Christmas Recap

I made it safely back to the cold and windy city of New York.  Brrr! It’s colder than it was upstate!

Nevertheless, I am very glad to be back!

Christmas went something like this:

Visit with my nieces:

Sofia and Olivia

Open some great gifts including a necklace I had been eyeing for months

and some very practical stuff

The Stuff White People Like page a day calendar was a surprise and I loved it!

plus some other fun things!

Then I made Christmas dinner

Sorry no pics, but here is the menu:

Broiled Salmon with Mustard Herb Glaze

(photo from food network)

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Caprese Salad

Linguine with Butter, Pecorino, Arugula and Black Pepper ( I actually used whole wheat angel hair and double the amount of argula—using spinach instead).  This dish was good, but I don’t think I will ever make something with so much butter and cheese again.  I prefer my pasta a bit lighter.  That said, a modest serving was plenty with this rich dish).

Rented lots of movies

The hangover had some good lines, I liked the Swarely episode of HIMYM, and I fell asleep during 500 days of summer—250 days of summer would have been enough for me.

Oh, and my sister and I did this puzzle in less than a day:

Then we hit the mall for some sales

I got some amazing buys, this dress for $16 was the best.

Then I finished my South Africa album

We went out to dinner at Limoncello which I highly recommend if you are in the Saratoga area.  Yummy, expensive, but yummy.

Hitting the gym with a day pass.  Definitely needed a workout after several days with only a shred segment and shopping to get the blood pumping!  The gym was called Planet Fitness which looked like a Crunch imitator.  But served it’s purpose.  I did 10 minute on the treadmill, elliptical and bike-like elliptical and repeated the circuit once for a total of 60 minutes.  This was my favorite feature of the gym:

A few of my gifts were sent to my apartment, like my Economist subscription obviously, and my FITBOOK!

I was very excited to check it out when I got home! It was a little bigger and heavier than I anticipated, but definitely not huge.  It’s 5.5 by 5.5 inches.

While I am not one to track anything very copiously, I think this will help me set some fitness goals!  I will probably try using it at least two weeks a month and see how it goes!  I have to figure out my 2010 goals and share them!  I guess I have a day left to do that!

Other than that I have been catching up with friends and celebrating some birthdays!  Happy almost NYE everyone!

One of my favorite DJ groups—The Rub–is playing in Brooklyn on Jan. 2nd.  But they have a great mix free for download:  It’s the Mother**** Remix.  Check it out.

New Favorites of 2009

While many of my favorite websites, blogs, restaurants, coffee shops, books, and foods have stayed the same, I discovered some new haunts and entertainment in 2009 that are round up worthy.

Websites of 2009

Fashion

Omiru.  I may have read omiru in 2008, but I became a dedicated follower in 2009.

New York

LiqCity.  I love local news.

NYC Feelings.  This just makes me happy.

Out with the old.  I don’t know why, but citysearch just didn’t do it for me in 2009.

NYMAG I still use and read, but definitely less so.  I have missed many a NY Diet, Sex Diaries, TV Recap and even my favorite, the approval matrix this year.

Humor sites

TFLN

Someecards

I can’t even admit how much time I spend amused by these sites.

Browser

Google Chrome!  Love.

Blogs

Ever so many.  It would be impossible to pick a favorite.

But I will pick my  favorite Blogging Experience

The Blogger Dinner and Brunch Meet ups and the wonderful friendships that subsequently followed.

Restaurants

Hmmm.  I feel as though I did not try many new places in 2009.  Very sad.

But the winner might have to be Pipa.  For both atmosphere and food.

Runner up: Mundo in Astoria.

Bars

I tried many new bars this year, it is hard to pick a favorite, but I would say

Lillie’s and Flatiron Lounge

Store and Online Shopping

I am definitely in a Loft/Gap rut, but I did pick up a few cute things at Variazioni and Martin and Osa this year. Both new to me in 2009.

Books

Most of my reading was for school, and Disgrace was probably the best thing I read.   I read my fair share of mindless chick lit this year.  I stole  Queen of Babble in the Big City of my sister over break and got through it in less that four hours.

Favorite Museum

I went to the Morgan Library for the first time in 2009 (thanks Shane!). Gorgeous!  Although it might be tied with the Guggenheim, also a first for me.

Workout Class

Core Fusion Sport at Exhale

Yoga

Core Strength Vinyasa with Sadie Nardini

Movie

Up in the Air

Race

NYC Marathon, duh!

