I started Bridesmaid Bootcamp today!
While my thighs and buns have been running mile after mile and climbing flight after flight on the treadmill and step mill this winter, my arms, shoulders and chest have been living in the lap of unused luxury, buried comfortably in fluffy sweaters where no one can see them.
Well I’ve got T-minus 40 days to get those puppies in shape before they’re bared for the whole world to see in my one-shoulder, nearly strapless, majestic purple bridesmaid’s gown for my friend Laura’s wedding in May! (Yes, we’re in our upper 20s, why do you ask? 
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Clearly nobody’s going to be looking at me on my girl’s big day, but I still want to feel my best in my dress. I’m going to do just that by setting achievable yet ambitious goals to get in the best shape I can be by then. They are:
Goal 1: Be physically active for more than 30 minutes (not counting morning Mom walks) 4-5 days a week. Totally do-able.
Goal 2: Indulge in one sweet treat a day. Mehhhh…yes, I can do it (already had today’s though, rats!)
Goal 3: Attend a weight lifting class two times a week. We might have a problem here.
Yeah. I attended my first Body Pump class this afternoon. I walked in feeling excited, motivated and ready to dominate the hour long class that uses barbells to work your entire body. I walked out feeling like Bambi circa day 1.
(source)
Seriously! After 60 minutes of intense lifting, my legs had completely passed the Jell-o stage. It was as if they were independent from the rest of my body, and moved forward out of the classroom by sheer mental willpower alone. I must have looked ridiculous, as I legit could not control my limbs!
My arms were no better. I had to prop my elbow up on the armrest in the car to drive home. I could barely turn the knob on the door to get in the house. You get the picture!
I know I’m going to absolutely hate my life the next couple of days as the soreness sets in, but you’ve got to start somewhere, right?!
Ok, ok. Truth be told, I’m excited. You can’t really be a well rounded runner/athlete without incorporating cardio AND weight/resistance training into your fitness regimen, and Bridesmaid Bootcamp is the perfect excuse to start moving towards a more harmonious me. Whee!
Who else is working out with a wedding goal in mind? Whether it be your own or a friend/family member’s? What are you doing to get in shape?
In more exciting news, I made another casserole for dinner. I know, shocking. Right?
I love them, especially for Monday night dinners, because I like to get the week started right with a good workout on Monday afternoons after work, and casseroles are easy to make ahead then pop in the oven when I get home! Tonight’s gem: Chicken Enchilada Casserole.
This casserole combines elements of Mara’s Tamale Pie and Jenna’s Mom’s Enchiladas, with my unshakable love for a layered dish, into one delectable dinner. 
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Serves 6
Ingredients:
2 cups + 2 Tablespoons water
1/2 chicken bullion cube
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1-16oz can refried beans
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 small red onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
salt & pepper
3 chicken tenders, cooked & shredded
1/2 small can diced green chilies
1-10oz can red enchilada sauce, divided
1 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring water and bullion cube to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in yellow cornmeal. Spray an 8×8 oven-safe dish with non-stick spray, then press cornmeal evenly into the bottom. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Saute onions and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, until onions begin to soften, ~5 minutes. Stir often to prevent garlic from burning. Remove skillet from heat and add in cooked chicken, green chilies, 1/2 of the enchilada sauce and 3/4 cups cheddar cheese. Stir to mix.
3. Spread refried beans on top of cornmeal in an even layer (may need to heat beans in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften.) Top with chicken mixture, remaining enchilada sauce, and remaining cheese.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Finish with a blast from the broiler if needed. Serve with salsa and avocado!
This is totally one of those dishes where separately all the elements are “just ok” (I was actually preparing myself for a dinner fail when I tasted all the layers by themselves) but when put together, they’re JUST right!
My favorite thing about enchiladas besides – well, everything – is the corn tortilla. The yelllow corn crust in this casserole is sturdy, yet creamy, and sooo yummy!
I also made fresh salsa to tie all the flavors together. Normally I use fresh tomatoes but this time I used a can of petite diced tomatoes. Not only was it so much easier, but it tasted just like restaurant-style salsa!
I love it when a meal works out. 
In other news, tonight I am going to spend some QT with my Kindle. It’s been aaaages since I’ve read, and it’s high time I get back to it.
This afternoon I asked for book suggestions on Facebook and Twitter and the true story Unbroken was a popular suggestion, so I purchased it right away and had it wirelessly delivered to my Kindle.
I do love me a good non-fiction lost-at-sea/WWII book. I’m excited to dig in!
