Brooke wants to move to a farm. There is no denying this fact anymore.
She chased around the goats giving them hugs and feeding them for a good 20 minutes straight.
Brooke and I crashed Paige’s family activity and joined them at Hee Haw Farms. I had never been here before but it is now added to our list of fall traditions.
They had pony rides, tractor rides, a huge slide (above), petting zoo and a playground. I think they also had pumpkin waffles or something like that.
Just compiling all of their adorable pictures together just in case they get married in 30 years and I need to make a wedding video for them.
Next stop was across the street to the pumpkin patch (and yes, Brooke and I both wore horse shirts in honor of the farm festivities).
We came home and I just needed something easy for dinner. Trader Joe’s Minestrone (SOOOOO good), a turkey burger (from Costco), Wheat Thins (best when dipped into cottage cheese) and an apple.
Just watching a little Mickey Mouse Christmas Special with popcorn and the Brooke before bed.
Random Fact: I rearrange the white pumpkins on the tv stand every night when Brooke goes to bed and every morning the first thing she does when she comes into the family room is put them back in a straight line. She does not like them to be out of order.
Very true statement below. From 24 Things Only Girls Who Are Constantly Hungry Will Understand.
Okay, just one more picture from Disneyland just because Brooke looks pretty tough in this pic.
I think it is a morning for a little Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred (remember when I used to do that all of the time and then I forgot about it for 1.5 years?) and maybe some quality time with my book on the elliptical.
————————————————————-
Anyone else do any of the Jillian Michaels workout videos?
What workout DVDs (or online video workouts) have you tried? Liked them?
Favorite thing at Trader Joe’s lately (we are going up soon and I need to start making my list)?!
Butter popcorn, caramel corn or kettle corn—> what would you rather have?
92 comments
Ashley L.
Awww, love the little braids in Brooke’s hair! We just moved so we don’t have a trader joes next to us anymore, but I love their pumpkin bread mix
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
Believe it or not my 3 year old son is obsessed with Jillian Michaels! It’s no joke. He saw my mom doing one of her videos when she babysat once and it was love at first sight! It’s been over a year of this and I actually kind of like her now too.
Love the hand holding picture of Brooke! Definitely save that for potential wedding :)
Hollie
It’s funny, I actually didn’t realize how common white pumpkins were until I moved to NJ. I swear we don’t have “normal” pumpkins…just the white and then the big awkward orange ones. That is besides the point.
I think I saw that meme but it replaced everything with coffee. It’s hilarious either way.
Lila
Kettle corn for sure!! Trader Joe’s has started selling the holiday Joe Joes (I think they’re on Halloween now?) which means the Christmas peppermint ones will be out soon! Also the spiced apple cider is fantastic
Alix
If you’re a cheese lover, Trader Joe’s ‘Unexpected Cheddar’ is OUT OF THIS WORLD… highly recommended! :)
Tiffany
Oh my gosh I don’t know what is “unexpected” about cheddar but this is definitely on my list now! Love cheese :)
Sarah @ KS Runner
The farm looks so fun! I love all your fall traditions!
I don’t have a Trader Joe’s close by so when we do go,we have to stock up. We look like crazy people who haven’t gotten groceries for months (which basically, we are).
I think the last workout video that I did was Tae Bo, so I am of no use to anyone when it comes to workout video recommendations. But perhaps I should read the comments for good suggestions! :)
Amber
Brooke is so sweet! I wish Brooke and my daughter could hang out. She does almost every single thing you describe, even hugging goats and rearranging decorations. :)
Monica
I tried the 30 Day Shred for a few days right after I was released to exercise after having my daughter. I couldn’t walk for a week, and haven’t worked up the courage to try them again! haha… In hindsight, I was just really out of shape, but I’m still scared of it!
If this makes me old, so be it, but my all-time favorite exercise video was the Reebok Step Aerobics video. SUCH a good workout and super fun to do! I regret every day selling my step (and video) when we moved to a smaller house 10 years ago…
Butter popcorn all the way!
Leanne
I loved step aerobics and even took two classes in college! I’m so uncoordinated that step and running are the only two activities I do well!
I also like 30 day Shred and do it once a week- when I’m at peak fitness (spring-summer), I need to pull it back out.
tess
I’m with you on the no coordination thing. Step was easy to follow (unless they did that up turn over down thing…um…what?) and a really good workout. Anything else I just embarrass myself and end up watching other people to figure my way around.
