Time To Go Insane

I'm more of a "program" fitness person. I am motivated by deadlines and parameters. Herein lies the problem. I do a program, get fit and feel good about myself. Then.....6 months later none of my clothes fit and I feel awful. Then the hunt for a program begins again.

So far my Husband and I have both done "Body For Life" (Good results) and P90X also with good results. We have also done Weight Watchers (which by the way.....actually works!). Yes, I know WW isn't a workout program, but it certainly helps with the weight loss :)

One of the phenomenons of moving here to the States has been the weight gain. We were a little slow on the uptake and have only just recently learned to split most meals that we order in restaurants. Really, when one orders an omelette, does it really also need to come with a "Stack" of pancakes as well as toast, potatoes and a side of pig?

Needless to say we are both back up to our lounging weight and have started the latest work out craze. This is were Insanity enters the Perry Household. Please note at this point that my Husband has been told he will be participating.

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/best_sellers/insanity.do

If you are aware of P90X then you probably know the empire know as Beachbody. Well, this is the same empire that has put out Insanity. Shaun T is the likeable trainer that will indeed put you through your paces and make you want to die. Literally.

Insanity is a 60 day workout program that does not require any equipment or a lot of space. It's all about cardio, power and the use of your core. All the workouts are also 45min and under.....this was not the case with P90X which did make the motivation a bit hard after a long day of work. With Insanity you will sweat like you have never done before and the whole time your doing the workout you will wish you hadn't had that last beer the night before. The best part of the workouts is when they are over. I will add here that before you start the program there is a Fitness Test that you do to give you your bench mark. You will then repeat this test every 2nd week so you can see how you're improving. This test made my Husband look at me with daggers in his eyes and whilst trying not to throw up he promptly told me that he wasn't going to speak to me for a few days.

Today is day 9 of 60.  Breakfast is still digesting, but my stomach is already nervous because todays workout is called "Pure Cardio". I seem to recall from last week that I nearly threw up while attempting to make it to the end of this workout. Hhhmmmm.....maybe that second coffee this morning wasn't such a good idea?

Now that we are in week two, we are starting to repeat some of the workouts. It is motivating to already see an improvement in our ability to keep up. Every time I start a work out I just tell myself to do my best and that the only person I have to impress is myself. If I give it all I have for a whole 45 min a day I will thank myself (especially when the workout is done) and will be grateful to the changes that I hope to make to my body both physically and mentally.

The main reason I wanted to blog about this is to hopefully encourage you to get your butt off the couch and do something that your body will thank you for. It doesn't have to be some insane workout that will potentially kill you if your not already in some form of half decent shape, but at least get out there for a walk and then go from there. All you have to do is start...that is the hardest part.

In case your wondering, Yes....My Husband is now speaking to me again and I think he almost smiled as he headed downstairs to do his workout today!

The Best EVER Buffalo Chicken Dip!!!!

The Best EVER Buffalo Chicken Dip!!

4 x boneless/skinless chicken breast

1 x 12FL.oz Frank’s Red Hot Wing Sauce “Buffalo”

2 x 8oz cream cheese softened (let sit on counter while you prep the chicken)

1 x 12FL.oz jar Marie’s Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing

2 x 8oz bags of shredded Mexican blend cheese

Pre-heat oven to 350

Cook the chicken in microwave till done, then blitz in a food processor

In one bowl mix the blitzed chicken with the bottle of Frank’s

In another bowl mix the softened cream cheese, blue cheese dressing and shredded cheese

Blend the two mixtures together and place in a baking pan at least 11in x 9in x 2in

Bake in the oven for 45 min

Our preference for dipping is to use Tostitos Scoops

This can be prepared before hand and kept in the fridge, and then baked just before needed!!

ENJOY!!!!!

Nick Rees 2012 ©

Sarah Perry 2012 Revised ©

Craving Canadian Products

I love my food. I have a thing for food. I like what I like. When I either can't get it here or what I can find doesn't taste the same, then I have to admit it makes me a little homesick. 

Listed below are some of the items that I regularly stock up on when we head North across the boarder.

Excuse me as I go make a Caesar to sip, while I write this :)

1) Mott's Clamato = Caesars: The essential ingredient in Canada's Cocktail and one of the best "hair of the dog" remedies!!