Have a great night everyone!
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Do you read a lot? Kindle/Nook or paperback?
Do you lift weights? Why or why not?
Yum. Cornbread in an enchilada casserole? Yes please.
Right now I’m reading what is apparently a rather controversial book: “Love Wins” by Rob Bell. I’m only 3 chapters in. We’ll see how it goes.
I do lift weights, because it makes me feel strong and healthy. And when I do, I find that my metabolism kicks into high gear which means I can eat more. And that’s always a plus in my books.
I love lifting weights!! I don’t know what it is, but I love the feeling of being sore!!
It has been far too long since I’ve read a book. I usually read my Runner’s World magazine before bed, but I want to find a good book to get sucked into!
I loooooooooved “Unbroken.” I love war stories/books/movies. Very sad yet uplifting.
Haha, I remember when I first took Body Pump and I walked out feeling the exact same way. There are still times when I walk out feeling like jello and I’ve been doing the class for a year now. Don’t worry, it takes 30 days to start to see a difference (at least that is was Les Mils says) so you should be looking and feeling great by your friend’s wedding.
I litterally LOL when I read your description after your body pump class. I was the EXACT same way. I had to give my arms breaks while washing my hair, they were THAT sore. I do body pump at Aspen and it’s amazing. Definitely keep with it. After 2-3 weeks I promise it wont hurt anymore- which is kind of depressing. I am in a wedding in June, and I am doing dam to dam and body pump to get in shape. Good Luck, and maybe I’ll see you at BP!
Have you read Water for Elephants? Reading it right now on my Kindle…highly recommend it!
Yes – SUCH a great story – and HOW EXCITED ARE YOU TO SEE THE MOVIE?!
I just got a nook color and read all the time! a book a week now with the nook
I LOVE reading! Even though I have an iPad with iBooks – I always go for the paperback – it feels real that way!
I read everyday on the metro… for like 15 minutes each way. But its something right?!?! I am and old fashion paperback kind of girl. I think once I dominate my bookshelf of unread books I may buy a kindle, but not anytime soon.
I am a BodyPump girl!!! who has not been in 2 weeks!! eeek! I need to get back in the game tho. I really want some pretty firm biceps for the summer. I loved how I felt when I was going twice a week. You will reach your goal in no time!
I’m putting myself into a bridal bootcamp for the 4 weddings I am in coming up!!! I’m with ya. I read a ton- that book sounds great.
I run in college, and do around 60 miles a week yet I was still looking flabby I thought! You have to do weights…. its a must!!
I do p90x, and i love it!
I’m in full training mode right now…..but not for a wedding. I’m hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim June 4-6. The closer it gets, the more nervous I get. But I’m excited, too. I know I’m ready!! I just hope my glutes and legs are ready for the 50 miles of hiking. Can’t wait to check out the Canyon from a view few people get to see!! Good luck tomorrow with the soreness. Hurts so good!!!!
Wow, wow, wow! That sounds so cool!
From the bottom up: That casserole looks AMAZINGLY delicious!
I do read a lot, both iPad/Kindle and print. I would like to read even more, though.
I believe that lifting weights (heavy weights) is excellent, but that’s another thing I don’t do as often as I want to. I need to be more consistent with it! It’s such a great physical activity to engage in.
I enjoyed reading your whole post, and then I got to then end. It totally distracted me. I really, really want a kindle. Do you love it?
I do. Love, love, love it. So tiny and you never realize how annoying turning pages is until you don’t have to. Sounds weird, but it’s true! PLUS you can bump up the size of the font so you can read while you’re on the treadmill or whatever!
I know you’ll enjoy the book! =)
i LOVE to read! I am still all about real books but eventaully Im sure I will get a kindle. I love going to the library and I love the smell of a new book! Dork I know
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I defiently believe in lifting weights, I actually think it is more important/beneficial than cardio. You see results faster, get stronger and it is very important for our bones as women!
This dinner looks great. I will definitely have to make it for dinner soon!. I have a nook and just finished Sarah’s Key. It was excellent. I highly recommend it!
I’ve been in my own personal bridesmaid bootcamp for the last few months, too!!! Good luck with yours!! Enjoy Body Pump! They have it at my gym but I’ve never taken it – I do weights on the floor. I’ve heard it’s great though.
This casserole looks awesome!
I’m a complete book nerd! Last month’s book club pick was Three Cups of Tea and this month we are reading The Paris Wife. I love my Kindle when traveling, but I just can’t give up the feel of a real book!
