Rockin' around the Christmas tree!!!

 

 

It's time for the 12 days of Christmas link-up. Now let's get ready to get our groove on. Turn up your speakers and get to it!

 

On the 6th day of Christmas I make you rock to my favourite Christmas song

 

Rocking around the Christmas tree by Brenda Lee

 

 

 

This song became my favourite after watching the scene in "Home Alone" where Kevin pretends there is a holiday party at his house by playing this song and moving manequins and cut outs as he dances to discourage the burglars from entering his house

 

On the 7th day of Christmas I let you in on a secret

 

I've never believed in Santa Claus. Growing up my family always told me that the presents we received on Christmas came from baby Jesus. The birth of baby Jesus meant that every child who had behaved would receive a gift on his behalf because Jesus liked to share his blessings. I don't believe that this is a Mexican tradition, I think it was more of a tradition in my own family. I did hear of Santa Claus and knew that he also brought presents but in my young age I thought that was something that only Americans did.

 



 

 





 



Christmas traditions

Still playing catch up on my 12 days of Christmas but I'm almost there. This post is one of my favourites. If you want to join in on the fun simply click on the button above and link up. Now let's get to it.

On the 5th day of Christmas I let you in on my Christmas celebrations and traditions

Christmas has always been one of my favourite holidays because of all the traditions that it involves. Not one family celebrates Christmas the same way as another and that's the best part. Everyone can make Christmas their own. Let me start off by saying that I don't celebrate Christmas on the 25th. Confused? Well, in Mexican tradition we start celebrating Christmas on the 24th. Christmas has changed a lot from when I was younger to now so I'll start with Christmas past.

Mexico:

While growing up in Mexico, Christmas involved two things (1) family and (2) religion. At the beginning of December my grandma, along with anyone else who wished to help, would set up the Christmas tree and the Nativity scene. As part of the scene we had a porcerlain baby Jesus in a manger dressed up with clothes knitted by my own grandmother.

On the night of the 24th, our entire family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins) would get together for Christmas dinner. During the day we would celebrate my aunt Rocio's birthday with cake and a small lunch. As midnight drew nearer my grandma would wrap the baby Jesus in a blanket filled with candies and it would be rocked while she read passages from the Bible. The baby Jesus would then be past around to everyone as they kissed his forehead and then grabbed a candy. Afterwards, we would all get a glass of champagne (cider for the children) and we would go around the table each giving a small toast. Once midnight hit we would all eat from the large feast that had been made. Once dinner was over it was time for the fun. Music was played, drinks were served and we partied until dawn.

Christmas in Mexico 2004

Christmas day, we would wake up and open presents and then get ready to celebrate my grandpa's birthday. All of our extended family would come for dinner and drinks and the party continued until late at night.

Grandpa blowing out the candles of his domino cake - Dec 25, 2004

Christmas changed a lot after some of my family moved away from Mexico. It's difficult for everyone to go back during Christmas but on the rare occassion that it happens it brings back so much happiness.

London, Canada:

Christmas in Canada was very different from Christmas in Mexico because we had no large family to celebrate with. That's the part that I miss the most about Christmas time. Thankfully, we had close friends who we could now start new traditions with. In our small family, we would still put up a Christmas tree and a nativity scene. On the 24th we would go over to my aunt Patricia's friend's house for Christmas dinner. All of her close friends and their families would attend and they would drink, talk, dance until midnight when it was time to eat. We would all gather at the table and eat like there was no tomorrow. Afterwards, dancing and drinking continued but not for very long. Usually by 3:00am everyone headed home. On the 25th, we would call my grandpa to wish him a happy birthday and to talk to all of our family. Afterwards, we would settle down, open presents and watch a movie.

Now that I live in Toronto by myself Christmas has also changed and so here we are at Christmas present.

Toronto, Canada:

I have only celebrated two Christmases with my family since I moved away from London. Now, Christmas is spent with my boyfriend, who is my new family, and our close friends. Thankfully, all of our friends are also from Mexico (go figure, haha) so many of the traditions are still there. We all gather together for drinks, I probably drink more than I ever did before, lol. At midnight we eat our lovely Christmas feast and then what else, the drinking continues. On the 25th, we wake up late and very hungover. Now, that my grandpa has passed away and I can't call him to wish him a happy birthday I still take the time to let him know I still remember him and I still celebrate his birthday in my heart. Although I can no longer celebrate with my family it's great to know I can turn to friends. It's like they say "You can't choose your family but you can choose your friends" and we have great friends who are now becoming part of our new celebrations.

The boyfriend and I - 2010

Winter, how I loathe you!

I’m linking up with Caitlyn @ Engimatic Ambiance for her 12 days of Christmas Link-up. I'm still playing catch up and hopefully can start posting according to schedule soon. If you would like to join simply click here for the topics and join us for 12 days of all things Christmas!

