Moving

While lazily sitting in bed this morning.. (again no work out) I decided to switch my blog over to word press.
I will still change it and update it.. But here it is so far.
http://hannahbananaa.wordpress.com/

A mini update.

I really have not had time or been able to give updates during this trip.
We have been constantly on the go, loosing phone service, maxing out phone batteries and without internet.
It has been wonderful.
I have no reason to think about work.. & just been able to relaxxx.

We are currently in Oregon --> McMinninville which is in the heart of wine country.
Today, Jason and I spent the day wine tasting!!
So fun.  The wineries here are wonderful & the people are so nice.
We actually had to stop after 4 wineries.. (but lots of tasting!) because we felt we would be talked into buying more wine!

Yesterday we spent the day traveling from Victoria, on Vancouver Island, by ferry to Seattle, and then by train to Portland!! LLOOONG DAY!!

Tomorrow we will be heading to Bend Oregon where my sister lives before trying to head back on Saturday!!

On workouts, I got a mini run in yesterday combined with a walk with my mom.  Other than that not too much other than walks and some hikes. O well!

Hope you are having a wonderful week!!

Guest Post: Blue-Eyed Runner

Keri is a great blogger which I have grown to love.  I admire her speediness in races, and only hope to be as fast as her one day!! I love her track work outs but I do not have a track near me to try.  She only lives ONE state over from me.  I wish I could keep up with her so I could run with her!! Enjoy her post!

Finding Motivation

Hi Hannah Banana readers! My name is Keri and I blog over at Blue-Eyed Runner.

I am very excited to guest post for Hannah while she is away! I am obviously a runner, but I love all kinds of exercise...anything to break a sweat! I recently began working as a bootcamp instructor.

Having trouble getting motivated in the summer heat? Or maybe you are just need to switch up your routine?

Try these tips to get or stay motivated:

*Enjoy Yourself

Don't want to run today? Don't. Take a spin class, do Pilates, go for a hike with a friend. Go to the beach and run in the sand for 10-20 minutes (killer workout, by the way). The point is, don't do something you dread doing. People ask me all the time how I can run so long because they find it incredibly boring. I do it because I love it. Find something that you love to do. 

*Switch Up Your Routine

Even though I love running, I don't always want to do it everyday. Change up your workouts so you are not doing the same pace and route everyday. Try a track workout, tempo run, hill workout, plyometric routine, etc.

Bored with your runs? Try these workouts: 

*12 x 400s w/ 400 meter rest

*1 mile warm up, 3 mile tempo run, 1 mile cool down

*5 x 1000 meter sprints w/ 200 meter rest

*10 x 10 second hill sprints 

*10 minute workouts

Still bored? Try something else: a spin class, Pilates, or BOOT CAMP :)

*Workout With a Buddy

Making plans with a friend will hold you accountable and keep you motivated at the same time!

*Blog or Read Blogs

There is a ton of inspiration out there on the web! 

*Track Your Training

Sometimes I force myself to workout just so I won't see that blank space on my training log!

*Make an Inspiration Board

Mine always keeps me motivated! I post these on my wall. Just looking at them is instant motivation.

  

*Set a Goal

I like training for races. It keeps me motivated and focused. Your goal can be anything from I want to sweat 5 days a week to lose weight or train for a marathon.

*Reward Yourself

Reward yourself for reaching your goal, trying something new or just sticking with it!

Thanks for reading!!

*What do you do to stay motivated??

Guest Post: Greek Yogurt & Apple Slice

I recently found Holly's post through another guest post that she did. She has now become one of my favorite bloggers to check on to get tips and ideas for workouts, recipe ideas and just ready about her daily life.  She recently made the commitment to become 100% vegetarian.. OOPs I mean 100% Pescatarian (is that how you spell it?!).  Like me, she cannot give up the fishy stuff that is oh so yummy. 

ENJOY!

Hey There Hannah Banana Readers!! ☺

I’m Holly & I have this little blog over at Greek Yogurt & Apple Slices. 

(Longest blog name EVER!! ☺ )

I just want to first thank Hannah for letting me invade her blog today! 