Running buddy

Oh Katherine (Runner Wife’s Life), what would I have done without you this year?  I hope for many more runs in 2010!  Thanks for getting me through so many long runs!

Experience

Traveling to South Africa, but more specifically, staying in the Soweto Township in South Africa, yup that even topped the safari! (recaps 1, 2,  3, 4 and 5)

Beautiful Bloggers

Thank you so much to the lovely and gracious Gena for passing along the beautiful blogger award!  It’s always exciting!

This award requires me to share 7 random facts with you all and then nominate 7 people to carry on the virtual honor.  I believe I posted 7 random facts for a different award a while back, but fortunately, I am a pretty random person…it’s kind of my thing.

1.)  I have tried to down play this on the blog, but I am a messy person at heart (and in practice).  Someone once told me, “chaos breeds genius or genius breeds chaos and either way, you’re covered;”  I took that far too literally.  At times, I do make a pretty conscious effort to stay on top of cleaning my room (meaning every night or morning picking up whatever I flung about in the few minutes I spend at home), and I am quite good at not leaving my stuff in common spaces.  But when I am really busy or have a paper due, steer clear of my room or you may never reemerge from my annex! Elizabeth refers to the normal state of my room as the clothing explosion.

2.) I wanted to be like Audrey Hepburn so badly in junior high that I actually damaged my eyesight temporarily.  I tried to open my eyes really wide like hers and ended up straining the eye muscles.  After that I learned to live with devouring every biography I could find and going to school dressed like holly golightly every thursday.  Yeah, I was a strange one.

3.) I know all the prepositions in alphabetical order, learned them in sixth grade.  Unfortunately, my school never taught states or state capitols in alpha order.

4.) I desperately want a cocker spaniel or cavelier king charles spaniel, but don’t know if I will be ever be home and/or responsible enough to be a good doggy mama.

5.) I love my family to death but we operate best via a long distance relationship.  I can spend about 3 days at home before I get “nervous,” as my mom puts it.

6.) I never read, watch or listen to the news.  It’s embarrassing how unaware I am of current events.  I asked for a subscription to the Economist to help remedy the situation. I love to curl up with a newspaper, but I can never enjoy the news online.

7.) I have always, always wanted to do a spa/yoga/or fitness retreat by myself or with a friend, I hope to make that happen in the next 2-3 years. While I make an effort to and enjoy being social, I have never minded being alone or “me time.”   I guess I have always been one to get lost in daydreams, so being alone, even on vacation, never sounds all that scary or sad to me.

Wow that was even easier than anticipated.  And now I pass the torch to my fellow beautiful bloggers (sorry if you have already received it, but you must be happy that you’re super beautiful):

1.) Averie

2.) Meghann

3.) Whitney

4.) Dori

5.) Katie

6.) Erin

7.) Jesse

I also want to send a huge thank you to Emily, the Blog Fairy, for making my blog a lot more beautiful in under 6 hours!  Dori recommended the blog fairy to me and I highly recommend her to any bloggers who are sick of wordpress, blogger, etc. templates!  In case you haven’t had a chance to click through and check out my new header, here it is:

Updates!

Hi!

I am sorry it’s been so long! I finished finals earlier this week, but I was so burnt out that I had bloggers/writers block all week. I had no idea what to blog about!  But I will respond to all the comments and emails I received over the last two weeks!  So sorry to  flake, very bad blogger etiquette!

Anyways, a few people asked about the sandwich in the last post.  It was a google image!  But my sandwich comes from an NYU dining hall and often looks even better than the photo.  Next time I order one, I will try to have my camera. 

Still I don’t know where to begin with this post—it may be all over the place.  I guess I am just thrilled to have a whole weekend to do NOTHING or ANYTHING!  No school!  Plus, my roomie got me season 1-4 of HIMYM AND Women’s Health and Self came yesterday…Christmas arrived early this year! Just in case anyone is interested my favorite episodes of HIMYM are (and this is subject to amendment since I haven’t seen them all, I came in around season 3, but caught some of the older episodes in rerun!

1. Three Days Rule
2. Lucky Penny (obvi since it’s references the NYC marathon)
3. No Tomorrow
4. Naked Man
5. Pineapple Incident

Here is a little announcement.  You all may have seen Bendie Yoga Bags on Gena’s amazing Choosing Raw 2009 Holiday Gift Guide.

