Grilled Bacon Jalapeño Wraps

If you're a fan of crispy bacon, cream cheese, and a "kick" in your bite, then this summer appetizer is calling your name! I stumbled upon this recipe on allrecipes.com. It had so many great reviews that I was texting my handsome roommate within minutes to see if he could add the ingredients to the grocery list. These tasty peppers were paired with bratwurst, grilled sweet corn, and Molson lagers for last night's dinner.

You'll Need:

4 jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded

1 package of cream cheese

8 slices of bacon

2 T Worcestershire

3 cloves of garlic (minced)

Set grill to High

Step 1: After washing your peppers, half them lengthwise and discard the membrane and seeds. (Note: If you love super spicy food then keep the insides intact.) I boiled the peppers 4-5 minutes in order to take some of the heat out. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, 2 T Worcestershire, and minced garlic. 

Step 2: Spoon cream cheese mixture into each pepper. Be careful not to over-fill them like I did. Although it's hard to resist all the yummy cream cheese, your grill will become a mess.

Step 3: Using 1 piece of bacon per pepper, wrap the bacon around each pepper and secure with a tooth-pick. Add a few dashes of pepper and place assembled peppers into the freezer for 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Grill peppers on high for 10-15 minutes, until bacon is cooked. I love my bacon crispy, so we had them on the grill for about 20 minutes.

For those who like visuals...

Hope you enjoy these tasty bites just as much as we did... Happy Grilling Season!

We should all puddle stomp a little more...

This is Sammy. She's the "almost 4-year-old" that I have been watching for two years now. I say her age in that fashion because I am so used to her making it known that her 4th birthday is right around the corner. Chris and I have been invited to her July party since around Christmas time. I think it's fantastic that she talks about her birthday like it's the best thing since the invention of popsicles. How many of us brag for months leading up to it that we are reaching our late-20's? ;)

So where does this excitement about turning older diminish? And does it really have to? Yesterday, we had our first strong spring thunderstorm roll through Denver. I suggested to Sammy that we sit out on the front porch swing and watch it move by. She wanted nothing to do with this idea, but rather, wanted to watch through the window inside... getting very wide-eyed and panicky every time the thunder crashed. About 15 minutes had passed and I noticed a shift in her behavior. She got all geared up as if she wanted to head outside. She told me she was "preparing" and "being brave" by choosing a jacket that kept her dry and boots that were made specifically for rain. Before I knew it I was being asked to roll up her pant legs so she could "puddle stomp".

I know, I know... where are you going with this Nikki? I guess I had an epiphany as I watched a 3 year old stomp into a puddle of rain water. We all fear things and take strong caution towards certain areas of our lives. For some of us it's turning a year older; for others it's starting something maybe we're not positive we can finish. I know personally it makes me a tad nervous that I'm starting a full-time 2 year program in the Fall, and will be 29 (plus some change) when I'm finished. Don't get me wrong... I'm ecstatic, but never-the-less a little nervous too. Can I handle the stress? How are finances going to work out? How often will Chris and I be able to see each other? The list can go and on and on, but worrying will do nothing but waste precious time and energy. The beauty of these fears, worries, or hesitations is that we all have some sort of jacket and/or pair of rain boots that will help prepare us for the big storm. For me, it's Faith in God and the support from family and friends. Age is only a number and it's not too often we have the opportunity to jump carelessly into a puddle. I hope this encourages you (yes, YOU) to go forth with whatever it is you're working towards. Cheers to making the biggest splash you've ever made!

P.S. - If you have the chance to hang out with a toddler, I highly suggest it. They teach you some of the most amazing life lessons and inevitably make you feel young at heart. Thank you "Sam-a-lam-a-ding-dong"! ;)

30DC - Day Seven, Salabhasana Sunday

Sunday is no longer a day of rest! It was such a gorgeous day in Denver, but also inside the studio. :) I was so happy during the spine-strengthening series because something finally clicked when it came to Salabhasana (Locust Pose). Up until this point I was way off. I wasn't pressing the majority of my weight onto the hands and upper portion of the body, which is how it should be done. Before, I was trying so hard to use my leg and abdominal strength in order to get my legs into the air, which clearly wasn't working. Having the proper hand placement and using the strength in my fingertips brought me into a completely different pose... the correct one. I obviously have the teacher to thank because one comment made by her had my legs suddenly in the air at a 45 degree angle. Side note: Bikram Yoga Instructors will say 90% of the same thing every single class! May sound silly, but I promise that you will undoubtedly make a correction after weeks of practicing because you likely missed something said in the previous class. This was the case for me and Locust Pose. I literally had an "ah-ha!" moment as I was kissing the towel and flinging my legs higher. Moral of today's class: always, always, always be thankful for corrections pointed out by your teacher.