I have enjoyed reading her posts, and I hope that she is having a BLAST on vacation!! ☺

My blog is all about living a healthy lifestyle while trying to keep my Crohn’s Disease from flaring up.

I recently married my best friend, and am enjoying every minute of the newlywed lifestyle! ☺

I love coming up with new recipes & sharing them on my blog,

things like Caesar Salad pasta and Cinnamon Roll Muffins!


Today I thought I would share with you one of my absolute favorite breakfast recipes that I have come up with to date!! Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes! It is the perfect summertime recipe because of the fresh smell of lemon. I LOVE lemon, it just smells so refreshing & crisp!

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

Ingredients:

-1 cup Almond Milk
-1 tbsp. vinegar
-1 tbsp. lemon juice
-1/2 tsp. vanilla
-1 cup whole wheat flour
-2 tbsp. Splenda, or sweetener of choice
-1 tsp. baking powder
-1/2 tsp. baking soda
-1/2 tsp. salt
-1 tsp. poppy seeds
- 3/4 tsp- 1 tsp. lemon peel (depending on your taste preference)
-cooking spray

Preparation:

1. Combine the milk, vinegar & lemon juice- mix together in a bowl. Let stand about 8-10 minutes to curdle. Stir in vanilla after the 10 minutes have ended.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the WW flour, Splenda (or sweetener of choice), baking powder, baking soda, salt, poppy seeds, & lemon peel.

3. Stir in the milk mixture into the flour mixture & whisk until the batter is free of lumps.

4. Heat a skillet, or griddle over medium high heat that is sprayed with cooking spray. Once heated, pour the batter into desired size pancakes. Cook on one side until you see bubbles form, then flip & cook for about another 2-3 minutes or until golden on each side.

Serve them with maple syrup, or sugar which. 

I prefer the sugar glaze, just the combination of the flavors is wonderful!! ☺

3 ingredient Sugar Glaze recipe:
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix milk, extract and powdered sugar until glaze forms. 

You may need to add a little more sugar or water/milk to reach desired consistency. 

Mix into glaze and drizzle on pancakes.




These pancakes were not only a hit with me, but my husband loved them! He made me promise that I would make them again...guess I should probably do that, since it’s been a while since we have had them. ;)

Anyways, I hope you all have a wonderful day!! Please feel free to swing by my blog anytime ☺ Thanks again to Hannah for letting me guest post!

Two Mom's in the Raw Review

I have always been intrigued by the Raw food life style.
I am amazed that people can live this life style.
I do not think I can do this but always love the raw foods, and love a lot of foods at its natural state.

I contacted 2 Mom's in the Raw.
The story behind the company is inspirational...

In 2004, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After exploring all options, I found a natural approach to healing worked best for me. Food in its natural state without all the additives and pesticides is what the body needs to heal and feel good. 

minus the bar.. I was starving when I was out and ate it between errands.

 This bar was so good. Complete with nuts and cranberries.. I wish I could tell you more, however I just remember loving it while shoving it in my mouth...

Almond Butter Cacao Truffles

 Jason managed to get into these before I did...
They were a perfect treat.  Tasted pure and sweet without feeling full or guilty!  They gave me a little boost of energy in the middle of the day.

Tomato Basil Sea Crackers

I still have some of these.  They are packed along with me for snacks on our trip.
I love the texture.  They have enough flavor to eat solo or if you want to dip in something (though I have only eaten them plain).

Goji Berry Granola

This may have been my favorite product.  These were made as a to-go snack.
D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!  Perfect taste complete with a nice hint of cinnamon which I loved!

For those of you who are interested in the Raw lifestyle try some of these out.
I saw a couple things at Whole Foods, but I believe they are trying to expand to other places.

Definitely a must try even if you are not into the raw diet.. everything is delicious!

Busy Busy.

Quick Update..
Hope you enjoy the guest posts!!

We camped in a log cabin last night so no internet.

We are currently in Port Angeles.. Yes about 50 miles from Forks, Washington, home of Bella Swan from Twighlight!
I am not a big twighlight fan though I have read the books and was not to into the movie.