I went to the Mott's website to get some info on this wonderful ingredient and this is what it had to say:

A Canadian creation, the Caesar (or Bloody Caesar) was invented in 1969 to celebrate the opening of Marco's Italian restaurant at the Calgary Inn (now the Westin Calgary). Resident mixologist and food and beverage manager, Walter Chell, was commissioned to develop a new cocktail. He took inspiration from the flavours of Spaghetti Vongole (spaghetti with clams), and combined sweet (tomato juice), salty (clam nectar), sour (lime), spicy (Worcestershire sauce) and bitter (celery salt) into his new concoction. After naming it for the Roman emperor, legend has it that he served one to an Englishman who exclaimed: "That's a good bloody Caesar!"

That same year Mott's Clamato was introduced and is, without a doubt, Canada's original and most popular Caesar mix found on store shelves across the country and isused in most bars and restaurants. In fact, many establishments use the Caesar as their signature cocktail, with more than 350 million Caesars made with Mott's Clamato every year! No wonder it is Canada's Cocktail.

Traditionally you would use Vodka in a Caesar, but we prefer to use Gin. 

2) Shreddies: come on people....who doesn't know what Shreddies are??? They are simply yummy :)

3) Smarties: need I say more?? Ok, yes....maybe I should clarify.....Smarties are NOT Rockets.

4) HP Sauce: I realize this is a British Dietary staple, but we Canadians love it! My Husband puts it on just about every meat product. 

5) Bick's products: All of them.....the pickled beets to the hot hamburger relish, a must for a great tuna salad sandwich.

6) Bagged Milk: You may ask "What?" and I will answer....the best way to buy and store milk!!! It doesn't take up nearly as much room in the fridge, and you only open one bag at a time so the milk stays fresher for longer. You still get your gallon of milk, only you open it in smaller steps :)

7) Hawkins Cheezies: Yum. Yum. Yum. Best Cheezies EVER!!!

OK, now lets discuss a particular item that appears to be the same but simply is NOT. 

Kraft Dinner....oh how I do love my KD. Even as a grown up I love it. Now, I do realize that there are all kinds of KD varieties, but my favourite is the Sharp Cheddar. 

Upon moving here and stocking up our pantry we purchased our usual supply of "KD".  When I made our first batch and took the first bite....ick....both my Husband and said at the same time that this didn't taste very good. We though maybe it was a bad egg, a one off....you know? It is after all a food that will survive a nuclear war, so we assured ourselves that every once and a while a bad box makes it to the store. Not so, the next time we made it had the same result. 

So the following weekend that we happened to be heading North across the boarder for a family gathering we went and bought a few boxes. When we got home we made a batch and oh yes...there was that familiar delicious flavour. Hence we are happy again and well stocked with Canadian KD. 

Please refer to the picture below and take note that while at first glance you are seeing the "same" product, you actually aren't. 

                                     

Did you know???

Kraft Dinner (Canadian) is manufactured by Kraft Canada Inc., Don Mills, Ontario and Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (American) is manufactured by Kraft Foods Global, Inc., Northfield, Illinois. Knowing that it is manufactured in two different places would certainly explain the difference in taste. 

A box of Kraft Dinner is 225g compared to the Macaroni & Cheese that is only 206g. (To think I was led to believe that everything is bigger and better in the States.) 

Let me assure you that Canadian KD tastes WAY better. Just saying.

Guitar Time

Finally......I am back on the guitar bus!!! 

One of my bucket list items has always been to learn how to play the guitar, 

and my Husband (love you babe!!!) surprised me on my 34th Birthday with 

a loaner guitar and lessons! So began the journey of learning to play. Two

 months into my lessons I was committed and ready to buy my first guitar. 

That's where the research begins. You need to figure out what style, sound 

and price range your into. After a lot of online searching and a few guitar 

shop try outs I was sold on my new prized possession. The Baby Taylor. 

6 months into my lessons, I ended up having to go away on course and then

 when I got back we were confirmed a posting that was going to move us here

 to Washington. Hence my guitar was shelved and forgotten about. 

Having moved here and knowing that I was lucky enough to not have to work

 while here, I had visions  of becoming a guitar genius, as well as body buff and

 caught up on all my scrap book projects. 7 months in, I just dusted of my guitar

 and tuned it 6 days ago.

 We'll address the fitness and scrap booking another time shall we?

While at a Canada Day party (Canadian neighbours of ours hosted a block party

and we introduced our American friends to Tim Bits, Smarties, Ketchup Lays 

& Keiths!) one of my new friends Salley and I were talking about my lack of 

ambition and how I wish I could get back to my guitar. She smiled and said 

she was currently taking lessons herself and said I should "check this guy out". 

