Motivation Monday #16

Wow, what a weekend!

IMG_1392Phil and I had such an amazing close to our first official ski season in Tahoe – perfect weather, great snow, and even better friends to share the fun. Doubly exciting is the official wrap up of the 16wks of 2016 Motivational Mondays! Phil and I have loved and are going to continue to work on making healthier choices, taking better care of ourselves, and nourishing our bodies. I’ve personally been able to maintain my goal weight & lose 5% body fat, while Phil lost 15 lbs and gained more noticeable muscular definition. We’re continuing with our healthy eating & regular exercise routine…if we make any major changes or decide to experiment with something new, I’ll be sure to share, but for now, Monday’s will sift – I’m calling this 16 wk series Meditation Monday…I’ll be getting started May 2 & am really looking forward to the opportunity to dive a little deeper.IMG_1413This week I have 4 private client sessions, 14 studio classes, a social media challenge to prep, and quarterly goals/projections to complete – no one ever said going after your dreams was easy but when you love what you do I guess you can’t exactly call it hard either. I constantly catch myself in moments of self doubt, fear, etc… regarding the career/life choices I’ve made & in the blink of an eye something or someone snaps things back in perspective. As long as I keep walking my talk & offering up the truest version of myself, I can’t go wrong.

Week 16

“All differences in this world are of a degree because oneness if the secret to everything”

Diet & Exercise Routine – same as always – make the right choices for you!

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

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Motivation Monday #15

Happy Monday Friends!

IMG_1269I’m in shock we’re 15 weeks into this year and one week out from the completion of our 2016 motivation challenge. I feel strongly that if you’re trying to make a serious lifestyle change, it takes about 16 weeks for it to become part of your routine…the proof is in the pudding, as they say, because not only do Phil & I make healthier choices but our bodies crave healthier behaviors. As mentioned before, we’re keeping things going even after next week and kicking it up with a leaner diet & lots of greens powder to boost our  vitamin & mineral intake. The body is an incredible machine and I really enjoy playing around with my diet/exercise to see what happens.IMG_1348I’ve found a new pool of inspiration and a resignation of my passion after this weekend’s event. Teaching for Zenrez & Moxie Yoga Fitness @ Sunday Streets SF on Valencia St. this past Sunday was one of the cooler things I have gotten to do in my yoga career to date. While the set up did present some challenges, it was so much fun so see the reactions from the neighborhood & have people walking by pop off their shoes and join in the flow – my cup isn’t full, it’s overflowing! The weather may not be perfect this week but the April home is full of sunshine! We’re in week 15 and riding on the wave of this weekend’s yoga high & there is nothing that can stand in our way!

Week 15

“Stop saying I wish & start saying I will”

Exercise:

  • Phil: 55min cardio/weight lifting 3x/wk, 55min yoga 2x/wk
  • Colleen: 55min cycling 3x/wk, 55min yoga 6x/wk
  • Both: 20min morning/evening stretching & 30min myofasical release 7x/wk

Diet:

  • Breakfast –Greek Yogurt w/berries & granola or Sprouted Bagel w/ghee & OJ
  • Lunch – Tofu Stir Fry w/veggies & rice or Vegetarian Chili
  • Dinner – Quinoa Casserole or Tilapia Curry Soup
  • Snacks – Hummus w/veggies or Apple w/peanut butter

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Foodie Friday

What a beautiful week. I can not believe this week is ending in such a rainy weekend but it gives Phil and I a perfect excuse to get things done around the house. The rain better clear up by Sunday though because I am teaching at an outdoor neighborhood festival. Sunday Streets SF kicks off this weekend on Valencia St. and I am teaching a class to represent Moxie & bring yoga to the neighborhood. Come out to 1252 Valencia (where we’re set up) at 11:30 if you’re in San Francisco. FullSizeRender-2.jpgAs promised previously, Phil and I kicked things up a notch this week and I even added some juice to really hydrate and boost my energy. In honor of making things even healthier, this week’s Foodie Friday is an oldie but goodie…almond joy chia pudding. I absolutely love this stuff, so does Phil (he actually requested it), and the best part, it takes next to nothing to make.

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Almond Joy Chia Pudding

  • 1 cup Almond Milk
  • 1/2 cup Chia Seeds
  • 1/3 cup Cacao Powder
  • 4 tbsp honey
  • 1/3 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
  • Pinch Salt

 

 

 

Mix milk, honey, and cacao powder. Add chia, coconut, and a pinch of salt. Allow to set in the fridge overnight or for 6hrs. You can enjoy this all by itself of you can add it to fresh bananas, nuts, whatever you like..for a healthy snack or dessert!

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Wellness Wednesday

Happy Best Month Ever!