We also went to dinner at Bella Italia, the location of Bella and Edward's first date.
Not because of this but just because it had good reviews...

Tomorrow Jason, my mom and I are heading over to Vancouver Island while my sister heads back to Bend, Oregon.

Hopefully I get a chance to post later!!!

Guest Post- The Fitness Dish

I love Laury's Blog.  It was one of the first blogs that I began to read, and as a result found other blogs.

When I began reading her blogs, Laury was only recently pregnant.

Since then she has had a beautiful baby girl.  

I love reading how she has grown and how she has changed since becoming a mom.

She is so inspirational and motivating.

AND she also lives in the Philadelphia Area!!

I definitely want to try to meet up with her at some point.. 

Hello there! I'm Laury and I blog over at The Fitness Dish, which follows my life along with fitness and nutrition tips (and yummy recipes)! I'm a personal trainer, certified fitness nutritionist and a new mom to a beautiful baby girl!

Today I want to tell you about one of my favorite superfoods...HEMP! Hemp is an amazing source of plant protein, and it's a great source of many other amazing nutrients.

 I LOVE Hemp Milk, and I loooove adding hemp seeds to dressings, smoothies and yummy vegan desserts.

Such as...

Omega Tempeh Salad

Chocolate Peanut Butter Hemp Smoothie

or another variation of my favorite dessert...


Chocolate Peanut Butter Hemp Softserve

Why are Hemp Seeds so great, you ask?

Here's 5 reasons why...

1. They contain about 36.6% (complete) protein, making them the highest source of plant protein out there!

2. It’s more digestible than soy protein

3.It’s the highest plant source of essential fatty acids. Hemp Seed is a direct source of GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid/ Omega-6 fatty acid), Sterodonic Acid and Chlorophyll ( flax seed lacks all 3 of these)

4. Contains all 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids that our bodies can not produce

5. It’s one of the most nutritionally complete food sources in the world!

So try adding some hemp seeds to your smoothie, or sprinkle it in your oats or a salad for some amazing nutrition!

Hope you enjoyed my post! 

xxoo

Laury

Guest Post: Bess Be Fit

Bess is one of my FAVORITE bloggers.  She is hilarious and has great posts filled with oatmeal bowls, work out tips, and other fun adventures.  She has a similar background to me being a college athlete transitioning to life beyond.  

A Workout You Can Do Anywhere

Hi Hannah Banana Readers!

My name is Bess and I blog at Bess Be Fit.  Hannah has graciously asked me to do a guest post so I am excited to briefly share her space in the blogosphere. 

If you’ve ever stopped by my blog, you’ll notice food is a huge aspect.  However, exercise is equally as important to me!  I find balance in life through balancing healthy eating and exercise with indulgences and rest days.

While its not always possible to get to a gym to do a “formal” workout, I wanted to share a circuit workout that you can do anywhere and it only takes a short bit of time to complete.  You can get in a full body workout anytime and you don’t need any equipment except yourself!

·      50 jumping jacks

·      25 squats

·      50 alternating punches (25 each side)

·      15 pushups

·      50 alternating lunges (25 each side)

·      15 triceps dips

·      15 burpees

·      50 bicycle abs (25 each side)

·      15 toe touch abs

That is one set.  Aim to do it at least three times!  Give yourself a little rest between each exercise and a slightly longer rest between each set.  Not too long, though!  You want to keep your heart rate up to make this workout as effective as possible.

Thanks everyone for having me!

Landed.

Yesterday evening we landed in Seattle..!
I am very excited for this trip and hope it goes as slow as possible!..
I am currently up before  EARLY everyone else despite the late bed time..
Hopefully Jason will atleast get up soon so we can explore a little bit.
The Market is right around the corner.
We are only here for today before we go to Olympic Park and then to Vancouver Island.
Enjoy your week!

Two Strikes..

First flight at 7:30 am.. Strike One.

Next Flight at 9:50 am.. Strike Two.

Plan B.--> Detour through Charlotte. Flight at 11:55 am.
Looks empty so we should be at least make it there today.

Hopefully we will make it to our final destination today..
And Hopefully no more strikes..!