So I did, and I had my first lesson with him on Thursday. I wasn't sure what to 

except, due to the fact that my last set of lessons took place in a church basement. 

Well this guy is serious and actually has a recording studio! There is certainly a 

cool vibe going on and I came home from my lesson re-inspired. 

The moral of my ramblings is.....don't let life get in the way of life. 

Grab your passions and make time for them. 

http://www.IslandGuitar.net/

Update

Goodness.....it's been awhile since I said hello. "Hello!" My Husband said that I needed to post soon or he was going to cancel his subscription to my blog.....

I've been busy (sort of) since I last posted. Lets see......to validate my title of being on an "Adventure" I did go to Florida for two weeks at the end of May. My Sister Stacey and her Husband Nick are there on a posting just like we are here in Washington. Only their posting involves a lot more sun and really gross creepy things like snakes. Yuck.

So two weeks in Florida with Family. Can one really call that a vacation?? Still up for debate :)
My Parents were also there visiting/taking care of the kids while Stacey & Nick went to England for a vacation. I got to spend time with both my nephews Jordan (13) and Kaiden (almost 4), as well as my Mom (60 something) & Dad (also 60 something). Once Stacey (30 something....for now) & Nick (also 30 something, really more like just said good-bye to his 20s) got back from England we had a house full and thankfully the beer fridge was kept well stocked.

My VERY tall 13yr old Nephew Jordan

(I didn't realize the shirt he was waring until it was too late!!! Ugh!)

Me and my Lovely Big Sister Stacey XO

That was my second time in Panama City Beach FL. I've decided it is still just as hot and the shopping is pretty good. My Husband however did not enjoy the vacation as much as I did. He was left at home to continue to work and bring home the bacon as well as take care of our sweet aging pups. I do believe that after week one Shawn realized that laundry does not just magically happen and that toilet bowls are not always shinny and smell good.

Other things since my last post:

Family gathering in Delta BC for a photo session to capture our ever receding youth.......

This is what is known as the "Traditional Perry Dog Pile"

In order from top to bottom: Phil, Josh, Samantha, Moi, Anita, Andrea, Shawn and Eric

Our Baby Boy celebrated his 10th Birthday!! We took him and his big Sister Hunter camping at Fort Ebey State Park. There was steak and beer for all family members :) 

oh yes please.....steak.....drool....yummmm

I'd like to point out that going camping at the State Park counts as an "Adventure". I've attached the link for your looky loos that might be interested....it was a beautiful setting and we plan to go back. It also helps that this beautiful area is a mere 10 min drive from our house!
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Fort%20Ebey

Ok, time to get the day started.....thanks for reading. Have a wonderful Thursday!!!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow.....

Every move we do begins the search for two things....a new hair dresser and a new dentist....I'm still working on the second one. Considering that we move every 2 to 4 years....you'd think I would be a pro at finding a new hairdresser. It has taken me precisely 6 months to find one....and let me tell you....she is fabulous :) 

A Salon has to tick certain boxes for me to trust them with my lovely locks.

1. Smell fabulous (I know you all agree with me on this one!)
2. Have a website that says "Rich & Luxurious" It doesn't actually have to say this.......it just has to imply that I can't afford to go there.
3. It has to look like it was designed by HGTV
4. It has to offer a selection of beverages while waiting for my appointment. (My last Salon in Halifax, Nova Scotia....wait for it.....had WINE!!!!)
5. It has to have amazing CURRENT reviews on line.
6. Most of all....it has to have hairstylists that look like they shower once in a while as well as have a hair style of their own that I can relate too. 

So, here in Oak Harbor I started my search. It didn't take me long as this place is rather small. And the few that actually had websites, looked like a 3yr old had done them. Hence the expansion of my search to Anacortes (35 min from here off the island) as well as Burlington (45 min - also off island). Anacortes only had reviews that left me wondering how are any of them still open. And in Burlington, nothing really caught my eye. It's too much of a Big Box Store kinda town.  

If you follow my posts, you'll know we were in a  lovely spot called La Conner as few weeks back. Whilst there we stopped for lunch at a wonderful cafe that was a block down from what looked like a neat/trendy salon. So I popped in to see what they had to offer........yes, you guessed it...my senses were assaulted (in a good way) with deliciousness!! I quickly grabbed a "Menu" of their services and left with a big grin on my face. 

Once home I promptly looked them up on line and bingo....folks, I found my new hair home. The reviews were fantastic, and the prices were right. I am also picky in the sense that I have funny hair, so I require a stylist that has more than 2 months experience under their belts. I called and asked for the most senior stylist and they were able to fit me in the following Sat. 