For the 3rd day of Christmas I give my thoughts about winter

Winter and I have a very complicated relationship. It mostly consists of me hating it and Winter laughing in my face and making me die just a little each time I go outside. I've never liked winter, wait, I lie. I enjoyed winter the first two to three years after arriving in Canada because it was so new. I had never seen snow before let alone made snowmans or snow angels. Ice skating became my favourite thing to do and tubing was awesome.

Then, I grew up and got to that age where you don't play in the snow so much but instead complain about it. It didn't help that I hated wearing winter boots because I thought they were ugly so I would walk around in sneakes and freeze my toes off. I still think boots are ugly but don't care enough to risk frostbite. I also grew up without a car and waiting for buses in the wintery cold was never ever tolerable. I also lived in London where the buses are not known for being on time in the winter and connections between the bus you're on and the one you need are a rare Christmas miracle. Therefore, you're outside in snowy hell for at least 15 minutes. Thankfully, I moved to Toronto where snowstorms are rare and the snow we do get ranges from 1cm to 5cm. Doable. However, we get winds that feel like my face is going to rip into shreds. Think I'll need to invest in a ski mask even if I do look like a robber. Whatevs gotta keep warm!

 



 

 

 

 

For the 4th day of Christmas I go back in time and remember my favourite present 



The best gift I have ever received would have to hands down be that bike I got for Christmas when I was younger. I can't remember how old I was when I got the bike but I'm gonna take a guess and say I was 6 or 7. I don't know if I asked for a bike as a present but I sure was happy when I saw it. I actually ended up walking in on my mom getting it ready under the Christmas tree and not being able to wait until Christmas morning to try it out. The best part of getting a bike was having my grandpa teach me to ride the bike just outside his house. Now that my grandpa has passed away this is one of those memories I hold on to dearly.

All I want for Christmas is.....

Today I’m linking up with Caitlyn @ Engimatic Ambiance for her 12 days of Christmas Link-up. I'm a little late to the party so I'll be playing catch up this weekend. If you would like to join simply click here for the topics and join us for 12 days of all things Christmas! 

For the 1st day of Christmas we have my Christmas wish list. 

 

 



Friends Blue-ray Set: I was browsing through Future Shop a couple of weeks ago and came across this Blue-ray set of the entire seasons of Friends. I love this show and it just never gets old. I’ve watched the episodes so many times that I know what the characters will say but the humour just never gets old. 

Crock-pot: I know this item probably sounds lame but I’m running out of ideas for what to cook each night and I seem to find crockpot recipes everywhere. Plus, it’s so simple you just throw everything in and voila dinner is ready. Anything that can make dinner time simple is a plus in my books.

Clothes: So original. I don’t necessarily need clothes but I would love to expand my wardrobe and you can never have too many clothes.

Ski Trip: This is one of those bigger items but I would love to go skiing. I’ve lived in Canada for 16 years and  I’ve never gone skiing before. Think this might be a great time to go.  



For the 2nd Day of Christmas I would love to receive and give gifts

I would say that I am both a giver and a receiver. There's nothing like seeing a gift all wrapped up and not knowing exactly what you're going to get. Although gifts on special occasions are great the one's I love best are those that are unexpected.

I also love to give gifts simply because it's fun looking for that one special item you know they'll love. My favourite part is when they open the gift and you can just tell they love it from their expression. My problem is trying not to go overboard with gifts. I usually buy something and then decide "ohh this would be nice too" or I hear the person talk about something they really like and end up getting it as well. Usually blowing my budget out of the water

 

Five on Friday - Winter Wonderland

One 

It’s beginning to look a lot like…Winter! I’m going to go ahead and say that winter has officially arrived in Toronto. We have been in the below zero temperatures for about two weeks now and have already seen some snow. Winter has left its mark. Let it be known that I LOATHE winter.



 

Two

Snow, snow, snow. That’s what’s on the forecast for tomorrow. Toronto is expected to get 10 cm of snow beginning Saturday morning to early Sunday. Although I like snow when it’s fresh on the ground I hate the mush that it leaves behind once all the cars get out there. As you can tell I’m not made for winter. I also have to get out there and shovel the snow as a side job I took this winter. Should be fun, NOT!

 

Three 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! That’s right, the Christmas cheer has arrived at home. The Christmas tree is almost done, just need to add the lights this afternoon. The stockings are hung and all I need is to do some final touches to my holly garland and put it the banner and voila! Christmas cheer.

 

If only my place looked this good

Four

Breaking Bad has taken over my life. After the series finale and hearing everyone talk about how good the show was I decided to start watching it on Netflix. Bad idea! I have been watching non stop and it may just explain why I have been absent on the webs. Oops!

 

Five

I have discovered the caramel brulee latte at Starbucks. OMG! This drink is heavenly. Sweet and not too much coffee flavor for those who don't enjoy bitter coffee drinks. The whipped cream and caramel bits just makes it even more beautiful. My new favourite winter drink. Wish it wasn't a holiday special though.

 

  

I'm lazy and I know it!