Wake Up Call

I think I got about 3 hours of sleep last night...

I had a lot of energy when we went to bed...which ended up being later than usual because we were watching Rescue Me. --let me tangent off of this, such a good show. Jason got me into this show last fall, and we just kept on watching. It has good things for boys and girls so the perfect show for us!


Jason's alarm went off at 3 am. Snooze button!

We still had to pack most of our stuff. ONLY CARRY ON's for 10 days!! 

Now in the airport, waiting to see if we can get on this flight..

I got a magazine.. & a book.

Not sure how it is.. we will see.

My Travel Essentials

• Water bottle-  I always bring my water bottle and fill it up after passing through security.  Sometimes you find a good water fountain and sometimes you don't.  I will take my chances. Plus it reminds me to drink water while traveling.

• A book and/or a magazine.  I love reading.  Sometimes when I am traveling I like to read through lighter material like magazines.  Sometimes I just want to read.  This time I was unsure of what I was really in the mood for so I got both! 

• Gum. I am a self proclaimed gum addict!  Gum is essential during flights because it helps me with the increased elevation.

my favorite kind of gum!

•  Snacks.  Sometimes I bring them, sometimes I don't.  It just depends on the length of the flight.  I realized I hate getting stuck on a plane and being hungry, being only left with overly salted peanuts, cookies or chips.  It only makes me feel tired and hungrier when flying.

•  A sweatshirt.  I am ALWAYS cold on airplanes.  This is essential for me.

• A shoulder to sleep on.  This is the downfall for being on standby.  You are not guaranteed a seat and may not be sitting next to the person you want to..So when I need a little nap, I need to either hope I am sitting next to the window or suck it up.  Let's hope for good luck this time...

Questions:
What are you travel essentials?
Do you pack snacks to go along?
What do you read while traveling? 

Enjoy your week!
I have set up a couple guest posts, and will try to post when possible...

All Alone...

I really need this trip.
So ready to go.

I have all my work done.
BUT have not packed a thing...

Jason brought the kitties to his Mom's house.
They were apparently very shy due to her having another kitten and a dog...
But they will have to adjust..

It is quiet here now..

Max usually snuggled up on my neck constantly..I am his mommy, but there is only so much I can take of constant purring in my ear.  He is such a snuggle bug.

We will be leaving for the airport EARLY to try to catch the 7:30 plane.
In a way I was hoping to leave a little later so I would be able to get a little work out in but...
This trip will be filled with hikes and such..
This will be a trip that is relaxing & adventurous!
I am planning on making this trip a healthy one.
I need a bit of a detox.

Questions:
How do you handle vacations & work outs?
Do you like relaxing trips better or would you rather go on a adventurous trip?

Been super busy the first 3 days of the week.
I am trying to get everything done by tomorrow morning so I do not have to worry about it while traveling.
As you can see from my post on Monday, I jam pack everything in as much as possible.
The last two days have not been quite so intense but I still have been doing a ton of work!!

I wish I could get some more posts in before I leave but this is the best I can do right now.
I will try to get something in tonight, and depending on when we leave tomorrow, maybe something quick. 
I do not know when we are leaving tomorrow because Jason works for an airline and therefore we get to fly basically for free BUT on standby.
So that can mean we hang out a lot and wait.. (I waited all day once when I was heading to Boston) or it can mean you get on the first flight.  Hoping we do not have to wait tooo long!!

I Cannot Move My Face.

I am so glad I canceled my first appointment today.
I had initially planned to run from the dentist to my client.
However, after having a bridge put in, my face is completely numb and my teeth are bloody.
I was tempted to take a picture.. but I think everyone will be completely grossed out...so just be happy I did not. Its quiet gross.
Hopefully this goes away before my clients later today :)

My Day..

it has been a long day.

