, the collected box elder bugs to such an extent that it made my back yard basically unusable for the past two

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-88324670713520609032011-05-03T07:50:00.002-05:002011-05-03T08:08:25.804-05:00

I'm taking a break from writing about food and exercise and weight loss today to address something much more important. Like the rest of the country, I watched with open-mouthed disbelief on Sunday night as President Obama addressed the nation with the news of Osama Bin Laden's death. (Well, let's call a spade a spade: he didn't just DIE, we killed him.) And I, like most of the rest of the

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-16706235850929468392011-04-30T12:20:00.000-05:002011-04-30T12:20:27.964-05:00

Wow, people, I have been OFF TRACK with diet and exercise for the past month -- I mean, big time.  I woke up this morning to lots of gray sky and rain, and knew immediately what I had to do: The Manfriend and I have a family party tonight, but my day was wide open... I threw on gym clothes and headed out the door.  By 10 AM, I'd worked every single part of my body, and was on the road home,

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-54731407582490458302011-04-22T09:05:00.001-05:002011-04-22T09:09:12.409-05:00

Whew.   I'm about to tell a story about where I've been for the past few days, but I'll start at the END, and say how happy I am to wake up this morning feeling semi-normal.  I spent from 9 PM on Wednesday until 9 AM on Thursday worshipping the porcelain God in a hotel room in Green Bay, WI -- alone, sick, exhausted, and thinking that I quite possibly was going to die.  I'm still not sure if it

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-66300397905211102011-04-15T07:27:00.000-05:002011-04-15T07:27:12.428-05:00

Following up last week's awesome post about how running is great, la la la, and makes me feel like king of the world, la la la, and how I'm so glad (so glad, guys!) to be back on my running program, I guess I decided to spend my week NOT exercising, and eating in restaurants, and drinking wine. Here's the deal - due to some staffing changes at work, I've been leading not one, but TWO campaigns,

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-28860038148306274582011-04-11T12:00:00.000-05:002011-04-11T12:00:35.762-05:00

My alarm clock this morning went off in the format of the coffee pot starting to brew in the other room - it was enough to wake me wide up, and although I spent about 15 minutes in bed contemplating my next move, I knew what I was going to do -- the sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the sky was blue.  Although it was only 44 degrees, as soon as I saw that sun shining into my bedroom

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-51109407434254666072011-04-07T21:35:00.003-05:002011-04-08T08:39:52.047-05:00

The making of a great compilation tape, like breaking up, is hard to do and takes ages longer than it might seem. You gotta kick off with a killer, to grab attention. Then you got to take it up a notch, but you don't wanna blow your wad, so then you got to cool it off a notch. There are a lot of rules. Anyway.  ~High Fidelity  I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- the BEST part about

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-70806698328902872392011-04-06T11:00:00.007-05:002011-04-06T11:00:02.329-05:00

Please ignore my very messy desk and casual camera-phone pic, but mid-lunch it dawned on me that I hadn't done a good Jesscipes post in a while - and that I'd just made and eaten something definitely worth writing about! Those who have followed my kitchen adventures for a while know that Quinoa Chicken Salad is a staple for my lunch menus -- I make a big supply of it on the weekends, and then

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-41079156780131710802011-04-06T08:24:00.000-05:002011-04-06T08:24:17.667-05:00

Walked 11 Ran 60 Walked 15 Resting HR - 65 Average HR - 152 Max HR - 171 (up a hill) Theme of the run: Right Here, Right Now by Van Halen 684 calories burned. No foot pain. Later today I might die of stiff and sore legs, but right now?   I feel very much alive. Off and running, ~Jessica

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-54458635839138716522011-04-05T08:06:00.000-05:002011-04-05T08:06:34.641-05:00

For a lack of anything of substance to say today, I'm going to repost something I read during my morning peruse through the weight loss blogosphere.  Do you guys read "Results Not Typical Girl"?  If not, you totally should - mostly because she is hilarious.  But within her humor there is always a nugget of wisdom that I carry around with me throughout the day. Today's post, a Top Ten of things

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-56809501448385364092011-04-01T11:03:00.002-05:002011-04-01T11:08:47.901-05:00

True to form, it is April, and it is raining. I’ll take it – even though it’s raining, it’s supposed to be in the 40s today, which feels like kind of a heat wave. The snow is still melting… but half my lawn is green.  The expansion of dry ground goes a little further every day, taking over, little by little, until the snow disappears.  I was pretty thrilled to rip the March page off my big

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-22074630285112518882011-03-29T15:14:00.000-05:002011-03-29T15:14:37.790-05:00