I wish I could say I’m sexy and I know it but the way things are going with my fitness goals sexiness is the farthest thing that I am right now. I wrote here what my goals were and how I planned on accomplishing said goals along with my rewards for my accomplishements and so far I’ve gotten nowhere. I could say it’s because I’ve been really busy and life has gotten in the way but let’s face it that’s just an excuse that I’ve used way too many times. 

 



I will give myself some credit and say that I have been keeping track of my meals everyday using MyFitnessPal and although I’m above my 1,200 calorie intake I’m sure I’m eating less than what I would normally eat. Except for those cheat days on the weekends where I drink too much beer and eat like a maniac afterwards.


Except that I don't run!

 

The gym hasn’t seen me in months except for that one day I went to a Zumba class 3 weeks ago. I don’t want to be too hard on myself and say keeping my fitness goals is impossible but I’m going to have to really step up and head to the gym even if I’m tired, hungry, cold etc. I know that I have to hold myself accountable for my lack of trying. I know I can do better. All I need is that one push to get me moving.



I hope everyone else is doing a lot better than me and on their way to reaching their goals. I hope everyone else’s achievements inspires me to get my ass into gear. See you soon with what I hope is a better update.



Tis the Season

December is here and we all know what that means....Christmas season is here!

That's right, it's no longer weird to start putting up the Christmas tree or to start decorating. I'm a little behind myself but I'm working hard to get it all done by tomorrow. I'm making a holly garland to be placed in my kitchen entrance (tutorial soon) and the tree shouldn't take too long to put up. I also have to make a Christmas banner but I have the next two days off so if I get to work everything should be ready to go. I do need to buy some stockings but that can be easily accomplished with a trip to Wal-Mart. I'm excited to share my decor with everyone although let's be honest it won't be as awesome as some of the decor I've seen around blogland. I live in apartment and have a very small budget but at least I'm trying, haha. Here's to this holiday season!

Accomplished fitness goals = Fulfilled shopping dream

Yesterday, I wrote about my upcoming fitness goals and action plan. I will start my plan today, November 25, and hope to have my goals accomplished by April 25, 2014. This may prove to be a little difficult as my gym membership at Goodlife expires at the end of December and I’m still not sure if I will renew it due to lack of funds in the winter months. In order to motivate myself I plan on giving myself a shopping spree after certain goals have been achieved. Each activity I complete will give me a certain amount of money that I can then use to fulfill my shopping desires.  

Here’s the breakdown:

• Attend a Zumba class = $1
• Attend a BodyAttack class = $2
• Attend a Bodypump class = $3
• Go to the gym 3 times a week for a month = $20
• Stay within 1,200 calories a day for a week = $5
• Complete one day of the core challenge = $0.50
• Drink 4-5 glasses per day = $0.50

Rewards:

• Fitbit Flex Band to make my workout efforts more fun
• Dress or skirt for the holidays to look smokin’ hot!
• Sexy lingerie/bathing suit to show off my hard work in the summer
• Spa treatment to relax after all my hard work
• Blog design to make my blog stand out
• Workout gear to look good while getting my fit on

I'm a weight loss failure

Hi, my name is Astrid and I’m a weight loss failure.

I’m 25 years old and although most people would not consider me overweight, I have always been on the chubbier side. As I’ve got older I’ve seen the weight be more proportionate to my body so I do not look as overweight as I used to in my teenage years. However, I’m still unhappy with my middle section and my muffin top. I am not sure what my current weight is but in May 2013 I weighed 132lbs, a 4lb loss from the 136lbs I weighed at the beginning of January. Now most people hear my weight and are quick to say I’m skinny and do not need to lose weight but I’m on the shorter side measuring at 5’2 so 132lbs is on the higher end of my expected BMI. I do not consider myself fat nor do I think that I need to lose a certain amount of pounds. My ideal weight is 125lbs and I know that numbers on the scale are just that “numbers” and not always a good indication of a healthy body so my ideal is to tone my core and lose 5 inches in my waist and hip area. 

Now, that I’ve discussed my goals here is why I’m a weight loss failure:

• I love food. I could never be on a restricted diet I’m just too much of a food lover.
• I’m Mexican and eat a lot of Mexican food which is cooked with lots of oil and includes countless tortillas. The oilier the better.
• I’m lazy, therefore I sometimes eat out more times than necessary and it’s not always the healthiest choices
• I’m lazy and will make excuses to not go to the gym
• I detest workout machines and prefer to do workout classes so if there are no classes available I choose to just skip the gym rather then get on a treadmill
• I love beer and I drink some at least once a week if not more.
• I detest water. I drink juice or pop instead and we all know that’s not the healthiest option.

Here’s what I plan to do to get on track to a healthy and fit lifestyle:

• Go to the gym at least 3 days a week
• Look at the gym schedule and plan ahead on what days and times I will go to workout classes 
• Attend at least two Bodypump classes a week to incorporate weight training
• Complete the 30 day core challenge 
• Try to keep calorie consumption to 1,200 calories a day
• Drink 4-5 glasses of water a day
  

I will continue to track my progress and possible failures and will link up with Sarah @ Venus Trapped in Mars to read other’s journey as well as to motivate each other.