Well, Bendie happens to be owned by one of my dearest friends, so I asked him about buying options.  He said that the second (super cute) generation of Bendie Bags will be launched in late February 2010, so right now only retailers can purchase the upcoming line.  However, there will be lots of discounts and giveaways to come next year!

Does anyone have a fun New Year’s idea? I still don’t know what to do.  I have been invited to a few parties, but expensive crowded bars and obscene levels of obliteration is just not my scene.  For the last two years I have done Midnight Yoga at Laughing Lotus but Ed Vitale (the man who changed my yoga life), isn’t teaching it this year.  Plus two years of NYE midnight yoga is probably enough!

Speaking of New Year’s, I got picked to do a two month diet/health makeover program with Health Magazine.  I have my nutritionist consultation in early January!  I also have to do a before and after photo shoot! I am TERRIFIED!  But excited at the same time.  My goal is to get back to my IBW—ideal body weight.  I don’t know any details yet, but I will let you know.

If you have New Year’s resolutions, Katherine explained on amazing program, called StickK that sounds like the perfect way to stick to you goals!  Love the tv interview Katherine!

Well, that’s probably enough for now.  The rest of my day includes a little shopping, lots of lounging, and if it doesn’t snow like crazy, meeting some friends out later tonight.  See you all soon.

Oh, I know this Maxx Factor got kicked off, but wow, I love my some beach boys and this was amazing!

Food Tees Giveaway Winner!

Food Tees Winner!

Thank you to all 110 entrants to the Food Tees Giveaway. I wish I could give everyone a the Foodie Tee of their dreams!

H0wever, the random interger generator selected:

#94

CONGRATULATIONS to LESLIE of And Her Little Dog Too!

Thank you again to Food Tees for allowing me to give away one of the hottest foodie items of the season!

Leslie, please email me your address, size and the shirt you would like!

Setting an example

This is kind of a random mish mosh post, but hopefully there will be something fun or funny to glean.

Let’s start out with the title.  So in my recent guest post on Hadley’s blog, I mentioned setting an example as being one way to stay committed to the healthy lifestyle you love and spreading it to the ones you love as well.  (On a side note, there was a mini follow up to that post with my 5 fav workout dvds if you are interested). While sometimes I do not feel that I am a good example or that I inspire anyone, apparently I am having a bigger impact on my co-workers than I realized.  I mean it’s not hard to be a healthy influence; our office is like an advertisement for the website This is Why You’re Fat more often than not.  For example, on Friday there were four trays of leftover mac and cheese from s’mac, candy of all varietals, cinnamon rolls from Ikea, fruit snacks, sugar cookies and giant jars of nutella. That’s a typical day in our office, not to mention the all you can eat cafeterias.  Not that I am complaining, I love my job with all my heart and feel blessed to be where I am everyday, but from a  fit in my jeans perspective, it does present a challenge sometimes.

So anyways, apparently, while I try not intervene too much, I have suggested picking up healthier items on our costco runs and to nourish our students during finals with something more nutritious than chips, twizzlers and candy.   So this year we are overhauling the gift baskets we give to our security team and adding healthier items! I am so excited.

On a even funnier note, I typically pick up lunch for one of the staff members who doesn’t have a meal plan.  The first few times, I would get a cheeseburger and curly fries or whatever he requested.  But lately, he has insisted on having exactly what I am having.   Sometimes I make him a transition salad with mostly great raw veggies and some fun items mixed in.  One day, I was having a whole wheat sandwich loaded with every veggie available, so I decided to take my chances order two and see how he liked it.  The mondo sandwich included: whole wheat bread, hummus, mustard, artichoke, sprouts, roasted pepper, sundried tomato, tomato, onion, cucumber and spinach.  He actually liked it, but he wondered why there was “grass” on his sandwich. lol.  Anyways, I find it really cute and it makes my day that someone wants to be healthier and sees me as an example.

Cold Weather: 1   My Wussy Ass: 0

On a not so great example, I bailed on the holiday 4m race today.  I really only signed up to improve my 5K time, and I just didn’t have the desire to spend 3 hours of my morning heading to brooklyn and back in 18 degree weather.  Instead, I did it on the treadmill. Plus 15 on the ellip and a wee ab workout.

Plus, I had plans for brunch, a movie, and a holiday party this evening, so I didn’t want to kill myself running around.

Invictus!