• woke up at 5 am
• @ gym a little before 5:30
• home to shower, eat breakfast, relax
• began doing some work for an hr & a half
• left at 11 am to head to office
• @ office by 11:45
• work in the office 11:45-1
• meeting with supervisor 1-2pm
• work in the office 2-3:15
• drove to client
• met with 2 clients (siblings) for 1.25 hours
• drove to next client (about 30 minutes)
• quickly met for 30 minutes
• met with next client, nearby, 1.5 hours
• drove home, 45 minutes home
• home by 8:15

My neighbor delayed me a little by chatting up about the neighborhood gossip though I was dying to sit on my couch and watch the Bachelorette..
Ugh what a day...
Exhausted.
Sorry that is it!.. Barely have enough energy to watch this show...

Cookies...

Ugh.
Been in the office all day, and some evil person happened to bring in cookies that have been sitting on the desk.
I have managed to grab a few, and gave the excuse, it's that time of the month.
I need to indulge a little just because of that!

Questions:
Do you ever find your self indulging in sweets or something else during that time?
What's your favorite to go snack?

Vacation

This week I am leaving to go visit my sister who lives in Colorado, & my mom who is visiting my sister from the Netherlands.

Jason & I are planning to go to Washington, Vancouver, & Oregon.

Any suggestions?

Anyone want to do any guest posts for me?

I know I am a new blogger but..

A Productive Day

I was so excited when Jason had a full Saturday off.
He usually has to work in the early afternoon so we cannot have a full fun Saturday together!
Its a bit dissapointing!

Yesterday, Jason and I decided to take a long bike ride.
The weather has been beautiful so it was perfect!

We ended up taking a 2 hour bike ride from the city to Vally Forge National Park.
It ended up being maybe 30 miles?
It was so fun, and I ended up getting some sweet tan lines!

I didn't bring my camera to lighten our loads, but the ride was beautiful.
Some of it is pretty shaded and other parts you are right in the sunshine!
This is actually a recommended run to do for marathon training, because at a certain point to the park it is 20 miles.  You can take public transportation afterwords back into the city.
I had been thinking about doing this during my training but my knee began to hurt right after my 18 mile run.


We finished it off with a nice cup of frozen yogurt covered in fresh fruit.  SOOO yummy.
Though it is good that we don't have one a little closer because it would be a big hit to our wallets!!

Later after showering, we wandered around the city & for dinner we made home-made veggie burgers!

Sunday:
So I guess the downside of having a WHOLE day with Jason yesterday, was that I had a whole day without him today.
I decided to head out early to drop off stuff for work.
Again, since it was so beautiful out and really wanted to run.
I know I have said that I do not want to run to help my ham string heal, but I was just itching!
So I did, but I did it slow and told myself if I hurt, I would walk.

I did push myself to run but run slowly.
 I did end up walking.. because I was hurting but I was very happy to run what I did!!

I dropped off my car to get inspected, before biking to the gym to get a little extra work out.
I wanted to bike more, but my butt was hurting after the bike ride yesterday!!

I was thinking I was going to be sooo productive with my car inspection but apparently something is wrong and they cannot start the inspection. I may have to go to the dealer to get it checked out!! I hope its nothing serious!!

After picking up my malfunctioning car.. I head to Whole Foods, spent forever walking around and spent a fortune like always.  I was trying not to but I get tempted by too many things.

Again..I wanted to get my car washed but by the time I got there, it was closed.
So not as productive right now but I did make attempts at least!

After unpacking the groceries,

• I cleaned the kitchen
•  gave Max a bath (he was not happy AT ALL!)
• 
  

I couldn't resist!

he is now hiding upstairs from me...

Erewhon Brown Rice Cereal Reveiw

Annelies at Attune Food's recently sent me this cereal to try out.

We also sent eachother a bunch of emails back and forth, because her name is sooo close to my sister's.
During our emails, I discovered that her family originates in the Netherlands as well!
It was fun to find someone with such a similar background, just randomly!

Description

We take whole grains of US grown organic brown rice and blend them with gluten free organic brown rice syrup and sea salt to enhance the natural flavor of the whole grain. Then, we cook the rice and puff it to its crispy best, creating a delicious, gluten free breakfast cereal.

Enjoy by the bowl, sprinkled over yogurt or in your favorite treat recipe.

Ingredients

Organic brown rice, Organic brown rice syrup, Sea salt.

