Checks and Balances

I like to compare weight management to money management at times because it's interesting to see the parallels between the two.

If I was given the task of coming up with x amount of money in a day, it might be impossible if not illegal/dangerous. On the other hand, if I was given a reasonable deadline and I could set aside a small amount of money weekly and budget for it, it could be done.

I think weight loss is the same way. People jump into it hoping for rapid, overnight results but it might take longer than originally anticipated.

If I know I'm going to eat a bigger meal on the weekend, I make sure to cut back during the rest of the week and consistently exercise. It's similar to budgeting for a big purchase. You work with what you have so you don't overdo it.

I had to make peace a long time ago that since I'm female and 5'1.5" (the 1/2" is important), I can't eat the same amount as my boyfriend who is 5'11 and male. I have a lower caloric allowance that can be increased if I increase my activity but it still wouldn't be comparable to my boyfriend with zero activity.

It's like some people who have more disposable income. You can hate it. You can be jealous of it. You can resent it. You can lie to yourself and max out a couple of credit cards.

Or....you can deal with it and make peace with it.

What parallels can you come up with?

I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend here in the States! We're off to Atlanta for two days starting Saturday to see some of the local sights and enjoy the the local food.

I don't know if I'll have time for a morning run Sunday but I know I definitely won't be able to Saturday so I went for a 8.7 mi run this morning broken up into two sessions: 3.9 mi and 4.8 mi. The first session was a little after 6 am when it was barely light out. The second session was a little later after I went home and fixed the boys breakfast and packed lunches. I wanted to go for a long run but I knew I didn't have time for it this morning. I also had a feeling it would become super sunny and humid. I was right! Even though I ran early, both gym shirts I had on were absolutely soaked by the time I was done.

This photo was taken post session #1 sans coffee. Session #2 was definitely sweatier but I had an extra jolt of caffeine.

Snack of choice lately. Fresh celery ready to snack on when I feel the munchies!

I'm a firm believer that if you really wanted it done, you'd make it happen. I made it easy by laying out my gym clothes on my dresser so the minute I woke up, I could put it on with zero hesitation.

I tried doing a fishtail braid yesterday thanks to a super easy tutorial over at Elle Sees. I definitely need more practice but I love the end result!

I've read a few great articles lately that I think are interesting.
Huffington Post: 13 Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
Huffington Post: Bob Harper: On Jessica Alba's Bikini Body, Celebrity Fitness and Burpees

"Thinking 'I can't get in shape because I don't have two hours a day to exercise' is just another excuse for doing nothing," he told O, The Oprah Magazine. "Start small, because small can only get bigger. Starting big means burning out, blowing out, getting hurt -- another reason to stop."

Huffington Post: How to Fix Health Problems with Food 

What are some great reads you guys have stumbled upon?

Relief.

Last week, my mom got a mammogram and they wanted to biopsy of an area just to be safe. Her results came back negative so I was glad to hear that this morning. She said the worst part was the wait.

My sister texted me this weekend and I had to laugh at what she told me because it was exactly what my mom did when we video chatted her from Florida.

Paints quite a picture doesn't it?

Our family is extremely tight-knit even though we live so far apart. I think it's a good dynamic because when we are together, we have a great time. To stay in touch, my sister and I chat daily online. I also make sure to webcam with the parents at least every other day if not daily. There are some things that parents normally don't discuss with the kids but my parents have had zero problems crossing that boundary growing up. I probably wouldn't be AS open as them when I have my own kids but I do appreciate the fact that communication is fairly good in the family.

Our family doesn't understand the meaning of the silent treatment. We "talk" it out (shouting matches are pretty epic....). The silver lining is nothing is ever ignored and left to brew.

I'm super glad my mom's test results came back fine.

Summer 2012

On another note, my thoughts are with those suffering in Oklahoma right now. I couldn't turn away from the news last night. There are no words. The wait of not knowing if your child/family/friend is safe must be the worst thing in the world. No one should have to experience that. It's amazing to hear about the heroes that step up during times of devastation. Neighbor saving neighbor. Teachers carrying kids out of the rubble. Teachers throwing themselves to shield kids. Bless them all.