IMG_0559I hope you are all enjoying your first full week in the best month of the year…I know we are! We’ve kicked off this month with some diet & exercise changes (as mentioned in previous posts) as well as some financial changes. Both of us are growing in our careers, enjoying life as newlyweds, and taking steps to keep the momentum going far into the future.We have lots of wonderful dreams and it’s not a secret that sometimes dreams require money (houses, children, trips, etc…). IMG_0233We’ve been taking steps each month to be more and more financially responsible & this month we’re maximizing the benefits of our credit cards based on our lifestyle. It was such a happy coincidence that I was introduced to  Credit Card Insider & challenged to blog about financial fitness.  I vaguely comment about finances on my blog but Phil and I do a lot to make sure we’re prepared for our future, enjoy our lives now, and don’t have to stress, too much, about it all! Finances are often a source of stress, conflict, fear, etc.. for a lot of couples and individuals and it doesn’t have to be that way. SOOO, below are my 5 tips for financial fitness and wellness in 2016 and beyond. I can’t say they’re perfect or will lead you to world domination, but I can promise they’ll help remove some of the stress that comes along with financial planning.

5 Tips for Financial Fitness 

  1. Know your budget: This can  be a tough one but we sketched out a rough budget based on what we generally could account for & spent the next 3 months putting everything on one credit card and keeping receipts for any cash purchases. After each month I sat down with the receipts and the credit card statement to compare against the budget. From there we made adjustments to both the budget and our spending habits so things were in line.
  2. Find your split: Phil and I practice the 50-30-20 rule & it works well for us. 50% of our annual income goes towards our general living expenses, 30% goes towards savings, and 20% towards fun/extras/etc.. 
  3. Don’t Obsess: Maybe during the initial budgeting stages you spend a little extra time looking at the numbers but after you have things settled, back off! That doesn’t mean stop keeping track of things or don’t continue to maintain your financial records, but try to revisit things either biannually or quarterly depending on your profession. 
  4. Make it EASY: We’ve all got a lot to keep track of and I for one used to find it annoying to keep my finances straight…from my perspective I thought it wasn’t as important as all the other balls I was trying to keep in the air & boy was I wrong, haha! For the most part we all have smart phones with cameras, apps & all those fancy things – make a few folders in your email, snap a few screen shots, pics of receipts, and you’re off! 
  5. Keep it clear: Take time to get clear on what is important to you in terms of quality of life, future plans, etc…clear out ANY debt you have and be honest with yourself as things change. It also helps to clear out all the extra credit cards, store cards, etc… Find a card (or two) that works for your life and try to avoid getting sucked into the potential for more debt. 

I hope these help you and with navigating financial fitness wellness moving forward. Also, check out CreditCardInsider.com as a great resource to get you on your way!

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

 

 

 

 

Motivation Monday #14

IMG_1279.JPGWe’re officially into the month of April and I can’t believe how fast this year is flying by! Almost as fast as Phil and I barreling down the slopes in Tahoe this weekend, haha! The weather was perfect and it was a lot of fun to spend the weekend working out and taking in the most beautiful views around. I also had the chance to share some yoga with my housemates which was fun – I relish any opportunity to spread the yogi love.IMG_1299.PNGThis week I’m working on myofasical techniques nightly to release muscular tension as well as adding some fresh juice for added hydration & nutrients. Phil is kicking up his cat/cow and spinal strength work & trying to cut back on snacks. We’re gearing up to make April the best month of the year, whose with us!

Week 14

“If you stumble, make it a part of The Dance”

Exercise:

  • Phil: 55min cardio/weight lifting 3x/wk, 55min yoga 2x/wk
  • Colleen: 55min cycling 3x/wk, 55min yoga 6x/wk
  • Both: 20min morning/evening stretching & 30min myofasical release 7x/wk

Diet:

  • Breakfast – Green Juice, Protein Shake, or Oatmeal
  • Lunch – Chicken Curry w/brown rice & veggies or Tofu Bowl
  • Dinner – Tofu Nuggets w/carrot sticks, Grilled Portobello Sandwich, Super Salad
  • Snacks – fresh fruit

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Foodie Friday

Happy April Fools Friends!

imageI can’t remember the last time it was a true 1st Friday and April Fools, so my lame attempt at a prank was posting now! I  wish Phil and I were in the city so we could see the opening of the different art exhibitions. I used to love the Old City 1st Friday art openings while Phil and I were in Philadelphia but it all got very crowded and crazy so we couldn’t enjoy it. Even though we’ve been here a year we still haven’t done a 1st Friday in SF…I think May might have to be the month. We’re in  Tahoe for some spring skiing and a break from the city. The ski season is coming to a close for us, only a few weeks left, and we’re both looking towards bikini season, haha!imageSince it is officially the first Friday of this month, its a plated Foodie Friday and this week its fish, veggies, and a delicious range of flavors: on the menu is a thai curry tilapia, cheesy vegetable linguine, and gruyere grilled cheese. image.jpegComment below with your email address for a chance to receive a free box!