After weeks of feeling sick, exhausted, and run down, I’m BACK – and true to Jess fashion, I woke up at 5 AM, sans alarm, and got about my day. I woke up with grandiose plans – now that I’m feeling good – of hitting the gym and fully re-immersing myself in my healthy ways without skipping a beat. “I SHOULD get some exercise,” I kept thinking. “I SHOULD get up right now and go to the gym.” I was

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-36756774077750978032011-03-26T13:45:00.000-05:002011-03-26T13:45:17.303-05:00

I'm sitting here, Saturday morning, with the sun streaming into my living room. Humidifier is going. Coffee has been consumed. I made a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit and egg Benedict... and I'm realizing that finally, for the first time since 3/9, I feel healthy. That doesn't sound like a big deal, but I guess it just sort of hit me how long I've been feeling like crap! I woke up the

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-58121310929088581222011-03-24T14:44:00.002-05:002011-03-24T14:46:48.128-05:00

(And 5 inches of thick, heavy snow) For those not in Mpls, you might not be aware that we got a pretty big blizzard on Wednesday – I knew there was some snow coming, but I expected to wake up on Wednesday morning to 2 inches of fluffy white stuff, rather than the pounding of heavy, wet snow that didn’t let up until nearly 5 PM on Wednesday.  It was unexpected, frustrating, and depressing -- just

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-17978606177478750432011-03-22T06:01:00.000-05:002011-03-22T06:01:44.887-05:00

...it's merely a flesh-wound. Or rather, it's merely a bad cough.  Which started as bad sinuses and has moved down to my chest.  Sunday I gleefully woke up and was able to breathe through both nostrils sans meds or neti pot -- Monday was a mirror of that.  Despite insane amounts of sleep and hours watching TV and healthy food and tons of water and vitamins, I seem to be having a bit of a relapse

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-67693983850356984962011-03-17T09:02:00.001-05:002011-03-17T09:03:39.275-05:00

After being buried under multiple feet of snow, and a ridiculously unusually cold winter, these first days of spring feel like the start of a whole new world – smiles are bigger, energy is higher, and everything just feels very possible after a long 6 months of impossibilities. I’ve nearly kicked this cold – though since I relapsed once, I’m being very careful not to overdo it and risk another

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-6579626359730885512011-03-16T07:52:00.001-05:002011-03-16T07:56:00.910-05:00

Whew! Where have I been since my Friday Favorites post?  Well, it's a shame, really -- I caught the plague.  Yup.  I woke up on Wednesday with a small tickle in my throat, and by Thursday it was full-on head-full-of-snot... I was really sad about this, mostly because I'd taken Friday off as a much-needed "recover from work insanity" day, and getting a massage with sinus pressure didn't sound like

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-35833494624542614512011-03-11T06:30:00.111-06:002011-03-11T08:37:25.317-06:00

Over the past week or so, I've been compiling thoughts and snapping photos of some of my new favorite things in the healthy living world.  I am pleased to present you with Friday Favorites! 1) First up -- Justin's Nut Butters, pictured here, the 90 cal squeeze pack of Maple Almond Butter.  DELICIOUS!  2 WW points if you are counting.  Nice combo of sweet with a touch of salty -- and

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-45111031221741204262011-03-10T06:30:00.000-06:002011-03-09T20:18:20.862-06:00

SO, let's talk about coupons. I've never been a coupon clipper.  I can't be bothered. I like what I like, and when I find something I like, I tend to stick with it.  But I have a few friends who have recently gotten REALLY into couponing -- layering coupons, store rewards, manufacturers coupons, etc -- and I keep hearing them talk about they "barely pay for anything anymore."  And then one

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-8706990860287429862011-03-09T06:30:00.001-06:002011-03-09T06:30:03.887-06:00

I feel as though I've blogged about this before, but in case I haven't -- there are always a few meals that stand out in every chef (or wanna-be chef's) mind, and I am no exception.  I was a teenager -- too young to drink alcohol, but I don't remember the date or occasion -- and I was at a restaurant in Edina with my dad.  The restaurant, Tejas, recently closed.  I was too young to be much of an

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-55237582576719647482011-03-08T20:04:00.000-06:002011-03-08T20:04:37.055-06:00

I celebrated Fat Tuesday -- not with margaritas or beads or crawfish -- but by getting my fat butt to the gym*. AFTER work. This is a huge accomplishment for me -- at 5 PM, the last thing I wanted to do was go to the gym.  I wanted to go home!  But not only had a made a promise to myself, I made it publicly in a few different ways -- made deals with friends that we'd each hit the gym in our

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-54625802595386971422011-03-07T20:24:00.001-06:002011-03-08T06:54:34.827-06:00

