Thursday Thoughts

Today officially begins the one month countdown until Phil and I say ‘I Do’ and we’re both so excited! We got a lot of the little details decided over the weekend and we’re moving full steam ahead! We did manage some leisure time too – I love spending casual time with friends, enjoying the outdoors, and sharing delicious food/wine. We had such a great time at Vie playing bocce and tasting the new vintages, rooftop grilling in SOMA with friends, and enjoying the sunshine that we almost didn’t fit in our ride over the Golden Gate Bridge…but I wasn’t going to let that happen!!Sharing some private time, just Phil and I, that didn’t revolve around work, the wedding, our finances, the future etc.. was so special!! We were able to take in the majesty of the mountains and the sweeping views of San Francisco, which was nothing short of magical…plus, feeling the wind blowing against my face and getting some great cardio didn’t hurt either!While it may seem trivial to some, time together is invaluable for us – both as individuals and as a couple. Inner peace is a difficult thing to achieve when you exist in this fast paced world of ours but often its the most important thing we need. Having time to decompress from life’s obligations, and do so with your partner, is one of the best ways I inch closer to that internal state of peace. Maybe for others it’s time alone with a good book, a stroll in the woods, sharing a meal, etc… the possibilities are endless and around every corner, you just have to find yours.

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

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Silver Linings

Hello Friends!

SO Pre-Cana wasn’t terrible…can’t help but thinking since we’re on the west coast we got a more laid back version!! The grounds, the lunch they provided, and the dinner we had at Flea St. Cafe afterwards were all lovely so even though I wasn’t thrilled about this weekend, all and all we had a good time!!! Phil and I couldn’t believe we found such a gem of a restaurant hidden in what seemed like a very nondescript section of Menlo Park…from the cocktails to the culinary treats, the meal was a delight!!!! On a different note, my bike was stolen 😦 ! Yep, from right outside my window some crazy crackhead jacked my ride to and from work 😦 BUT with the help of the amazing man I get to spend the rest of my life with, we found an even better version of my bike AND we got a great deal! Sadly, I got a wicked flat on my way to work this morning and it took me 4 bike shops and about the same number of miles out of my way after work to get it fixed…it seems the Irish luck keeps on rolling. Here is where I have a choice…this can consume me or this could be something I let go…and with the help of the people I love, I can let it go. My mom helped me through the flat situation this morning…I called her and even if she didn’t know it because our conversations can be a little combative (mainly because I know what she is saving ‘under’ what she is saying AND that it upsets her when I call her sad) she calmed me down, helped me refocus on what’s important, and made me feel supported and loved – the only things I needed. What I’m saying is every shitty day has lots of silver linings and you can choose to notice them, hold on to them, and make them light your day, OR you can ignore them and allow the clouds to roll on in….choose wisely!

Until next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Meditate and Motivate

Happy Monday Friends!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Phil and I really enjoyed our weekend but I think the best part was our bike ride through Golden Gate Park to the beach on Saturday. We ended up riding around 20 miles and just when I felt like I wanted to quit, the road opened up this is……I mean seriously?!?!?!!?!?!? I feel like that has been my reaction A LOT to the sights surrounding my new city…every time I turn around I feel like I see another picture worthy view and I’m overcome with emotion. Each time, I’m reminded of how far I am from home, & I’m also reminded of how far I am from my own personal success. When you move your whole existence thousands of miles from where anyone knows your name you have to rebuild, re-establish, and revive; which is exactly what I am SLOWLY doing. 

It’s in moments when I feel unsure that I turn to a simple but powerful mantra, Soham, or I am. It’s important to take quiet time to breathe deeply and say ‘SO-HAM'(Hum) – Remind myself: I AM enough, I AM strong, I AM beautiful, I AM perfect, I AM powerful, and I can do ANYTHING.

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Summer Solstice & Weekend Fun!

Hello WordPress Family! I hope everyone is officially enjoying their summer!! Saturday marked the Summer Solstice & like a good little yogi I honored the occasion with 108 sun salutations. There was much internal debate about joining a group or class but I personally enjoy doing my 108 practice privately – knowing there are a number of like minded souls globally participating in the same tradition makes me feel much more connected to the yoga community anyway!

I did three sets of 36, dedicated to the past, present and future. My past meditation was focused on letting go with gratitude – acknowledging everything up to this point as a blessing that has helped shape the person I am. My present meditation was focused on celebrating each moment without judgement – not labeling an experience positive or negative but receiving it as it comes with openness & excitement. My future meditation was focused on honoring my inner light – remaining true to my inner self and continuing to follow my heart along my path to happiness.

Phil & I enjoyed a long ride on Sunday – about 40 miles – but we broke it up with some swim lessons & lunch @ Zakes in Fort Washington. We enjoyed a peaceful night in Sunday that was only slightly saddened by the tie that should have been a win for the US against Portugal in the World Cup. I was admittedly more frustrated that I should have been but we’re still in the tournament and have a shot against Germany….