Obviously, I was very excited to see Invictus, so a bunch of my friends from the South Africa trip went to see it today.  It was very good, my experience definitely influenced me as a viewer, but it has received incredible reviews so far.  Way before the movie premieres were out, my professor told us about how controversial Mandela’s interest in the Rugby team was when he took office, particularly wearing the green and gold rugby shirt, so it was pretty amazing to then hear that exact story was becoming a movie.   Plus it was great singing sho-sho-loza with my friends, we couldn’t help it!

What Do You Think About While Running—must watch video

Okay, so a while ago I mentioned that Rachel’s No A**hole Diet video was like the greatest thing i had ever seen.  I have seen it like 5 times, I posted on my FB, and I sent it to a few choice friends, who I felt would directly benefit from such a diet.

Well, a sequel is out.  What I Think About on Long Runs.  It is also hysterical.  Rachel, you are amazing!  You guys should definitely check it out.

Have a fun Saturday.  I am decked out in the closest thing I have to holiday attire for this party, but man, I kind of look like I am going to an ugly sweater party…oh well!

Spark Wellness January Cleanse

Hi Everyone!  Thanks so much for all the entries for the Food Tees Giveaway, you have until 12/17 at 12PM EST to enter!

Another item on my Fit Gift List was the Spark Wellness January Cleanse!  Well guess what? I have discount opportunities galore for any of you who might be interested in “a hassle-free, stress-free, and exciting ten day group cleanse, offered at three different levels.”

This cleanse will run for Jan. 18-Jan 27th and was developed by two of my friends and nutrition gurus, Hadley and Gena, as well as their partner Andrea, who I am sure is lovely as well.

I know many of you are avid followers of Gena’s blog, and you might be surprised that she is advocating a cleanse, as she usually avoids works like detox and cleanse. This is for many reasons including the fact that cleanse and detox imply temporary change rather than lasting good habits.  Well, Gena is hoping for much more from this program, in her own words: “I’m hoping that this will be a different kind of cleanse: not some sort of crazy lemonade fast or funky powdered beverage, not a pricey supplement, and not a “one-size-fits-all” diet plan. Instead, it will be a gentle, supportive, and reasonable program in which women (and men) nationwide can regain a sense of balance, break addictions, and connect with others who are similarly motivated to establish healthy eating patterns for 2010.”

Personally, I hope this week will help me edit out lingering nutritionally counterproductive habits, give me the opportunity to more consciously focus on my health and how my nutritional choices effect my mood and body, and to enjoy the experience with a great group of like-minded health foodies I may or may not also hope for a post-cleanse celebration at Pure Food and Wine…lol!

All right, if you are still reading you must be interested, here are the official details.  And my sincere thanks to Gena, Hadley and Andrea!

Spark! Wellness / Choosing Raw January Cleanse 2010
Spark! Wellness, a New York City-based wellness group, has teamed up with clinical nutritionist and raw foods coach Gena Hamshaw to launch a 10-day group cleanse in January 2010. Spark! practitioners Andrea Moss and Hadley Seward will join Ms. Hamshaw in different levels of cleanses appropriate for everyone, from the timid newbies to the hardcore. Each level will include a detailed overview of the cleanse, shopping list, sample meal plans, two 30-minute group support calls, and unlimited access to a group forum for continued support.

• Level 1 focuses on gently reducing inflammation in the body caused by hidden food allergies or sensitivities, as well as discovering what foods each person’s body does not tolerate well. By the end, participants will have more energy, feel lighter, and have a deeper understanding of how food affects their bodies. This cleanse is designed for people who have never done a detox before or who currently eat a diet high in meat, dairy, sugar, processed foods, and/or caffeine.

• Level 2 takes it one step further to help you reboot your metabolism, while adding several supplements along the way to help support your body for a deeper cleanse. Participants will boost energy levels and reduce toxic internal inflammation by taking a break from foods that are difficult for our systems to digest. This is a great cleanse for those who already eat moderately healthy and are ready to take their wellness, energy levels, and metabolism to the next level.

• Level 3 focuses on restoring the body’s alkalinity, in enhancing elimination and digestive health, and on awakening stored toxins with raw, plant based foods and vegetable juice. It will be a user-friendly introduction to raw foods and how to implement them. Participants can opt for either a high-raw or a semi-raw protocol, and cooked options will be offered at night. The cleanse will be 100% vegan. This is a perfect cleanse for those who have some familiarity with an plant-based diet, but who are seeking to enhance digestive health and break lingering addictions to processed foods and animal products. It’s also a perfect option for those who have dabbled in raw foods and juicing, but need some guidance in maintaining consistency into 2010.  