When I poured this cereal into my bowl it reminded me of Rice Crispies cereal when I was younger.

I was expecting it to Snap! Crackle! or Pop! (remember?!)

I usually go for cereal that has a little more consistency because if it doesn't, I will eat bowl after bowl before I actually feel full.

I found this to be the perfect snack, rather than a meal for breakfast.

It was actually very delicious, and no tummy problems!

Sooo good!

Definitely recommend this for those who are trying to find a gluten free cereal that is light, and brings back some childhood memories.

Thanks Annelies!!!

Missing in Action

Sorry I have been absent from blogging lately.
Yesterday I woke up at 4:45 to go to the gym, hurried home to shower, spend an hour in traffic to get to training by 9 am, went to the dentist, came home shortly before going to get to a bbq, to come home late to finish a video for training.
Today I slept in, on my way to training and after to the gym.
Exhaustion.

I know now that my tooth is fractured and need to get a bridge! :( Horrible.

There is a story to this..

While in high school, playing field hockey, the goalie popped up a field hockey ball into my face.  As a result my lower teeth went into my lip.  I was told that if I got hit again, I would loose my front teeth..

Lets fast forward to yes, another field hockey game, but this time in college.
During the corner, I was "flying".  For those of you not familiar with field hockey, and corner's, this means that on the defensive end, the fly is the person that sprints after the ball, after the oppistion hits it out ( this is why I cannot be a coach.   I cannot explain things well)  So here is a video that helps explain what I am talking about...






During this corner, a girl PURPOSELY hit a ball into my face, resulting in my front tooth falling out ( I actually caught it in my hand!).  I got 2 root canals to my two front teeth  as a result.  Makes me think of this...




Fast forward to last summer..actually last July, the same week I was due to graduate with my master's degree.
Jason and I went for a bike ride to the gym.  On the way back, in an attempt to race Jason back home (my compitive side shining through!!), I raced ahead of him and actually went a different way.  While I was attempting to turn on a street, my bike wheel got stuck in a trolley line. My bike tipped over, tipping me off the bike.  My face was destroyed!!  I also managed to crack my front tooth and loosened the other front tooth. This resulted in me having to get a crown on my tooth.

My face did recover in time for graduation and graduation pictures.. Thank god!

Now, yesterday, Jason made grilled corn on the cob.  I love corn on the cob..
But yesterday I bit into it..
 And my tooth is now loose!

It would not be so bad but my dental insurance just ended when my dad went to the Peace Corp and since I am  contracting for work, I do not get my own insurance through work.  I took my own health insurance.

So now I have to pay out of pocket to get this fixed or it WILL fall out!
My step mom told me is should come to Khazakstan because everyone gets gold crowns there..

sorry this picture is not the prettiest...

Definitely an option!!
Anyway.. This is what I trying to do today.
May not be able to go see my clients today.. so another hit to the wallet!
Hopefully I will not be posting a picture of myself with a missing tooth soon!

Questions
 Have you ever lost a tooth?  What happened?

BAD DAY!

I had every intention of posting a good post tonight!

But I had a bad day!

I am NOT in the mood.

Sorry...

Really frustrated with my work and some of the parents that I am currently working with.

Just not good!

Running Ban

I think I need a break from running.

My right hamstring is killing me.

My legs are tired.

As much as I hate it.. I think its what my body needs.

I hate it. I get the best high from running.

I have not been getting that lately and it is frustrating!!


I had planned to do a marathon this fall but I do not know if I will...

I am going to take a break.  I will still work out but will not run.
Instead I will bike, use the stair climber or elliptical, go to spin classes.
Anything BUT run!
So sad!

Questions:
Have you ever taken a break from running or something to recover other than after training for a race?
I did but I think I should have waited longer.  I just got antsy!   

Weekend Recap

This weekend has not been an exciting one..
But it was still the weekend and I am not looking forward to a very busy and upcoming week.

Friday, my aunt came to visit.
It was POURING DOWN most of the afternoon and evening.
We were not about to venture outside!
Luckily she brought over some yummy indian food!
We ate, sat, and chatted until she had to leave.