Let’s go USA!!

 

Busy Bee & Being Happy as Me

Hey there friends! I have been go go go lately and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight…oh well! I guess I really should be grateful to have such a full life but sometimes its hard to enjoy the busy buzz when all you want is a moment of quiet.

The Dhyana Yoga Pose-A-Day in May Challenge officially ended Saturday & I am itching to find something else to do! I know I just got finished saying how busy things are, but the yoga challenge was a fun way to share my practice with people from all over. Please feel free to check out all the poses on my instagram – it was a great dance & so cool so see certain alignment issues I didn’t realize I had!

I didn’t get a chance to recap Memorial Day weekend, but it was awesome! I woke up early every morning to meditate & watch the sunrise, practiced yoga everyday, kicked some serious mini-golf butt and ate my weight in deliciously indulgent eats…it was awesome! The weather was perfect for the unofficial start to summer & even though Phil & I had to end the trip a day early to move him out of his condo, it was still an amazing weekend.

Its seems we just kept the good times rolling with a celebratory condo close dinner @ Butcher & Singer, my brother’s 25th Birthday dinner @ my parent’s & an awesome outdoor lunch date @ In Riva. I had an open water swim with one of my clients Saturday, so Phil and I got up early Saturday to ride out to the race. Afterwards we paid a visit to my folks & stopped for some lunch. All and all we road over 30 miles which made all the indulgent meals that much more rewarding…I mean, I had to replenish my glycogen somehow, haha!!

Anyway, even with all this happiness, I have been really down lately. There are a lot of things ‘up in the air’ for me right now, a few things that haven’t been going my way, work is downright insane & I have totally let it all take over. If I spontaneously break into tears one more time, I swear I am having myself committed….what’s this about?!?! Instead of being happy as me, understanding the ups & downs happen & going with the flow, I’ve been fighting it (not very yogic of me). I guess being aware of it is half the battle & even if its just for today, I am going to be happy with me..right where I am, just as I am!

I’m giving the ‘Daily Eats’ a break for a moment…there are some exciting things coming, both for me and my blog, so stay tuned!

 

Is it the weekend yet?

Happy Tuesday Friends! I feel like as soon as the warm weather hits, every weekend is an awesome weekend! This past weekend was no exception…awesome visit from my bestie Michelle, long Saturday morning ride/yoga session, swim meet for my athletes Sunday afternoon & amazing Sunday family dinner…can’t beat it!! With all this weekend excitement I’ve been doing my best to stay productive, remain ‘on task’, & get as much done as possible so I can get the most out of each weekend moment! Phil & I have are still doing our best to eat clean…dairy, gluten and sugar keep sneaking in here and there but its par for the course when the weather is warm as far as I’m concerned.

The added indulgences seem to be the natural reward for all the increased activity and my body seems to agree – I am steadily losing 1/2 lb a week…not that I am actively tracking but its an estimate compared to what I weighed when Phil & I finished our Vabulous Life Spring Detox! More than just the weight, I am feeling more confident with my body, I am noticing my increased strength more and more & I am loving the way my clothes fit…I guess I’m doing something right! This week we’re trying to be as clean and conservative as possible with our eating & spending because we’re heading to Avalon NJ Thursday for a LONG memorial day weekend…I am SOOO excited! I have been looking forward to it for months & I am SUPER excited to finally share progress photos!!

Pose-A-Day: Natarajasana (Dancer), Padmasana (Lotus), Parsva Vasisthasana (Wild Thing) & Sirasana (Headstand) are all available on my instagram feed & Prasarita Padottonasana (Wide Legged Forward Fold) will be up later this evening! I am really enjoying this daily yoga fun & I am already looking for similar challenges moving forward to keep the good times flowing…haha!

Daily Eats

• Breakfast: 1/2 Banana & Peanut Butter
• Snack: Greek Yogurt w/Blueberries & Pumpkin Seeds
• Lunch: Caprese Salad
• Snack: Hummus & Vegetables w/Pita Chips
• Dinner: Sockeye Salmon w/Sweet Potato Wedges & Wilted Spinach
• Dessert: Cacao Banana Mousse w/Shaved Unsweetened Coconut

Birthday Bliss

Hello Lovers! Returning to the office after such a lovely day was hard but the bliss from my birthday carried me along today! SO, as promised…a little recap!

My trail ride was amazing…I rode for about 2 hours and took in some beautiful sights. I took so many photos along the way which will slowly start appearing on my instagram feed, so keep an eye out! There is something so uplifting and happy about taking in the purest of beauty…mother nature. I was fortunate enough to have time for some post ride restorative yoga which was such a blessing…I totally needed it!

My amazing man surprised me with not one but two sets of beautiful flowers and took me to a fabulous restaurant for dinner! This is the second birthday I’ve celebrated with Phil and let me tell you, he is just the sweetest! I have been steadily receiving little gifts for the last week and then he takes me to Laurel, which is Nichols Elmis’s (Top Chef Winner) restaurant…talk about hitting a home run! If it wasn’t for the fact it had to end, the day would’ve been perfect 😉 I couldn’t be more blessed to have such amazing people in my life…the out pouring of FB posts, texts, phone calls, etc… just further solidifies I am the luckiest girl around!