Amanda @ Slimplify Life
Last time I went to TJs I asked if I could move in and they employee looked at me kind of funny, but the love is real and alive. The salty almond butter, dark chocolate covered almonds, and mini chocolate chip cookies are everything.
Jen@milesandblessings
What a fun looking farm!!!!!!!
Jillian is the only video I have ever tried…I do it when I feel convicted to cross train so it is about 2, maybe 3 times a year :). They are tough!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine
I love all the fall stuff in this post!
I used to do Jillian Michaels ab workouts…they were pretty hard and that is probably why I don’t do them anymore:)
Unfortunately I don’t have a trader Joe’s nearby so I need to live vicariously through all the bloggers who get to shop there!
Staci @ Hoosier Running Mom
The only workout video I have ever done was Insanity, it made me hurt! I have unfortunately never been to a Trader Joe’s. There is not one anywhere near where I live. As for the popcorn, as long as it is made stove top I will eat it. I am not a big fan of any other popping method. My popcorn pan is one of my favorite things!
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I haven’t done a DVD workout in forever but I have recorded an entire tv series called yoga for life. Someday I will actually cue up the dvr and try an episode or two out :)
I love buying fresh flowers at trader joes :)
Christa @ Living Unbalanced
If they get married you they will have the best wedding slideshow ever! I used to do that Jillian Michaels DVD too. It is SO hard!
Kristina @ Blog About Running
Your horse sweater is so perfect for a day on the farm!
I did 30 day shred a long time ago too – although I never stuck with the full 30 days. I should try it again because I remember my heart rate was up instantly after jumping jacks!
Erica
I am a big Nike fit fan. Not really a video, an app, but definitely my favorite.
Buttered popcorn, delicious.
Wish me luck, parent teacher conferences tonight, not a fan and its Chris’s b-day to boot.
Brynn
Love Jillian DVDs! I have so many because she always delivers a great workout in a short amount of time.
Rachel Bork
I’ve done the yoga one and I really like it, but I have to be in the right mood to tackle it. Waaaay more thinking than just going out and running :)
I love https://www.myyogaworks.com/ . I used to have a subscription, but got too expensive. Lots of variety!
I love Trader Joe’s Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper soup! It just tastes like fall. I also love (a little too much) their Chocolate covered expresso beans.
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner
I’ve never done Jillian’s videos but I have done Insanity. I finished the 90 day workout two times now and it was killer. I do it now whenever I get to lazy to head to the gym cause it gives me a mean sweat! I tried p90x but just about vomited the first time so haven’t tried it again! Lol
Laura
I use ZUMBA links at times if I cannot make it to the gym.
You must buy the CHICAGO MIX popcorn at Trader Joe’s.
And the French macarons from the freezer section.
And if you need cake, the chocolate torte cake.
But seriously.. just the Chicago Mix Popcorn and maybe the candied pecans.
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work it Out
Be food, definitely #1 way to my heart!
Joy
I do so many Jillian Michaels workout DVD’s. I love 30 Day Shred and No More Trouble Zones the best, but I honestly really like almost all of them. They really do give you a good workout in a short amount of time.
My favorite thing at Trader Joes right now is their 2-lb bag of colorful carrots (not sure what they’re really called, but that’s the name I gave them). It’s a bag of orange, white, and brown carrots and they are so delicious. But then again I’m having a big craving for carrots lately so maybe it’s just me…
melissa
Are you referring to candy corn??
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
That is hilarious with the pumpkins!!! I’m so like that. Makes me nuts when things are not in their places.
Angie W
That pic of Brooke and her cute little boyfriend belongs on a hallmark card! Trader joes–oh how I love it, especially right now with all things pumpkin! Loving their pumpkin waffles, pumpkin pancake mix, pumpkin granola and pumpkin bagels.
Also discovered their jalepeno Greek yogurt dip and tomato basil hummus. Both awesome with their quinoa black bean chips.
Have fun!
Brenda @ Don't Lose the Trail
Ha! Brooke arranging the pumpkins every morning is really funny.
I have been thinking about trying 30 day shred. I have been upping my running mileage lately but my body overall doesn’t feel “fit” to me lately. I think I need something to really kick me into gear.
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
Jillian Michaels is what got me started in working out after having babies.
I really like the T25’s because I feel like I get a great workout in a short amount of time.