I went for a 4.8 mile run this morning in the hot humidity. I wore a zip up hoodie to avoid bad tan lines. It was soaked with sweat by the time I got back. I figure it's like a mobile sauna experience.

My boyfriend has been consistent with his nighttime workouts on the elliptical. I do my weighted hula-hoop sessions next to him when we watch TV. My brother knows how to hula hoop but not the weighted ones. He tried last night and couldn't last 10 seconds wailing, "It hurts!!!!!"

Maybe he'll see me in a different light considering I do at least an hour at night :)

I leave this post on a light note with photos of my favorite doggy niece, Mwaji.

Thanks sis in advance!

Have a wonderful and productive day everyone. 

Yelpiversary at Samurai Blue

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Yelp Elite event at Samurai Blue Sushi and Sake Bar last Sunday. I went to the Samurai Blue event last year at the Ybor location but this year, it was hosted in the Westchase location.

This is my recap from last year's event. Last year, they served everything family style so I ended up feeling stuffed after the event. There were tons of leftovers and people left the event encouraged to take doggy bags. My "dog" just happened to be my brother who is a preteen foodie.

This year, servers brought around plates with different dishes throughout the two hour event. I liked the pace of the service because I had time to digest and truly enjoy every single dish without overeating. You could ask the server for a particular dish if you wanted more but I think this method was smart and created less waste.

I knew I was in for a feast so I planned ahead eating light prior to the event focusing on protein and vegetables. I opted to go light on starches and only had a slice of PB &J Toast before my 8.2 mile run.

The event definitely didn't disappoint and I had a blast with my boyfriend (my +1).

I may have overdressed for the event since I knew the venue is pretty casual but I always love dressing up so it definitely wasn't a chore.

My hair is in need of a trim!

Look at me with my name tag!

Fried Crab Wonton

Panko Crab Claw with Creamed Potato

Spicy Sashimi and Cucumber Salad

Scallop with Ponzu Jelly and Micro Greens

Lobster Roll

Osaka Pressed Roll

Sashimi

Matcha Mille Feuille Cake 

(Crepes layered with Green Tea Flavored Cream)

Service and food were both outstanding. I left happy and satiated but not too stuffed. The event was from 3 pm - 5 pm so I considered that dinner and didn't eat for the rest of the night. I think I did a good job with moderation and planning ahead since I knew this event would have lots of food. I tried a bit of all the dishes and skipped the nigiri (raw fish over rice) opting for straight sashimi. 

They gave us the option of different drinks but I stuck with water throughout the night. My boyfriend definitely enjoyed sampling their 12 y/o whiskey. 

I had my cake and ate it too (literally). You can read my Yelp review of the event here.

Last week, I did a good job of controlling my appetite as well as getting exercise in. I've started brushing my teeth after dinner. For some reason, that stops me from eating anything for the rest of the night. I brush again before bed but it's almost like a way to tell my body, "You are done for today."

Another thing I've been doing is prepping a lot of raw celery. If I need to munch on something, I chew on celery. I also don't go back for seconds. 

I have more control over eating when I'm sleeping well and exercising. 

I hope everyone has a great week!

It's Memorial Day Weekend! What is everyone planning?

We might be heading to Atlanta for two days to check out a few of their attractions. It'll be nice to say hello to the whale shark from Taiwan since we're both so far away from home.

I've been using Yelp! to bookmark restaurants and attractions that I want to go to. I like to plan trips so that it's efficient, fun and cost-effective. 

How do you guys plan for trips to places you've never been? Any tips about Atlanta? :)

Gotta start somewhere

I remember when I first started out working out, I gobbled up every health-related article there was. I remember reading about the "best time to workout" to burn the most fat, calories....etc.

I think the best advice I read somewhere was...the best time to workout is ANY TIME. The important thing is to get it in when you can. If you aren't a morning person, maybe forcing yourself to wake up every morning isn't the best if you are sleep deprived. Then again, you might find out that morning jolt of exercise is the buzz you need to rev up your engines for the day. The important thing is to find out what works for you!

I'm a morning person so I find that I have the most energy in the mornings for exercise. I can squeeze in a short afternoon workout but my best workouts are definitely in the AM.