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

 

 

Wellness Wednesday

Hey There Friends!

IMG_0541Are we all making it over the hump? This week started busy and will end just the same…story of life I guess, right?!? Anyway, since today is the last Wednesday in March this will be the last installment of my sleep series. Since I have covered most of the basics, I thought I would hit one more – the morning routine – waking up in the healthiest way to start your day. 7381063We’re all guilty of hitting the snooze button a few too many times in a desperate attempt to get more sleep, only to end up rushing out the door and jolting your body into a panicked start to the day – no bueno! Below are the five things, no matter what, I do every morning to ensure I have a healthy, happy start to the day.

  1. No Snooze – set your alarm for when your realistically need to get up, and get up. Place your phone or alarm clock far enough away from your bed that you have to physically get up to shut it off.
  2. Drink a tall glass of warm or room temperature water. If you’re a tea or coffee drinker this is the perfect time to start the kettle, french press, pot, whatever…
  3. Clean Routine – whether you like to shower in the morning or not, take time to thoroughly wash your face, neck & check, brush your teeth & hair, as a signal to your body that its time to refresh & restart.
  4. Make your bed and tidy up – I guess this one is a bit of a personal thing but its amazing how much better it feels to come home to a clean and tidy home (or at least bedroom/bathroom).
  5. Keep things quiet & screen free for 30 minutes if possible. With the exception of shutting off your alarm, try to avoid the TV, iPad, computer, and cell phone while you’re getting your day started – the world can wait another 30 minutes.

I hope these and the last few weeks of tips can help you maximize your energy throughout your day & keep you feeling happy/healthy!

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Motivation Monday #13

Happy Easter Monday!

IMG_1222What a beautiful weekend! We had such a lovely time enjoying the sunshine, taking things slow, and celebrating the culmination of Easter Week. Friday night was quiet and low key (in observance of Good Friday). We had some fish po’ boys for dinner and hit the hay early. Our weekend kicked off with a trip to guitar center to buy Phil his long overdo electronic drum set. We spent the afternoon enjoying delicious wine at our winery’s spring release event, and afterwards some shopping & pizza night! Yesterday was mass, an eggs benedict & mimosa brunch by yours truly,  and rooftop yoga/ an evening of grilling & enjoying the sunset. IMG_1224We’re almost finished the month of March and even though Phil and I have been making healthier choices we still don’t feel like we’re kicking it up enough. So with three weeks left in our 2016 challenge we’re thinking we might extend things a few extra weeks and try something a little different. Starting next week, so with two weeks left in our original challenge, we’re going to start simplifying our diets & kicking up the healing treatments – epsom salt baths, heat/ice, evening and morning stretching, and myofascial  release. We’ll be doing this through the month of May but will still report our results 16 weeks in. IMG_1237Keep working along with us or put your own spin on what we’re doing!! Let me know how it all works out…I would love to hear from anyone whose taking steps week by week to make healthier choices! We’re heading into OUR month with energy and enthusiasm….who else wants to make April their best month yet!

Week 13

“Say NO to can’t”

Exercise:

  • Phil: 55min cardio/weight lifting 3x/wk, 55min yoga 2x/wk
  • Colleen: 55min cycling 3x/wk, 55min yoga 6x/wk
  • Both: 20min morning/evening stretching & 30min myofasical release 7x/wk

Diet:

  • Breakfast – Green Juice, Protein Shake, or Oatmeal
  • Lunch – Grilled Chicken or Shrimp w/mixed greens & quinoa, or Tofu Stir Fry
  • Dinner – Veggie Sloppy Joe’s, Tofu Nuggets w/carrot sticks, Grilled Veggie Sandwich

 

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Foodie Friday

Hey Friends!

imageWelcome to the weekend! It’s Easter weekend and Phil and I have opted out of a weekend in Tahoe (his back is bothering him). We’ve got plans to do some shopping, hit Vie winery for our spring pick up, go to mass, and spend some time just the two of us!image.jpegEven though we won’t be on the mountain celebrating the holiday weekend, that won’t keep me from featuring a Tahoe favorite on this week’s restaurant edition of Foodie Friday. Last month I mentioned we were celebrating our friend’s birthday in Tahoe & we ended up having dinner at Jake’s on the Lake. Normally this is a summer spot for those hitting the Lake, with slips for boats to dock and come up, but the beauty of the snow along the dock as we gazed over the icy Lake was stunning.image.jpegThe meal was pretty incredible, filled with amazing seafood and delicious wine…not one thing to complain about. The ambiance is pretty incredible too – as soon as you walk in there is the immediate feeling of being in a lake cabin – just perfect!image.jpegIf you make it up to Lake Tahoe in the summer, winter, spring, or fall, make sure you check out Jake’s on the Lake for a great meal, fabulous service, and a one of a kind view!

 

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