Upon signing up, each participant will receive instructions on how to begin slowly eliminating addictive foods, such as sugar and caffeine, from their diets before the cleanse.
Outcomes of the 10-day cleanse include:

• Resetting the body’s metabolism
• Getting rid of toxins
• Reducing inflammation
• Losing ‘fluff’ weight
• Feeling lighter & reducing bloating
• Learning about new and healthy foods you enjoy eating
• Improving digestion
• Clearer skin
• More energy
• Giving our bodies a chance to heal
• Getting the ‘glow’
• Revitalizing your diet and your life by breaking out of negative thinking and unhealthy patterns

Why participate in a group detox?

• Better success having on-going support from your peers than from doing it alone
• Share recipes and tips that work as you go along
• Meet new friends who share similar health goals
• Receive support from qualified health practitioners to ensure a safe, effective experience

Why a telephone group class?

• Easy and convenient, from the comfort of your own home or while on-the-go
• People from across the country can participate
• Provides anonymity for those who prefer it

THE DETAILS:
The cleanse will last from January 18-27. All three practitioners will jointly host a teleclass on the benefits of a cleanse, as well as details of the program, on January 6 at 8pm. Regular cost is $60; people who sign up before 12/31 get $10 off; people who sign up with a friend each get $5 off. Bloggers who participate in the cleanse and promote on their blog receive $10 off. Holistic Health practitioners receive $10 off.

TO REGISTER email info@sparkyourwellness.com

BIOS:

Gena Hamshaw, CCN, is a clinical nutritionist with an emphasis on raw foods, digestive health, and detoxification. She works with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and dietary persuasions to find easy, affordable and lasting steps towards a healthy lifestyle. Gena is passionate about helping women and men break cycles of deprivation and achieve a sense of pride in a healthy, balanced lifestyle. She specializes in recovery from digestive distress, particularly IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Gena is the author of the popular blog, Choosing Raw, where she shares recipes, tips, and musings on the raw lifestyle. Read more about Gena’s work at Choosingraw.com.

Andrea Moss is a certified holistic health counselor whose mission is to empower and inspire her clients to create extraordinary lives for themselves by helping them discover a way of eating and living that will leave them vibrant, satiated, and happy. She strongly believes that the path to health and wellness should feel like fun! Through Andrea’s step-by-step, enjoyable programs, she helps her clients reach their ideal weight, reduce stress, and feel confident about what to eat. Andrea is a member of Spark! Wellness and works with her clients in person Union Square, NY, in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and all over the country by telephone.
Hadley Seward, CHHC, is a certified holistic health counselor who specializes in supporting women who eat emotionally and want to break free of that cycle. She also has extensive experience identifying food allergies and helping clients remove those foods from their diet without feeling deprived. Hadley is a founding member of Spark! Wellness and works with clients in person in New York City and via telephone around the country. Read more about her at Spark!.

Holiday Fit List and a Giveaway

What’s on your dream fit gift list?  Here are my picks for fit gifts to give and get—splurges, bargains and stocking stuffers included!  And one lucky Fitness NYC reader will be eligible to win one of this season’s most coveted fit gifts, so keep reading!

Food Tees! The cutest, wittiest, produce pimping tees around! A must-have!  I love the Stalker tee!  $20

Physique 57 DVDs

$50 plus shipping for the DVDs

or for a real splurge 6 month unlimited studio membership: $2,370 ($395/month)

Liquiteria Gift Certificate (splurge)

Daily morning norwalk pressed green juice for a year= $2,993!

Or Save

Urban Organic Juice Box Delivered Weekly

$34.99 a week for $1,819.48 a year!

Each box includes: Carrots (5 bags), Beets, Parsley, Celery, Ginger, Apples (5-8), Pears (5-8), and two types of dark greens, generally Kale or Spinach.

Reebox Easy Tone Shoes! ($109)

Nike Distance Clima-FIT Convertible Women’s Running Jacket

A steal at $60 (regularly $100)

Adidas Supernova Brushed Tights

They may be thin, but they will keep you warm on cold windy runs! $75

Fitbook

I haven’t seen it in person, but this little workout and diet tracker looks like a great way to create and track your goals and progress! ($20) I love the motto: live life fit!

NYRR Running Classes!

