I woke up today with a stiff neck. I could not even turn my head around to turn off my alarm clock. I’m not sure if the stiff neck came from my sleeping position last night or from the boxes I was carrying yesterday cleaning up the garage.
After I massaged my neck and shoulders to loosen it up a bit, I made a cup of strong coffee today, Trader Joe’s cocoa coffee. Sipped in a mug designed with our wedding colors 🙂
Today’s placemat, my notepad filled with with wedding to-do list.
I headed to the gym for my usual morning workout. I usually do Body Pump on Friday mornings, but with the stiff neck, I opted for an easy workout on the treadmill, but every time I would swing my arms while running, I would feel the pain around my shoulders.
I hopped off the treadmill, and jumped on the elliptical. My total workout was around 40 mins.
I drove like a grandma going home, because I could not look over my blind spot with the neck area still in pain.
Good thing making a smoothie does not involve moving my head or lifting my arms to stir if I was making oatmeal.
Pumpkin Pie smoothie in a bowl.
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup sweet potato puree or pumpkin puree (I used mashed roasted sweet potato)
- 1/2 banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- a dash of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice & stevia for sweetener
- 1 cup ice cubes
- xantham gum to make it thick (optional)
Sprinkled with granola and coconut flakes.
I enjoyed every.single.scoop.
During breakfast, I thought of my Salonpas Pain Relief Patch samples stashed around (from the Be Fit and Pain Free blogger event), waiting for the time that I would need them. I put on two, one for each side of my shoulders.
I’ve had it on for a few hours now and my shoulders are feeling a little better, I am still in pain but at least I can move my head from side to side. I’m supposed to keep it on for 8-12 hours, so we will see later on tonight.
Cinco De Mayo
Even though Cinco De Mayo was celebrated yesterday, we have been enjoying our fish tacos all week long.
Chris caught some fresh fish this past weekend and he fillet it right away because he was craving fish tacos.
While he worked on prepping the fish, I played sous chef and chopped all the vegetables for toppings and for the homemade fish sauce.
Nothing beats the taste of fresh caught fish, never been frozen and ready for the eating a few hours after.
Fresh fish and homemade sauce is the reason why I love this dish so much. We do fish taco nights often for family dinner, you can see the last time we had it and with more details –> here.
Simple but oh so flavorful!
Healthy Coconut 
Oh no! Hope the neck feels better. The smoothie looks incredible!! And i love mexican food, we went out for some last night to celebrate
That fish looks divine… I agree… fresh is best!
We are so lucky to live in Cali where we can get fresh fish anytime we want.
cutest mug ever! hope your neck gets better. glad that stuff seems to be helping.
Actually I did celebrate it with my honey we went to this Mexican Restaurant in South Pasadena as they have the best Mole’ so far.
At first we had planned to go to Frontera’s in my home town but when I mentioned the Mole’ because I’ve been wanting him to try it he opted there instead.
We went early to beat the crowd we got there around 5:30pm or so. He had the 1/4 chicken with mole’ and I had the mole’ enchiladas, to drink He had a Pacifico Beer and I had a blended Margarita.
The mole’ was soo good sweet with a hint of spice. He was really impressed as we both love good food and we compliment each other in that area we have the same taste buds.
We love critiquing foods and places and we’ve come across our favorites. Oh boy I’m sounding like this is my blog and I’m writing to you. LOL
anyway after that just 2 blocks away Farmers Market was going on so we walked around there and observed the people we are not bird watchers but people watchers. LOL
Then we headed to Buster’s which is in the same area so we just walked there and had some Decaf Coffee and dessert.
We had such a great time.
About your neck that happened to me too it started from Sat. at Madonna Inn but seemed to not be as bad but then come Monday or Tuesday I must have slept wrong and it made it worst. I slapped on those Salonpa Patches too and it helped but I think I need more then just that like an adjustment.
Hope you feel better and those cups are the cutest.
= )
How fun…glad you two are out and about exploring Pasadena. It’s such a charming city. Last time I went was to the Great Harvest Bakery and walked around Mission St.
I’m going to take notes of the restaurants you visited and keep in on file for ideas on date nights. I love hearing about your plans and your dates with the hubby.
My neck is better now, I slept pillow-less and used the Salonpas patches. I only used one though and I’m better now. Lots of massage and strectching was done yesterday.
I hope that your neck feels better!!!!1
Last night we had tortilla soup and burritos!!!!! 😀
Hi Lea, been reading for a while and thought I’d delurk! What’s your homemade batter recipe? And how much oil do you use to pan fry? It looks gorgeously golden for not deep fried!
Thanks for delurking 🙂 The batter we use to coat the fish is made of regular pancake mix, garlic powder and other seasonings that Chris likes to cook like spaghetti dry seasoning and mix it all with a little water for the right consistency.
The fish in this post was deep fried, but usually I’ll cook my serving of fish and fry it on the stove with coconut oil. For me, it taste the same whether it’s deep fried or if I fry them on a skillet with coconut oil.
So sorry to hear about your neck. That happens to me from time to time also. It’s usually after I carry a heavy bag for too long or occasionally after yoga. I’m not sure what it is about yoga that does it. At any rate, a heating pad is also a great help to loosen up your muscles. I hope you feel better soon!
I was actually thinking of doing yoga to help stretch it out but I changed my mind and got massages instead. Much better today.
Hi Lea!! I hope you’re up and runnin’ better tomorrow! hehe at least you’re taking pretty good care of yourself today with good eats 🙂 I’ve never celebrated 5de mayo but I just realized that today I made guacamole without thinking of 5de mayo! have a sweet night.
The mug is AWESOME! I love it so much!!!!
Im sorry your neck is in pain, hoping it is better today love : )
Thanks for the SWEETEST comment on how Mike and I met! It really was fate : ) my son and I are very lucky to have him!
You are as well lucky to have a mazing man too!!!
xoxo ❤
I woke up with a really stiff neck, too. I actually think it was the pillow I was using though. It’s much fluffier than the one I’m used to. Fortunately running helped my case but sometimes that’s not the case like you mentioned. Oh well, getting in a bit of cross training’s fun, too!
The truth is…I totally forgot it was Cinco de Mayo. Not a first for me, unfortunately. I am totally craving fish tacos! Maybe for Mother’s Day instead…
I hope your neck is better!
Aww sorry about your neck 😦 Loving the breakfast smoothie and all those Cinco de Mayo eats look incredible 😀
I hope your neck feels better! 🙂
I love the mug! It is so cute!! 🙂 For Cinco de Mayo, I made a Mexican Taco Casserole and guacamole! Everything turned out great! I am a huge Mexican food fan. I could probably eat mexican every single day and not get sick of it 🙂
I hope your neck is feeling better!
Great mug! 🙂
I made chicken soft tacos – best ever!!