It's cold. Blustery. We're expecting another snow storm. Perfect night to snuggle up with a hot bowl of soup... preferably Campbell 's. It's cold. Blustery. We're expecting another snow storm.   Perfect weather to snuggle up with a warm armful of BABY! Campbell's? Meet Campbell. Campbell John** Seaberg was born around 5 AM on Saturday.  7 lbs 1 oz and 19 inches long.  Mom and baby are both

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-80760756583287079712011-03-07T12:04:00.001-06:002011-03-07T12:07:11.450-06:00

 I've commented before that I go through these strange egg aversions from time to time -- I've been "off eggs" for the past month, but then the other day woke up feeling like eggs (poached, nonetheless) sounded like a fantastic idea. Never having poached an egg before (or really even ever eaten a poached egg, when it wasn't totally drowning in hollandaise sauce), this was an odd occurance, but

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-56127447681682904162011-03-04T07:34:00.000-06:002011-03-04T07:34:37.628-06:00

Since my grocery shopping extravaganza on Saturday, I have consumed the following: 3 bell peppers, 1 large cucumber, half a bag of baby carrots, 1 package of celery hearts, half a package of mushrooms, a box of mixed greens, half a bag of green beans, a container of grape tomatoes, a large serving of mixed beans / peas, a bag of cauliflower, a bag of red grapes, 4 cups of frozen mixed berries,

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-55490518289127161292011-03-03T07:45:00.001-06:002011-03-03T10:46:13.817-06:00

Back when I joined WW (oh so many years ago), they had a program component called "Tools for Living."  I'm not even sure if they use those same tools or not, but it was basically a week-by-week arsenal of mental tips to get you through the struggles of weight loss and food choices.  Of all of those tools, the one that always resonated with me was the idea of "anchoring."  The theory behind

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-19198464863029187612011-03-02T12:42:00.000-06:002011-03-02T12:42:32.612-06:00

This is my usual M.O -- and how I feel today -- But this was me for the past couple of weeks leading up to the launch of TargetStyle: I found this graphic so hilarious (and so totally NOT me), that I bought a journal on Etsy with that on the cover.  It is very pocket-sized, so perfect for days when I'm running quickly to meetings and need a little place to keep notes.  The best part?  When

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-71437955692105311602011-03-01T12:59:00.003-06:002011-03-01T13:02:55.115-06:00

I had a band director in high school  who always said “when I want something done – right, and on time – I give it to the busiest person I know.” Now that might seem contradictory, but that little quote has stuck with me for many years and I”ve found it to be exceptionally true. Busy people don’t waste time – they make decisions, make plans, and – pardon my expression – get shit done. I’ve

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-66203338812554733782011-02-28T23:12:00.000-06:002011-02-28T23:12:32.366-06:00

At long last - the day I've been waiting for! We've launched phase 1 of Target's Style social media presence -- you can like us on facebook and follow us on Twitter, and make sure you stay tuned for the August launch of the Style Boutique, our online magazine! We went live a few hours ago and already have over 100 fans... tomorrow we'll be mentioned on Rachael Ray's show, and by Lucky Magazine.

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-73304567527543588362011-02-28T09:50:00.001-06:002011-02-28T10:04:52.137-06:00

I'm a huge believer in the phrase "It's not what you're eating, it's what's eating you." Well, at this point in my life, it IS what I'm eating -- life is good.  Happy.  Stable relationship.  Job I love.  I'm not eating my feelings.  I am, perhaps, eating my stress, but mostly I'm pounding that out at the gym -- but over the past week, I fell into a pattern of mindlessness. So today we're back

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-20946530492802023022011-02-27T16:42:00.000-06:002011-02-27T16:42:19.522-06:00

Determined not to let February go out with a whimper, but with at least a meek bang, I hit up the gym super early this morning -- I just wasn't in the mood to lift.  It seemed too detailed for me.  So I parked it on the elliptical, and didn't get off.  For an hour. Then came home and made a giant salad and took myself to see The King's Speech, which was super outstanding, and I kinda hope it

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2295705461902172150.post-91889727110945340042011-02-26T11:58:00.000-06:002011-02-26T11:58:32.242-06:00

I don't do anything in my life half-way.  If I'm in it, I'm in it to win it.   This translates into many positive things in my life -- when a job needs to get done, you can rest assured that I won't quit until it is perfect, no matter how long it takes.  I don't just clean the sink, I scour the house.  Sure, I'll go for a run or two, but ultimately, I want to run the marathon.  Similarly (

JessiferSeabshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02011040052433366321noreply@blogger.com2