My boyfriend worked out twice this week on the elliptical around 8:30 pm a few hours after dinner has been digested. We eat dinner pretty early between 5:30-6 pm. I like going to bed not feeling full.

When do you like to workout? 

I woke up around 6 am this morning eating a piece of PB&J toast and a cup of coffee before heading out the door for my morning run. I planned for a longer run this morning and managed a 8.2 mile run in 74 minutes. I started around 6:41 am so the majority of my run was fairly cool and the humidity was barely rising. 

I saw an armadillo and had to stop to snap a photo for my brother :)

I stopped a few times to snap photos and cross roads safely. Other than a few times, I didn't stop jogging and running. It was a fabulous run ending my week with 27.2 miles ran over 5 days. I took Monday and Friday off to do other workouts to rest my legs. 

I was super sweaty by the time I finished with a natural post-run glow

Here's a great infographic from Gym Junkies entitled, "Do I workout today?" 

I think most roads lead to.... "Go workout!" 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Recipe: Oven-Baked Spanish Potato Omelette

Dinner last night consisted of Broiled Salmon with Romesco Sauce, 

Fresh Greens, Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers and Spanish Potato Omelette

When I cook meals at home, it's an organic process that is determined by what's in the fridge and what needs to be used up. I normally do my grocery shopping on the weekends so by Thursday, I'm nearing the last bit of fresh produce that needs to be used up.

My meals near the end of the week end up being more creative since it has to do with availability.I had salmon and I wanted to use a few potatoes since I had bought a 5 lb bag. During my run, I was inspired to make a Spanish Potato Omelette (Tortilla Espanola). It's funny I do my best thinking when I'm exercising.

I've actually never made it before but I've been meaning to. The recipes online call for it to be made on the stove top with a lot of flipping and what not but I decided to take a short-cut and bake it like I would a quiche. Once I had decided on one particular dish, the rest of the dinner menu came together relatively easily. Next time, I'm going to try the stove top method and see which version I prefer. 

I decided to stuff some mini-bell peppers and use the rest of the unused bell peppers to make a fresh Romesco sauce to serve with broiled salmon. The meal was a hit! I think my brother ate 4 wedges of the potatoes! My boyfriend and I had 2 each. 

How do you plan your dinners?

Oven-Baked Spanish Potato Omelette
Ingredients
2 Medium Russet Potatoes
4 Large Eggs
3 Slices Bacon
1 Medium Sweet Onion
4 Cloves Garlic
1/2 cup Flat-Leaf Parsley
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes *optional/adjustable

1. Using a mandolin or careful knife skills, thinly slice potatoes
2. Place potatoes in a pot and cover them with cold water
3. Bring water to a boil and lower heat to a simmer for 5-6 minutes

4. Drain potatoes and set aside
5. Dice onions, garlic and parsley on a cutting board
6. Cook bacon in a pan and render out fat (2-3 minutes on medium heat)
7. Take out bacon pieces and crumble. Set aside.
8. Reserve 1 tsp of bacon fat and toss the rest
9. On medium-heat, saute onions and garlic in in bacon fat in the same skillet
10. Season with salt, pepper, paprika and red pepper flakes
11. Remove onion mixture from heat and allow to cool.
12. In a large mixing bowl, carefully layer potatoes, onion mixture and chopped parsley

13. In a bowl, beat eggs together for 1 minute and fold into large mixing bowl
14. Preheat oven to 400F
15. Spray a 9.5" pie dish or any comparable baking dish with non-stick cooking spray
16. Carefully pour in potato-egg mixture into the dish

17. Bake for 30-40 minutes in the preheated oven until top is golden
18. Remove from oven and allow dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving
19. Slice into pie wedges and serve

Perfection :)

Consistency

The topic on my mind this morning is consistency. My boyfriend has been wanting to get in a shape for some time now but there is a distinct difference between wanting and doing.

Eating wise, he's eating the same foods as me since I'm the only one in the kitchen but he tends to eat larger portions and snack on healthy foods I have lying around like nuts and fruit. He's maintained a steady 25 lb weight loss since 2009 when we both started eating healthier and exercising but he hasn't been able to break through his goal of getting below 200 lbs. He's 5'11 and has a lot of muscle but he really wants to get leaner and tone up a bit.