Rachel was wonderful and super easy going. She also new how to deal with the quirky cowlicks that I have :) She listened to what I wanted, but was also able to give suggestions without being over powering. Loved it, walked way with a lovely cut and can't wait to go back.

For any local gals/guys that might be reading this here is their site. Salon Rouge 

Ta Da!!! Road Certified!!!

After my last post your probably thinking (maybe even hoping) that I should not pursue a career as a motorcycle stunt women.....wait....I think that would actually suit me considering....HA! Well, two weeks later.....only 2 of my 7 bruises are still visible....nerves in check....off I went this afternoon to take the bike test. Thank goodness for fantastic sunny weather this time, and awesome supportive instructors (they were pleased to see me back!) I went for it...and I passed!!!! 

Side note: they did inform me that the bike I had used two weeks ago had officially been taken off the training circuit. I'm sure it's gone to a happy place :)

Stay tuned as I explore the world of biking and maybe soon to follow will be an introduction my first ride!

Crash Test Dummie

     So last week I spent two days on a motorcycle course. Not only was I the only girl....I was also the only Canadian (I heard about that for two days...yes yes yes...you Americans are some funny...and you really need to look at a map...just saying!) But that's not the best bit.....On the second day of training I was also the only one to experience a full on crash/incident that had me literally flying over the handle bars and then skidding to halt "banana slide" style on, thank goodness wet grass, on the side of the training course. My instructor (once He had confirmed that I was ok) proceeded to say that in all his years of teaching, he had never seen anything like it and wished that someone had caught it on video! 

                   ~ Honda Night Hawk ~ This is the model/style that I was riding for the two days. 

     My spectacular attempt at show jumping left the bike in worse shape then me. I managed to damage the front breaks, break the front lights and completely ripped off the light switch from the handle bars. BUT, once we had straightened the handle bars I did get right back on and continue the days training (with grass and mud lodged through out various places on the bike). 


     I did however spend the next 3 hours soaked to the bone (and covered in mud!). Oh, did I mention that it also started to rain rather heavily just prior to my "incident"? Therefore I was shivering uncontrollably by the time it came to testing at the end of the day.  I did attempt the first part of the test, but quickly realized that I was now too shaken and had started to lose my focus. The instructors suggested that I come back next week to re-do the test portion.  They did all give me hugs and high fives for even getting back on the bike and finishing the class. So, yeah...I rock :)


     It's now been 6 days and my final bruise count is up to 7 in various places. My right leg certainly took the brunt of my tumble. I am also down a pair of jeans, as they did not survive the "crash".  I can now say that I have been introduced first hand to the dangers of motorcycling. However, even if a little bruised and sure...a bit shaken, I most definitely enjoyed the experience! Now I just need to finish the actual test portion and then start shopping for a bike!!! Fingers crossed!!


     Shawn's says his favourite quote from my experience is when I nonchalantly said "the brakes were never the same after the crash". 

"Trying is failing with honours" 

Theater Room? Yes Please!

While we were here looking for houses to rent, we realized very quickly that one of the most popular features was a "Theatre Room". And no, we don't just mean a space in the house that was decked out with nice speakers and a large flat screen.....we mean full on dedicated rooms (with NO windows) that have been purpose built for watching movies in style.
These rooms were all found on the lowest level of the houses, with built in surround sound, theatre level seating at the back of the room (this means a raised platform.....so your guest on the "floor" don't block your view!) and built in ceiling units to house the projectors, playstations, & sound systems. The front main walls were painted with "special" paint to create the perfect screen. It's pretty amazing.....we LOVE LOVE that we found a house with one of these must have rooms. Not only has movie night taken on a whole new meaning, but so has watching our fav football team LFC on the BIG SCREEN!!!!!
This all leads me to this past Sat movie night. We Perry's love our wine, so when the movie "Sideways" came out it was an instant must watch for us :)

If you haven't seen this movie.....shame on you!

This movie had one of the best casts, well ok that's our personal opinion. But seriously, Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen & Sandra Oh made this a pleasure to watch.

 One of my favourite monologues in the movie was by Virginia's character Maya:  

"I like to think about the life of wine, how it's a living thing.

I like to think about what was going on the year the grapes were growing, how the sun was shining that summer or it it rained... what the weather was like. I think about all the people who tended and picked the grapes, and if it's an old wine, how many of them must be dead by now. I love how wine continues to evolve, how every time I open a bottle it's going to taste different than if I had opened it on any other day. Because a bottle of wine is actually alive --it's constantly evolving and gaining complexity. That is, until it peaks --like your '61 --and it begins its steady, inevitable decline.