Best thing at TJ’s = pumpkin butter! It’s amazing on toast, waffles, cinnamon rolls, etc.
DontBlameTheKids
That pic of them holding hands is the sweetest thing ever! Also! I have that horse shirt from J.Crew! I remember the description said something about it being ironic. But I don’t wear it ironically, because I’m not that cool. I just like horses. :)
Inez @ Pancake Saturday
I like the Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown DVD a lot as well as 30 Day Shred. I also really love Cassie from Blogilates on YouTube. She does a lot of challenge style videos and chats about random life stuff thru them so they don’t feel so daunting.
meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles
I absolutely love Pure Barre DVD’s right now. It’s cheaper than the class packages and I have the freedom to do it now whenever I want! I love the results too….Favorite at TJ right now, hmm, I don’t even know. I do love their canned pumpkin over any other brand. The honey crisp apples they get it are gigantic and oh, I forever love their frozen onion rings and Verry Cherry Berry blend.
Kaella
I have a few Jillian Michael’s DVDs but am not a huge fan of exercise videos!
Cookie butter!!!!
Oh and I love kettle corn :)
tess
I’m not a fan but I’ve learned to put it on my computer on silent so I can follow along and then I watch something on my television. Random I know. This works well for yoga. Maybe not as well for Zumba. ;) (something I’ve never done anyway, I would hurt myself)
Fleur van Vos
Great pictures!
Kimberly @ Keeping Up With Kimberly
I love Brooke’s braids!
Visiting a farm/pumpkin patch is on my Fall Bucket List every year. I can’t get enough of fall activities :)
Irina
I am so envious of your trip to the farm! Living in NYC is great and all but I miss the easy access I had back home in Chicago to farms and apple orchards and all the fall-ish things!
I bought a Jillian Michael’s DVD half a year ago with high hopes to use it as cross-training for my marathon but I have yet to even try a single workout :/
Beth
Um, your friend Paige is gorgeous!! And call me old school, but I like Chris Freytag workout videos
Ashley @ Saving Money in your Twenties
Brooke’s hair is so long!!! And ugh, jillian michaels shred… love it but ouch, so painful. At least you know it works, haha!
Emily @ Fit as a Mother...
So many faves at Trader Joe’s right now! Pumpkin spice coffee, Pumpkin O’s, pumpkin cereal bars!
Chelsey Lair
Their pumpkin spice coffee is the snake’s hips!
Becky @ Ok, so here's the plan
I used to do 30 day shred a lot, though never enough to move up in levels! :) I also have No More Trouble Zones and Burn Fat, Boost Metabolism, but I have been really bad about cross training lately.
Trader Joe’s: Cookie Butter, Salted Almond Butter, Triple Ginger Cookies
Flower
You cannot go to Trader Joe’s and leave without chocolate covered salted caramels…you just cannot!
Angela
I love Trader Joe’s Gummy Penguins (I believe it’s a seasonal item, but they have juice inside their tummies), 21 seasoning salute (love it on veggies), and of course cookie butter.
I love your boots in the slide picture! Where did you get them?
Jennifer
Those farm pics are so sweet!
I have white pumpkins all over my house…obsessed!
Michelle Kim
Awww that’s great that Brooke loves animals!
My favorite workout video is a yoga flow by Elise Gulan (on what used to be ExerciseTV). It’s an intermediate flow and kicks my butt every time!
Kristin W
Candy cane Joe Joes. They aren’t out yet but I’m totally stalking Trader Joe’s until they are out. Also the Pumpkin butter is amazing. And the fig cereal bars (although the pumpkin cereal bars are also super delicious.)
Chelsey Lair
I tried Jillian Michaels once, but I don’t think it was the Shred. Lately, I have incorporated benderfitness.com into my workout regimen along with my running. She does a lot of plyometric HIIT workouts. And I love it!! Her workouts normally go for 20 minutes, but if I am not running that day, I’ll do another round or two of the 20 minutes ;) She knows how to kick butt.
I am new to your blog and love it!! Its great to read posts about a shared joy for the run.
Brook is absolutely adorable! I love her little hair bun.
tess
Oh my I love that Brooke photo. I also love that she rearranges her pumpkins.
I’m glad you recovered so well and are easing back into your running. So good for us, that running thing.