1 class a week for 10 weeks=$105 ($125 for non NYRR Members)

Jack Rabbit Sports Indoor Tri Registration

$50 per event

January Cleanse with Spark Wellness

Who doesn’t need a post-holiday health boost? My pick is the spark wellness cleanse:

10-day detox that will help you rev up your metabolism, get rid of unwanted toxins, and achieve results. Pick the cleanse program that best fits your lifestyle: choose from our basic, intermediate, or advanced levels. Each program includes detailed instructions, a shopping list, sample menus, two 30-minute group support calls, and access to an online forum for continual support and encouragement throughout your cleanse.

Sponsored by Andrea, Hadley and Gena $50  if you sign up by 12/31, and $5 off if you join with a friend.  Email info@sparkyourwellness.com to sign up.

STOCKING STUFFERS!

Lululemon Brisk Run Headband!

Cute and functional for $14!

Itunes Gift Certificate

Because few things are as important as motivational workout music.

Spa finder Gift Certificate

Fitness Passbooks

These handy books offer you over 600 visits to gyms, yoga studios, dance studios and pilates studios, good for a whole year…and a certifiable bargain at $75!  They have passbooks for NYC, Chi-town, Houston and LA.

…

And now for the giveaway!

One reader will win the FOOD TEE of their choice. I know, I know!

Just leave a comment on your favorite FOOD TEE DESIGN!

I will randomly pick a winner on 12/17!

“Wrapping Up the Running Season!”

My final race of 2009 will be next Saturday!  The Holiday 5K 4M in Prospect Park.  Way after I had registered for the race, they changed the distance from 5K to 4 miles due to park construction.  I was a little annoyed since the whole point of signing for the race was to try and improve my 5K time, but such is life, bah hum bug ho ho ho!

• Today is the first day that really feels like winter, cold in a brisk, dry way, which is better than the few spells of cold, rainy, gray days we had last week.  Plus all the holiday markets and tree stands are out in their candy cane striped glory!  Maybe I will sneak up to the Grand Central Main Terminal to see the light show when I go into the city today.  Hopefully, it’s up!

Anyways, I am still buried in finals and work, but both are dying down.  We only have a few low key programs left for work and I am chipping away at my two final papers and two final projects.  Huge relief, I was getting seriously worried for awhile, but I am 80, 30, 80, 0 percent complete respectively.  But the last one isn’t due until Jan.

On the workout front, I have just been trying to fit in at least 40 minutes in the gym a day with a day off a week.  Definitely helps with the stress to take gym study breaks.

Today’s workout was actually quite invigorating:

Elliptical:

• 10 minute warm up
• 20-1 minute intervals alternating sprint with moderate intensity

Treadmill:

• 5 minutes at 4.5
• 5 minutes at 6.0
• 5 minutes alternating 6.0 and 6.7
• 5 minutes alternating 6.o and 7.5

5 minutes of abs

3 sets of 12 on the adductor and abductor machines

I started off feeling sluggish, but then really got into it.  Sometimes you have to say, I’ll just do 10 on the treadmill, even if it’s walking, and then you find yourself saying, I can run another 10.

I also did the “Britney Spears/Usher Ab Workout” on Monday.  AKA 1000 crunches.

I didn’t do just straight crunches, getting to 1000+ involved two sizes of stability balls, a bosu ball, the machine where you hang from your forearms and lift your legs, a medicine ball, bicycles, planks and weights.

It wasn’t too bad, but the last 100 (and a few more for good measure) were rough.  I literally rolled off the bosu ball at 900 and on to my mat for the final push.  But at the end I felt exhilarated in a way I can’t even describe.  This is certainly not necessary for great abs, but it is a fun challenge once in a while!

Does anyone have the reebox toning shoes?  I have to say I am kind of tempted to put them on my xmas list!

Speaking of presents, I booked a flight to Aruba in May this week.   Liz and I are having a little romantic Caribbean getaway.  Ok ok, we’re eloping.  Just kidding?, but I am really excited.  Since I didn’t have much of a summer (as I spend July in South Africa’s dead of winter—not complaining though), it will be nice to have a whole week jump start of beach, sand, sun, and fun before it approaches beach weather in the North East!

All right i am off to the library!

Marathon Nutrition: Myths and Mysteries

Hi Everyone,

Once again I am traveling around the blogosphere.  Tonight’s destination is Soap and Chocolate.  Check out my perspective on Marathon Nutrition: Myths, Mysteries and Keeping it Natural.

Night Night