Jason and I had a nice quiet night in, where he mixed up a little alcoholic smoothie.
We also watched Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. Crazy movie! Definitely a must see!

We slept in on Saturday very nice and relaxing.
Saturday was not too busy- I finished a book and went to the gym.

We decided to head out for a nice little Mexican.
A delicious shrimp taco salad along with some chips and salsa, and of course a corona!
Again back home after walking around a bit and just relaxed!

Jason and I are not the people that go out that much.
We would much rather relax and hang out together. Pretty much homebodies!
I do love going out especially on nice summer evenings and days, but I tend to enjoy being home more. Yes we are "old" 20 somethings.

Most people our age drink all night. I hate myself the next day and would rather enjoy the next day rather than drink all night.
Don't get me wrong, I love to go out every once in a while, but I do not need to do it often AT ALL!

Today, Jason and I went to the gym together.
Made smoothies together before Jason headed to work :(

I dropped off some stuff at work and went for a little walk/run near my office.
It was beautiful out.
Tonight.. nothing much.
Movies and relaxing.

Need to get back on track with this.
I swear it will happen. Despite the busyness of the week!

xoing

Fat Sick & Nearly Dead

http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/

(Some) Weird Obsessions

I like a lot of things a lot of other people don't..

For example, my dinner can consist of brussel sprouts and lima beans with pesto and garlic= happy girl!
I have a strange obsession with these veggies..I cannot seem to get enough of them, or pesto (yum!!).. so put them together and it is perfect!!!

this was me when I was younger, my mom told my sister and I they were barbie cabbages...

I also currently love Britney Spears new song.. Anyone else??








Other things I cannot seem to get enough of:

• almonds
• apples
• grapes
• pineapple
• Glee
• smoothies
• sunflowers
• watermelon
• goat cheese
• reading
• Kumbucha
• board games
• chocolate (who really isnt..)
• candles
• fresh flowers
• farmers markets
• picking berries

WHY IS MOST OF THIS FOOD!?!?

•  sangria
• BBQ's
• summer
• the beach.. of course.
• board games
• eggplant
• taking pictures when people least expect it

I think that a lot of people who read this might like similar things, but people think I am weird especially for the brussel sprouts/lima bean/eggplant obsession.

Any weird things that you are obsessed with?  Or any not so weird things you are obsessed with?

Skinny (Book Review)

I was recently sent this book to review after hearing about it from Carey from Moves and Munchies.
The reason I expressed interest in this book is because my experiences with binge eating and disordered eating.

PLOT:
In the aftermath of her Orthodox Jewish father's death, twenty-six-year-old Gray Lachmann finds herself compulsively eating. Desperate to stop binging, she abandons her life in New York City for a job at a southern weight-loss camp. There, caught among the warring egos of her devious co-counselor Sheena, the self-aggrandizing camp director Lewis, his attractive assistant Bennett, and a throng of combative teenage campers, she is confronted by a captivating mystery: her teenage half-sister Eden, whom Gray never knew existed. Now, while unraveling her father's lies, Gray must tackle her own self-deceptions and take control of her body and her life. 

My Review:

I love reading books.. and was unable to put this book down after I began to read it (On Tuesday!).  I was very excited when I received this book not only because I was searching for a good book to read but also because I felt that the character in this book went through similar situations and struggles that I have had.

Gray, who initially began her binging following her father's death.  She is unable to find a connection to reasons why.. and states that her father when he died, left her with his insatiable hunger...

I also am not sure about when or why I began to binge eat but do feel like it was the result of family issues, and my attempt at trying to comfort myself as a result.  I also have been unable to open up to someone about it and am attempting to figure out how the best way would be to go about this..

All the characters in this book have their own issues which they are all trying to work through.  They are all finding themselves, and although much of it seems to be linked to weight, a number on the scale and their bodies, there is so much more to their stories than just those things (a reminder for everyone out there!!)


I loved seeing Gray evolve through out her relationships with men, the campers, and her mother,  as well as the ups and downs in weight that were tied to these connections..She is able to come full circle and talk to her mother about her worries and struggles that had been associated with her father's death and her guilt that was very much tied to his death.