Denise
I used to love Jillian Michaels, but I haven’t done any of her workouts in so long! I wish we had a Trader Joe’s around here–I love their cheese. Minestrone soup is my absolute favorite so of course now that it’s in my head I’m going to have to find somewhere to get it soon. Lastly, of course kettle corn, it’s the best. :)
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy
I look up to Jillian but I don’t do any of her workouts. I don’t have her Dvds. Ans i don’t have a trader Joe’s near mex unfortunately. :(
Amy @ FitnessMeetsFrosting
LOL tough Brooke = best thing ever. I love Jillian’s fat burning DVD (cannot remember the name)! It burns so good!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog
I love how obsessed Brooke is with animals! She kills me! :)
Where is your friend’s cardigan from?! It’s so cute!
It’s been forever since I’ve been to TJ’s so I need to hit it up soon too!
Kris @ Canadian Girl Runs.
That farm sounds so adorable!
I miss Jillian’s 30-day shred!!! I need to do it again!!
Brittany
We just got a Trader Joe’s by us last month!!! ::happy dance::
I tried the sweet and sour chicken from the frozen aisle with chicken fried rice – delish. Also, I love the green juice. And crackers with sliced green apples and Brie. And now I’m hungry! PS – last time I went in they had me try a new Cookies n Cream butter… it’s like Oreo peanut butter. Dangerous.
PPS – you have an adorable little girl and I love reading all your posts! Thanks for sharing :)
Andrea
If you have Amazon Prime, check our Jillian’s videos on there. There is this fat burning one that I am addicted to, and a kettle ball one that is a quick 30 minute one. It hurts so good!
Monica
I love Brooke’s hair in braids–SO cute!!
I love all those types of popcorn and have a hard time choosing sometimes-my weakness (because I don’t eat the healthy kind!)
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
I’ve never tried any of Jillian Michaels workouts. I just tried some yoga and stretching classes via Crunch gym online, which were pretty good. I definitely prefer live group fitness at a gym though!
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
Jillian Michaels kettlebell and her first yoga meltdown DVDs are my favorite of her videos! I haven’t done them in a while but they always work up a great sweat. When I studied abroad my roommate and I did Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred all the time.
Your dinner looks so delicious! I wish there was one near me but the closest one is at least an hour away.
Jasmine @ a cupcake for my thoughts
I love Jillian Michaels dvds, I have pretty much all of them and if I’m not running that day, I’ll do one of her videos! Brooke looks so cute in that Disneyland picture :)
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
I love her little fist in that picture!! Jillian Michaels has some great workouts.
Katie @ Bevo Loves an Aggie
That “tough” picture is too cute for words!
I love 30 day shred. Well, loathe/love it. ;)
Cookie butter is the best thing ever at TJs!
Nancy K
I love the TJs pizza dough, peppermint jo-joes, plaintain chips, and as a family we love the brown rice pasta (it’s the best gf pasta we’ve had -holds up really well in reheated leftovers).
Kelly
I love the picture of Brooke looking tough, so cute!
Amy N.
I love that quote! I’m hungry all the time! The way to my heart is with food for sure. Speaking of food, I might need to grab that soup for dinner. It looks delicious and it’s soup weather up here for sure!
Kristen
I have the 30 Day Shred too!
Lately my Trader Joe’s faves have been their version of Ezekiel bread and the chocolate chunks. (chocolate chunks > chocolate chips)
Caramel corn all the way!
Brandi H
I love Jillian! I own all her workout dvd’s. My husband used to make fun of me until I made him do one with me. Her videos are no joke.
chelsea
I love workout videos! Lately I really like P90x, or insanity for a good cardio workout. Trader Joe’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups are my favorite.
Ashley
What isn’t good at trader joes?? Ive been really into the freeze dried fruit lately (apple and mango slices are the best) and they have pumpkin everything if youre into that. Last year for the fall they had an amazing cran apple butter and I havent seen it yet but if they have it, buy it or else.
Kim
I like plain butter and salt better than kettle corn, but coconut oil and salt is the best topping combo for popcorn -you must try it.
The best on-line workout videos are from balletbeautiful.com -her lunge and 15 min. ab work outs are great strength routines.
The Hungry Runner Girl
Thank you so much for reminding me of coconut oil and salt on popcorn… The best ever! I am going to have to try her workouts! Thank you!
Lindsey @SimplyLindsey
I love TJs coconut oil, granola cereals, CHOCOLATE ice cream!!, and pretty much everything else!