I think his main issue is being active and consistently exercising. He practices a golf a few times a week but overall, his lifestyle is pretty sedentary. He bought an elliptical last summer which he goes on now and then but I ended up using it more often when I don't want to run outside.

He's hoping to get back in the habit of doing 20-30 minutes of elliptical work in the morning and I'm going to do my utmost to encourage that without being a drill sergeant.

I just want him to be healthy and happy. I want to grow old with him which means he needs to stay in shape! This morning I did a short 20 min pilates session alone then I had to do a 15 minute shortened version with my boyfriend to get him working on his core. He woke up later than he planned to so he couldn't jump on the elliptical. He vowed to try again tomorrow.

I'm a firm believer of taking it day by day. It's less daunting if you focus on short-term goals. Eventually, these mini-tasks end up becoming habits and permanent lifestyle changes. The key is consistency. I'd rather do 30 minutes a day throughout the week than go all out one day only to hurt myself for the rest of the week. Building up to your desired intensity is key.

Pretty flowers I saw on my run this morning

As for me, I've been consistently running at least 3 times a week the last 3 weeks ranging between 4.8 miles and 5.6 miles. This week, I've ran Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I think I'm going to skip tomorrow's run opting for strength work, dancing to my Kinect and yoga. I'm planning a long'er' run this weekend since I can wake up earlier and beat the heat.

I feel so much more focused and happy when I'm consistently exercising. My energy is up and I feel more like myself. I have to admit some days I almost talk myself out of it but I've forced my butt to get into some gym shorts and head outdoors before I can second-guess myself.

The hard part is getting out the door and the first 1/2 mile or so.

Humidity is definitely up in the area which makes me sweat more.

My skin looks better when I'm sweating!

I've been spending extra time outdoors so I pay special attention to applying sunscreen with broad spectrum protection. 

This is an old article in the Huffington Post "Bill McElligott, Delivery Truck Driver, Has Severe Sun Damage On One Side Of His Face" but I saw it being brought up on TV last week so it seemed relevant to talk about. 

Mr McElligott was a truck driver for 28 years and the sun has damaged the right side of his face through the car window. The difference between the sun exposed face and the shielded side is incredibly obvious.

Source: Huffington Post

I hope everyone is taking the necessary steps to protect themselves from sun exposure even on cloudy days! 

Your home decor style?

I remember a scene in Sex and the City where Carrie introduces the "Marrying Guy" to Charlotte since they both seemed to want to find "the One." Charlotte ends up rejecting the guy because they had different taste in China.

When you first start dating a guy, there's an imaginary (at least..I hope it's not on paper) check-list that you go through hoping the person sitting across from you makes the cut.

I know on my list, home decor style was definitely not something that I highly prioritized. Then again...I was in my early twenties not imagining I would be owning a house with my now-boyfriend.

My boyfriend likes things neat, organized, and modern. I remember house hunting and he would wince when he walked into a house that felt "old." I think his nightmare would be rustic farm or French countryside which is on the opposite side of his personal taste.

My mom loves European countryside mixed in with eclectic pieces she's collected over the years. My dad doesn't care as long as he has a bed to sleep on. It was an easy dynamic where my mom could make all the stylistic choices and my dad just had to foot the bill.

Where do I fall in terms of home decor style? I think I'm modern mixed in with eclectic. I like interesting pieces done in a modern way.

Unlike my dad, my boyfriend actually has an opinion about home decorating so it's been interesting finding common ground and communicating our likes and dislikes.

It's taking longer to fully decorate our house because we're taking the time to pick out each piece. We do a combination of online shopping and local shopping.

Are you compatible with your significant other about home decor? 

Does one person take the backseat or is it a combined effort?

Last night, we hung up some photo frames in my brother's room after finally developing photos for him. I like to encourage my brother to voice his opinion so he had 100% control over what photos he wanted up on his wall.

We just recently ordered a black and silver bookcase, a vase and two 12x15" canvas photos of our Alma Mater.

We're currently on the hunt for more wall decor for our bare walls. We have 3 oil paintings on Etsy bookmarked! 

Where do you like to shop for home decor? 

Need a large painting above our Master bed