I love reading on my iPad. It makes it so easy to read multiple books at once!
I’m not doing anything crazy for my July wedding. I know my arms could use a little toning, but I’m going to feel great either way!
(Plus I’m running two half-marathons before that point, finishing school and working an internship, so there isn’t much time to spare!)
I just recently started using a Kindle and I love it. The only thing I don’t love is that Kindle doesn’t share it’s platform so I can’t use ebooks from my library:(
My Kindle is the reason I make it through the gym some days. I keep one book I can only read there, and it helps the time fly.
I’m working on arms too for my future brother-in-law’s upcoming nuptials in September! Luckily, I’m NOT a bridesmaid, so I can in fact wear sleeves, but I feel like arm toning is a good idea in general… there will be a white dress with my name on it at some point after all.
I’m going to have to try to make that casserole this week! Yum!!
I just started Jillian Michael’s Ripped in 30, 3rd day of week one and I’m pretty sore (of course I have been pretty much ‘hibernating’ all winter). I want to find a DVD with more weight/strength training though.
I would love to get a Kindle someday, right now it’s paperbacks for me, and I’m hoping to get Water for Elephants next.
I’m horrible at lifting weights. Horrible. Probably should start b/c I’m in a wedding too this summer!
I love to read, but find it hard to find the time. My husband travels a lot and I talk to him on the phone each and I have lots of papers to grade in the evenings. Excuse, excuses, excuses but I’m tempted to give myself the same 20 minutes of reading homework that I give my students!
I have my sister’s wedding in Boulder THIS Memorial Day weekend! AH! How did it come so fast!!! I am taking a barbell class tomorrow and I am going to try to do AT LEAST a 1/2 hour of cardio after. (the same teacher teaches a 1/2 hour cardio class right after he barbell class——SO I have NO excuse not to) I have been running and doing pilates BUT ALAS…I still have Oprah arms. Cant get rid of the “bingo wings” as some people would call them. SO good luck to us both!
Im am reading Bitter is the New Black – My first Jen Lancaster novel and Im not loving it. I have 3 books already purchased that I am waiting to read so I HAVE to finish this stupid book this week.
i’m right there with ya. my wedding is in september, i’ve started the couch to 5k program…although, i’ve been stuck on week five for forever. i was thinking of implementing some sort of weights for my upper body.
i love reading books…my friends love the kindle, and don’t miss turning pages of actual books…i think maybe i’ll give it a try….
I do read…books. I like the feel of them, seeing the words on the paper, the smell of the paper & ink!! Those Kindles look pretty snazzy, but really, the tv screen, the computor screen, the ATM screen, etc, please….. no more screens!!! It’s just too much!!!!
I love my kindle! Please let us know what you think of the book…I’m always looking for something new to read!
I LOVED ‘Unbroken’!!! You just won’t believe what this guy goes through! I read it in hardback, even though I have a kindle, (it was a loaner) and I’m curious to know if the kindle version has the pictures?
I’m scared of bootcamp classes! I need to just do it. You’re right, you do have to start somewhere. Good luck!
OH! Body Pump is my favorite class EVER!!!! Keep at it, the jello’s you get afterwards will improve as you get stronger, i promise! when i first started going, i had a hard time walking down the steps of the gym after class, but now i go early and do 45 mins of cardio before pump and i’m totally fine afterwards!!
So, I have and Love my Kindle – and the FREE books you can get on it – super huge plus for an avid reader like me.
As for lifting weights – I never did, until I signed up for personal training and for the last year I have been lifting 3 times a week. I’ve lost 75 pounds and my metabolism is so much improved… BUT I didn’t start seeing any definition in my arms until a week or so ago… and I don’t know if that’s because I’m only 10 pounds from my goal weight or if it’s because I started taking BodyCombat class. I’m thinking it’s all the punching from Combat – I mean, look at how awesome boxers arms look – shadow boxing is basically the same principle, right?
I try to lift 1-2 times a week. But I RARELY do it on my own–I’m too intimidated! I like the weights classes because they are super upbeat and consist of mostly women–so no macho dudes who are totally GTL-ing.
Also, I am much consistent with my lifting routine when I pick two classes per week to attend and put them in my workout schedule. I’m more accountable!
Bridesmaid bootcamp sounds like such a fun workout plan!! I’m going to be a bridesmaid for the first time in August! So excited!
Good luck! I am in a wedding in August (purple strapless, too!) and really want to tone up a little.
I lift weights for a strong functional body. Muscle burns fat so the more we have, the more fat we burn, which leads to the added benefit of a toned body.