Weakest Pose: Poorna-Salabhasana (Full Locust Pose)

Firms the abdominal wall and upper thighs, and tightens upper arms, hips, and buttocks. It increases the size and elasticity of the rib cage and the lungs and improves the flexibility and strength of the lower spine and of most of the body's muscles. 

 * After having an epiphany with Locust, I wasn't super focused on this next pose. Plus, I had exerted so much energy - leaving me fatigued. I know it shouldn't be that way, but that's the truth. It'll be better next time! 

Strongest Pose: Salabhasana (Locust Pose)

  

Has the same benefits as the Cobra, but it is even more potent in the cure of any back or spinal problem such as gout, slipped disc, and sciatica. It cures tennis elbow and is also excellent for firming buttocks and hips.

* I finally have the concept down! See how the hands are flat with no space from the elbows to the tips? Took seven days for me to realize that. You want to use your fingertips, palm, and arm strength to drive your legs up.  

30DC- Day Six, Why did I have that last beer??

It's inevitable that practicing Bikram Yoga after a night involving alcohol is going to be more difficult. We went out the night before for some college basketball, air hockey (I was so close to winning!), and over-sized Jenga, which I recommend to everyone. Needless to say, I had consumed a "few" too many alcoholic beverages even after telling myself, "Only one....".

I was so nervous as I drove to the studio early the next morning. The two thoughts that consumed my mind were, "Why did I have that last beer?" and "You didn't hydrate enough this morning!". This was also my first morning class since I usually go after work every day. Luckily, I did not pass out and I actually did better than I should have for going out the night before. I guess there is something true to making up your mind when you lay your mat down and look yourself in the eyes in that front mirror. Although I had a great class, I was still wishing I would have stuck to only one beer. The reason being... I knew my potential and stamina would have been that much better. It speaks volumes about how much of a CHALLENGE this 30DC really is. It's a lifestyle change really. I wake up every day thinking about how I can prepare myself for a great class in the evening. If I don't drink enough water and don't consume healthy foods - I'm screwed. Each night before bed I think of the next day and what my schedule entails in order to fit in yoga. I've had to say "no" to joining friends for certain activities and rearrange my schedule/dinner time completely.

It's all worth it though! So, if you're considering starting a 30 Day Challenge I would tell you repeatedly that it's worth the tight schedule you'll create. Thankfully, my bosses, Chris, and friends have been extremely supportive. I haven't been able to be as flexible as I usually am with working evenings, Chris has dinner ready for me when I walk in the door at 8:15pm, and my friends have been so understanding when I have to show up late or miss events. Thank you all - luckiest girl right here. ;)

Weakest Pose: Dandayamana-Janushirasana (Standing Head to Knee Pose)

Helps develop concentration, patience, and determination. Physically, it tightens abdominal and thigh muscles, improves flexibility of the sciatic nerves, and strengthens the tendons, biceps of the thigh muscles, and hamstrings in the legs, in addition to the deltoid, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, scapula, biceps, and triceps.

* This pose was much easier standing on my right leg. I'm thinking the most likely reason for that is because I used to "fly" on my right leg in the old cheer days. The left side was wobbly and I struggled to keep my knee locked for the entire time.

Strongest Pose: Supta-Vajrasana (Fixed Firm Pose)

Helps cure sciatica, gout, and rheumatism in the legs. It slims thighs, firms calf muscles, and strengthens the abdomen. It also strengthens and improves flexibility of lower spine, knees, and ankle joints.

* Since I struggled a few times locking out my knees during a few of the standing postures, fixed firm felt incredible for my knees and ankles. This pose looks uncomfortable, but I find it to be the complete opposite.

 

30DC - Day Five, Jumping Hurdles

It was more than hard returning to the studio after missing two days. I was excited to get back into it; however, it felt like a challenge just walking up the stairs and laying out my mat on the floor. I sort of knew it would be like this from extreme dehydration and not being able to eat for two and a half days. None-the-less, we started with the first breathing series and I was happy to be there surrounded by 20 other committed "yogis". I had to rest on my mat several times, specifically after Dandayamana-Janushirasana (Standing Head to Knee Pose) and Trikanasana (Triangle Pose). I find Triangle Pose one of the hardest postures to begin with, so today it was extra tough and had me feeling extra dizzy. I was beyond grateful for Savasana (Dead Body Pose) during this session. This is where you lay on your back with feet touching, toes pointed out, arms by your side, palms up, as close to your body as they can be. Although you're just lying there, this posture is so beneficial for returning the body's circulation to normal and teaching us complete relaxation. Side note: You are still working at this point! Bikram says it's crucial to have your eyes open and gaze soft, that way you can be more aware of this pose and its benefits.