Leslie @ Life Begins @ 30?
I have Jillian Michaels DVD and never use it! I need to get on it!!! Thanks for reminding me. :)
Rachel @ Blonde with a Chanse
I think that it is so cute that Brooke rearranges the pumpkins :) I love Jillian Micheals workout videos, they totally kick my butt!!
Mary Jo @ Run and Smile
I’m really liking this new series of PiYo videos. It puts together yoga (my second favorite next to running) and pilates. It’s a great workout with lots of DVDs so you really don’t get bored of them.
Amy @ Life to the Full
I used to do Jillian Michael’s 30-Day Shred and Ripped in 30 workout DVDs and really liked them. I have completely forgot about them for a few months now and have been doing free weights/circuits instead. I really want to try the PiYo videos!
Love the horse shirt! Looks like you and Brooke had so much fun – that farm looks like a great place to take little ones… and big people. I love animals! My son just had his first horseback ride last weekend and I think he’s hooked!
If you and Brooke ever venture to northern MN/Canada (not sure why you would ever do that!), she is welcome to go for a horseback ride! I just sold two of my horses but have one more left :)
Lindsey
I do Insanity every once in a while (prefer my running and weights) but have to admit it gave me my abs back after my son.
No Trader Joe’s in Canada. ..boo
Tricia
They have the most delicious vegan chocolate chip cookies at TJ’s that I have to get every time I go there! I’m obsessed!
Kay
The pumpkin Joe Joe’s at TJ’s are so good!
Cortney
I ust to do Jillian’s DVD’s all the time but now I’m a beach body coach so I incorporate different beach body programs with running. I’m really into Piyo these days… love it!!
I just made caramel popcorn and was reminded why I only make it once a year… so yummy!!! :)
Kelli
Trader Joe’s list:
They seriously have pumpkin EVERYTHING right now! Pumpkin cinnamon rolls, pumpkin salted caramels, pumpkin bagels, pumpkin croissants… you have to try at least one :)
I just bought the garlic naan (so good), spinach and chive fettuccine, plain goat cheese (good with bread and jam or on pizza), the pizza dough, and some European sipping chocolate.
Alisha @ Real Girl Running
I’m a new 30 Day Shred girl! I’ve only had the DVD for a few months (I know, I’m WAAAAYYY behind the times), and every time I do Level 3 my abs are sore for days … gotta love the burn.
I make my own popcorn at home with a air popper. I add a little melted coconut oil, and some toffee flavoured salt … it’s the best popcorn, hands down (I’m not biased at all!).
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona
I’ve done a few Jillian Michaels DVD’s. I like them, but holy moly, they’re tough!
Kim
I love Jillian Michaels workouts – always tough!!
And, so cute that Brooke straightens the pumpkins every morning – that is the kind of thing I do:)
Losing Lindy
We were at TJs about a week ago, and there was a whole section of pumpkin everything.
Ashlee
I LOVE Jillian Michaels’ Ripped in 30 DVD! It actually helped me so much!
Brooke’s tough fist and expression while wearing Minnie Mouse is awesome!
Therese
That picture of the two of you is the cutest thing ever.
Runwright
Kettle corn from the fair. In as big a bag as possible
Kim/TrackClubBabe
Bahahahah Brooke looks tougher than you in that picture. I’m dying. ;-)
Suzie
I just found your blog a couple months ago and I’m kinda obsessed! I’m a runner, but much more casual than you–I typically run 20+/- miles a week (6-7 miles 3x per week). I am currently taking running break to try and heal my PF which has been plaguing me for about 3 months. I’ve resisted taking time off because I don’t want to lose my endurance but it’s just become too miserable. I continue to do other cardio 5-6x per week. Anyhow, I enjoy the food part of your blog just as much as the running part.
Two questions for you (because I like the fact that you seem to eat healthy most of the time but enjoy your treats-I’ve got a horrible sweet tooth). 1. How do you cook your sweet potatoes and what do you like to top them with? 2. After reading your blog I bought a sleeve of turkey burgers from Costco–how do you season and prepare them? One last thing, I was inspired by you when I saw almond butter at Costco today. Bought it, tried it on an apple, LOVED it!!
Suzie
Oh one more thing-I’m a Utah girl, born and raised but moved to Denver 7 years ago, so I enjoy reading about and seeing all the familiar places you go!