In addition, the more lean muscle we build, the strong we can be in our cardio workouts!
I just went back to Body Pump last week – after taking months off!! I went last Wednesday & my arms just stopped hurting yesterday (Monday)!!!! I am making myself go twice a week now.. no more lazy time off!
mmm yum! this recipe looks awesome!
Omg this recipe looks sooooo good. I’m definitely going to make it!
I do lift weights! I’m very very lucky to work where I work, because we have an employee wellness center and on top of the top of the line equipment, I 2mo of free training! So glad to have it and I feel much more confident using the machines.
No weddings this year for me — I’m off the hook
Your love of cornmeal has me wondering — have you ever tried a sope or huarache at a Mexican restaurant? I’m newly in love w/ huaraches after taking a chance at a truly authentic Mexican restaurant. It’s a thick yellow cornmeal/tortilla base, topped with refried beans, choice of meat (chicken!), Mexican crema, cojita cheese, cilantro — delish!
Good for you on the bodypump class. It will get easier, I promise. : ) And, looks like I’ll have to make another one of your recipes this weekend. My husband will not be sad.
I did Body Pump at Aspen for a year before I started working at the YMCA Healthy Living Center. The key is to STAY WITH IT!!! Yes the first few times are rough but if you keep it up and miss a week and you really realize the good it does for you. If you don’t like doing the class, I recommend Jillian Michaels DVDs. Ask your sister-in-law or Justin to burn the copies I let Kerry have (I work with her).
Oh heavens, I need to be doing the same. I am attending a friend’s wedding in early June and am photographing… not sure if I’ll wear a dress…??? But any wedding calls for bootcamp in my book!
I do P90X and love it! Just did the Kenop (mixed martial arts/cardio) tonight but my legs and butt are still hurting from the weight lifting I did yesterday! I used to lift at the gym- loved that too. Makes you feel strong- that’s nice!
I LOVE to read! I read several books at one time. Just finished The Veganist by Kathy Freston (great book!) and am finishing up a book about John and Abigail Adams called The First Family. It is based on historical data and their letters to each other. Really interesting. That is by Joseph Ellis. My latest favs have been The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the other two books in the trilogy. If you haven’t read them- you really need to! So good!
I love, love, love to read! I have started keeping track of my reads and last year read over 60 books (not shabby for a mom of 3). I just got a nook last month but have yet to use, instead I keep reaching for my stack of paperbacks.
As for weights, I am not good on my own but taking the boot camp program at the local Y gives me a run for my money with them. Ouch!
You will love Unbroken. I plan on reading the last 40 pages tonight. I had a difficult time getting into it, but it really picks up once Louie arrives in Hawaii. Enjoy!
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the Girl who played with Fire and The Girl who kicked the Hornets nest. ALLL GOOD! I have a kindle and i LOVE it!!! It’s light and easy to read from. And when I fall asleep and it falls on the ground, it doesn’t break!!!
I absolutely LOVE reading for fun and I miss it dearly now that school is in session. I can’t wait until I am done with grad school so that I can read more.
I have lifted weights for years. For me it started out being just for athletics, luckily I have never had a time in my life that I despised it like some people do. I love the feeling that I get when I up my loads or do new exercises, no great feeling that sore muscles because you worked them hard! P.S. I’ve taken body pump classes and I really enjoy them, they make you feel the burn!
I’ve been thinking about taking Body Pump a couple times of week as well, but for some reason that class really intimidates me. I have zero upper body strength.
Have you read The Hunger Games series? I am OBSESSED! I just finished the third book tonight and I’m so sad it’s over. So good!
Read… yes, tackled all of the Harry Potters and now on to CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. Never read them as a kid. Both sets are easy reads and great books.
Lift weights…. oh yes. With a husband who is into powerlifting I decided it was a good thing to do together. So after starting slow and his guidance I am feeling great about my progress, love how I look and feel about my body and I have gotten rid of my back pain. Score. Serious lifting makes you mentally stronger because when I am deadlifting 150 # for 12 reps I have to be focused/tune everything out. Especially because I’m only 115# myself. As a nurse, I need to be physically strong so I don’t hurt myself lifting people all day. Plus lifting has so many health benefits. Osteoperosis, no thank you!
You can do it girl! Just keep moving and drinking water. Walking at about 3.2 mph on the t-mill is great way to not stay sore and recover. Also, protein shakes after workouts! I could go on and on about lifting/working out, so if you have questions just holler!