Weakest Pose: Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Janushirasana (Standing Separate Leg Head to Knee Pose)

 It slims abdomen, waistline, hips, buttocks, and upper thighs. Increases the flexibility of the spine and the sciatic nerves and of most of the tendons and ligaments of the legs, and strengthens the biceps of thighs and calves. It also greatly improves blood circulation in the legs and to the brain, and strengthens the rectus abdominus, gluteus maximus, oblique, deltoid, and trapezius muscles.

 * This was extra hard today because the throat-choking sensation made me want to gag - leaving the posture was compromised.  

Strongest Pose: Pavanamuktasana (Wind Removing Pose)

Cures and prevents flatulence, which is the source of most chronic abdominal discomforts. Improves the flexibility of the hip joints and firms the abdomen, thighs, and hips. Strengthens the bicep and tricep muscles of the upper arms and all the muscles of the forearm.

* Wind Removing Pose felt fantastic on my abdominal organs after being sick. There was something about the pinch in my hips that actually felt relaxing. It's so similar to fetal position... how could I not be happy?!   

30DC - Day Three and Four, I Despise Norovirus...

Although you're allowed to miss days in the challenge, as long as you make it up by going twice on another day, I was REALLY hoping I wouldn't have to do that. Well, Chris caught the stomach bug and was violently vomiting all Tuesday night... then, yours truly caught it. As many of you friends and family know, I absolutely hate throwing up - it's right up there with big furry spiders and snakes. Yes folks, I suffer from Emetophobia - the fear of vomiting or anything pertaining to it. It's a true phobia and is one of the most common out there, which I find both relieving and comical. Anyway, the last few days have not been very pleasant in our 680 SF studio. I missed Bikram yesterday and today, which means I will have to find two other days where I can commit myself to 180 minutes of practice. Yikes!

On the upside - Chris is feeling much better and is going to rent a movie for us to watch. Hopefully I'll be asleep within a few hours and not occupying "el baño"....

DO THIS....

 

SO YOU DON'T GET THIS!

30DC - Day Two, I am Shocked!

First, I want to rewind to this morning. Let's just say after only one session I felt as though Bikram Yoga had taken over my dreams, pee schedule, and body. I had a dream that I had the most beautiful Standing Bow Pulling Pose combined with a very toned stomach - hopefully that dream is somewhat of a foreshadow for how I'll feel at the end of this challenge! The more annoying part was having to get up 3 times in the middle of the night from all the water and coconut water I had consumed before bed. As far as muscle aches and pains, I'm feeling much better than I had anticipated. I have very tight hamstrings and my neck and shoulders seem to feel a little more tense today. I forgot to mention yesterday that I am not only doing this challenge for physical benefits, but I am hoping to feel more relaxed and less anxious when all is said and done.

Now... on to the second day wrap up. I was and still am shocked at how much better I felt during class compared to yesterday. I was expecting to at least get dizzy during a few of the poses and even have to rest a few times. To my surprise - neither of these things happened. I was just pure shocked with my strength and focus in tonight's practice. I was anticipating to use breaks for at least the first 4-5 classes. With that being said, I am completely aware that tomorrow may be a whole different story. I have heard time and time again from those who have been practicing Bikram for years, it will always remain a challenge. For now, I'll just thank my coconut water and hope tomorrow brings the same satisfaction...

Weakest Pose: Dandayamana-Bibhaktapada-Paschimotthanasana (Standing Separate Leg Stretching Pose)

Cures and prevents sciatica by stretching and strengthening the sciatic nerves and the tendons of the legs. It helps the functioning of most of the internal abdominal organs, especially the small and large intestine, and improves the muscle tone and flexibility of thighs and calves and the flexibility of the pelvis, ankles, and hip joints, and of the last five vertebrae of the spine.

* I think I really struggled with this pose since my hamstrings were so tight. Also, my fingers were super uncomfortable and squished while my feet were sliding farther from one another. 
 

 Strongest Pose: Ustrasana (Camel Pose)

Produces maximum compression of the spine. Improves the flexibility of the neck and spine and relieves backache. The peak of the floor series. This posture stretches the abdominal organs to the maximum and cures constipation. It stretches the throat, thyroid gland, and parathyroids. Like the Bow Pose, it opens a narrow rib cage to give more space to the lungs. It also firms and slims the abdomen and the waistline. In addition, this posture allows release of emotional tension held in the body as stress, anxiety, anger and depression.

* This was by no means the easiest posture of the night, but I felt deeply connected and in tune with all of my emotions. I distinctly remember thinking, "Wow! This is rough on my lower back, but my heart feels wonderful."


I'd like to know what the rest of you do to relieve stress and/or gain a better physical and mental health? Spin? Yoga? Singing? Throw Darts? It really interests me to hear the different avenues people use to promote a healthier lifestyle. Oh, and one more thing.... Happy Spring Equinox to you all! :)