And it tastes so fucking good."

Of course whilst watching a movie about wine, you really must have a glass....right? So, since we were watching a movie that pretty much dictates that Pino Noir is the best varietal of wine, we of course opened a bottle. Why wouldn't you? (Just so you know we have a different opinion on what the best varietal is....but I'll save that for another day!)

The bottle we chose to open was from California (we thought that we would keep as close to the movie as possible). La Crema, is La Delicious!!!!

This wine was introduced to us by a friend of ours who surprised us with his love of wine and a wonderful wine collection that left us green with envy!

Another wonderful side effect of our move to the States has been the availability of the wines and the prices. Sheesh....it is so cheap here.....one could easily develop a "problem" if you know what I mean! HA!! Don't worry Mom.....we have it under control!

OK.....that's my rant/update for the day....time for lunch!

Tulip Wonderland!!

So who knew that we had moved a mere 45min drive from North America's largest distributor of Tulips!!!! Yep....indeed.....about 5 min from La Connor, Washington there is place that calls itself "Tulip Town". This weekend was the official Tulip Festival weekend. And lots of surrounding areas, such as Oak Harbor, Annacortes, Burlington, & Mt. Vernon to name a few were also hosting celebrations.

We took the opportunity to go for a bike ride and check it out :) It was not only a beautiful day for a ride, but also a wonderful day to hang out with literally THOUSANDS of Tulips.

The regular people and their cars had to park next to one another.....we on the other hand had a much nicer parking space!

These were my favourite ones of the day....loving the colour purple :)

The rows were endless......sooo pretty!

Magic ~ Another Fantastic Cover by Walk Off The Earth

I am in love with this band. Walk Off The Earth just seem to "get it" and even (in my humble opinion) outdo the "original" songs!!! When their cover of "SomebodyThat I Used to Know" hit the internet they went viral!! I like to think I helped with that :) LOVED that one from the get go and I still get goose bumps when I listen to it. My friend Mike posted this today on FB and well.....wouldn't you know....another awesome cover. Check them out who knows....you may fall in love with them too!  Happy Listening :)

40 Something.....

So, one of the first statements out of Shawn's mouth when we got here was "I think it's time I bought a bike." He owned one way back when we first started dating circa 96' and he promptly sold it. So I though that is was a passing phase. Well, for 15+ years I've heard him fondly talk of one day getting back on a bike. Fast forward to 2012 and tada.....I come home from a trip (which I will post about shortly) to find this beauty sitting in our garage :) He is like a proud father around this bike. And I have to admit, after purchasing me a helmet ( a very cool one at that) he took me for my first ride. Sweet is the best word I can use to describe it. I can see why people love the "sport" of riding bikes. There is a good chance that his parents had minor heart attacks when they saw the bike, and I'm still not 100% sure how my parents really took the news.....since they live too far away for us to have done any more than chat about it over the phone. You can say all you want, but let me tell you that the expression on someones face says it all! LOL!!

So, we are slowly kitting our selves out with gear. It's safe to say this has become some what of a new obsession/hobby. My 40 something husband has officially become a hot biker :) He's looking good with the leather jacket..oh baby....

LOL...had to share this "statement"......my sister posted it on Facebook and really....as she said, it is one of the best I've seen so far. Happy Monday Folks!!!

Day 1 of my first blog

Well, I've never done this before, but it looks simple enough?
My name is Sarah and my Husband Shawn and I moved to Washington State last Nov. We are Canadian Military and my Husband is posted here for 18 months. So far....living in the States has been pretty good. I've always loved visiting here (I've been to 38 of the 50 states...not bad eh?) and I love exploring the grocery stores and drug stores for products that we don't get at "home". We are also huge "winos" and love the wines of Washington State.
So far since moving here I have managed to do, well....simply put....not much. Granted I've been back home to Canada a lot. I have now been "unemployed" for 6 months and am loving all the free time I have.....I had such grand plans to catch up on my guitar playing, my scrapbooking, my knitting, get in the best shape of my life....so far all I have completed is 6 full Jillian Michaels work outs. (And that was just in the last week!)
Motivation is the name of the game this week.
On a positive note I did just book my flights for Florida!!!! 16 days of glorious sunshine and family time. (Yep, my sister and her husband are also living in the states - same scenario as my hubby and moi.)
ok...gotta go get primed for my date with Jillian :)