I believe that this is a wonderful book for women and girls to read, who struggle with body image, weight issues, and disordered eating habits, as well as trouble with guilt, relationships and coming of age.

When One Bowl Of Ice Cream Turns Into Two

I have to admit, something I am a little embarrassed about, that I have no self control anymore.
After one bowl of ice cream, despite being full and satisfied, I went back for more...
I couldn't stop.. I don't know why.
It's something I have struggled with..
I don't know how to stop.

When Plans Don't Work Out.

My plan when I got up this morning at 5 am, was to get cardio done in the morning and do strength training in the evening.
Welll...
After the HARDEST spin class I have ever taken, and a long day of work follow by a long drive home..
I am tired.
And I was hungry..

Now instead I am relaxing..instead of working out.
I will get a good work out in, but not tonight!

Tonight = Ice cream (the complete opposite of working out), Pretty Little Liars..(i am a sucker) & reading a good book!

Enjoy your night!!

NEW PICTURES!

Just added some pictures to Gallery Page!!

Straight as an Arrow

After lazying around for a couple hours, watching a movie, taking a little nap, I forced myself up despite lacking the energy and went for a run.  Still hot an sticky, I told myself if I got it done now, I would be able to relax for the remainder of the evening.  I knew people would be out and about celebrating, and I would be longingly looking at them enjoying their holiday with friends and family, having bbq's but I was going to RUN!



Ben Franklin Bridge Run... To Jersey and Back!

Definitely a hot and sticky one but feeling so good now.  After words I walked to Wawa.. Best place on earth and grabbed some Powerade.  I was feeling like I really needed some rebooting and due to the heat, I just was not hungry yet.  I generally need some time to recover and be hungry after long runs.  I am not one of those people who come back starving!  I know I need to give my self what it needs but its a little hard when you are just soo hot!!

The rest of my night is not going to be too exciting.  It looks like it may rain so.. I don't even know about fireworks!

Trying to Love Myself
Yesterday I went to Target and was trying on a bunch of really cute clothes.  I am a little addicted to Target and can never go there without wanting to buy a bunch of stuff, even when I shouldn't.
I realized as I was trying on this one skirt, although I have thought about it before, that I really don't have a shape to my body.  I mean, I am very straight and narrow.  I don't have hips or a big butt, and I don't have a really defined waist.  I also have like no boobs.. A cups right here..

I always am a bit jealous of girls who have those defined waists  and big butts. 
I do generally like my body but I guess it is hard when my body is not as feminine as many girls out there.

I was talking to Jason about this today, and he always thinks I am crazy when I am critical about my body.  He told me that whatever I think doesn't matter (sweet right?!) & that I was beautiful.  Even though I have no butt or boobs, he told me that my legs are great! (one reason he hates when I wear long dresses.. which he has actually told me, and asked me to change into a shorter dress!!)

Its great to have someone that cares about you, look at you and make you realize that despite what you think, there are other things that are great about you, and that each person looks at themselves in a completely different way than you do.  I know that I see someone different that what Jason sees when he looks at me..

We are, of course, our own worst enemy & critic!

*source

I think looking at blogs recently has helped me realize that everyone is different.  That we all have to find things that we love about ourselves and be happy about who we are.
Reading blogs has really helped me, as I am able to see that every one eats, every one struggles, and everyone is living the best to their ability.  It is easy to get wrapped up and begin to compare yourself to everyone else that you see..
 
I think as women & girls, we need to attempt as much as possible to love ourselves and embrace those things that make us beautiful.  Remember it is not just the outside that matters.  Embrace the inside.. as those things are the most important things and will get you farther than any outside beauty, no matter what ANYONE says!

Questions

Are there things about yourself that you don't like that you always compare to others?
Yes,  I am very guilty of this, and I hate it.  Like I said above, I wish I had more of a shape to my body.. but I am what I am!

What is the one thing about yourself that you love, and love to show off?
My legs, and I think my arms as well.  I also love my eyes! Gosh it feels good to say what I love about myself rather than constantly criticize parts about me!!


HOPE YOU HAD A WONDERFUL 4th OF JULY!!!