 Pose-A-Day: The day flew by and I completely forgot to take my Utthita Hasta Padagustasana (Standing big toe hold) shot, so in my PJs & Phil in his boxers, we snuck outside and snapped it quick, haha! Today’s Kurmasana (Tortoise) will prove to be a challenge. I’m excited to see how things unfold…eer, rather how I am going to unfold, haha!

 Daily Eats

• Breakfast: Vanilla Protein Shake
• Snack: Apple & Peanut Butter
• Lunch: Tofu Dogs w/Mustard & Pickles
• Snack: Carrot Sticks
• Dinner: Poached Cod w/Whole Wheat Pasta Arugula & Lemon
• Dessert: Miracle Tart

Weekend of Whimsy

What a wonderful weekend…I didn’t want it to end! I took some extra time lingering around the apartment this morning and lazily preparing for the day ahead…it was awesome! I highly recommend starting your Monday’s off with some ‘me’ time, whatever that may look like for you – it sets such a positive tone for the week!

Anyway, the weekend couldn’t have been nicer! Phil & I got to spend lots of time with our families, met up with some friends for dinner, had a leisurely afternoon out and about in the city, & even made time for a little picnic/ bike ride just the two of us – it was glorious! We definitely indulged a bit but we had lots to celebrate: Phil passed his ASLI test which he has been studying hard for over the last several months (I’m so proud of him), I took my final test for school & am an official Institute for Integrative Nutrition graduate (yay!), Phil sold his apartment (only on the market for a week), I reached 250 followers (thank you!) which means Phil is taking us to Vetri (my ultimate favorite restaurant I have never been to) & oh yea…EASTER!!

 

Just because it was a weekend full of celebrations doesn’t mean I didn’t make time for fitness: I had a great ride Friday, an intense hour and a half yoga practice Saturday and a solid thirty minutes of circuit training Sunday…I feel great and even though I took today to rest, I’m already planning the weeks workouts in my head – gotta get that six pack before memorial day, haha!

 

This week will be interesting with Phil away for business most of the week & me leaving for the yoga conference on Friday. I’m going to miss my man 😦 but I’m totally excited for my weekend in New York & to get things done around the apartment (having a handsome man around isn’t very conducive to cleaning)!

 

Daily Eats

• Breakfast: PB & Banana Smoothie
• Snack #1: Greek Yogurt w/Blueberries & Pumpkin Seeds
• Lunch: Balsamic Strawberry Mixed Green Salad w/Almonds & Goat Cheese
• Snack #2: Carrots & Apple
• Dinner: Quinoa Salad w/Roasted Portobello Mushrooms
• Dessert: Cacao Almond Fudge Bars

Is there anything you’re celebrating & want to share?!?!

Weekend Eats, Workout Plans & Detox Day 8

Happy Monday! I’m sad the weekend is over but Day 8 of The Vabulous Life Spring Detox is off to a fabulous start! We are half way through and I am seeing results!! I’ve lost 2.5 lbs & I feel great: my moods are improved, I have no headaches, very little/if any digestive issues & tons of energy! Speaking of energy, lets back track to recap my glorious Sunday…

Phil and I both had busy mornings but couldn’t help taking advantage of the beautiful afternoon by taking a scenic 20 mile ride around the city – so much fun!! Even though a lot of the trees are still bare, we could see new life starting and the daffodils blooming around the trails! I don’t know about anyone else, but I find spring to be such an exciting time of year – full of new life & new possibilities!

In addition to our amazing ride, we also had some awesome eats that prove detoxing has nothing to do with deprivation and everything to do with filling your body with all the incredible nutrients it craves! I made a fresh batch of  hummus, now that I’ve gotten my recipe down, and we noshed while watching our Philadelphia Flyers skate to victory -WOOHOO! We also had a delicious beet & pumpkin seed salad for dinner with homemade balsamic dressing and kalamata olives – so yummy!!! – we are both beet freaks! Since no evening, especially on a Sunday, would be complete without a sweet treat, we ended the night with some cacao coconut chia pudding & watched Aziz Ansari’s Comedy Central Special – that guy is so funny!! All and all we both went to bed full and tired from a long day of fun, food and & fitness!

Since today is going to be a bit rainy I am planning on another interval training cardio session this afternoon followed by some yoga to stretch things out and work on my inversions – gotta kick the week off right!!

Detox Day #8

• Morning Elixir
• Breakfast: Green Smoothie
• Snack #1: Apple & Seeds
• Lunch: Cauliflower Quinoa (me)/Grilled Balsamic Chicken w/greens (Phil)
• Snack #2: Hummus & Cucumber (me) / Guacamole & Plantain chips (Phil)
• Cranberry Flush
• Dinner: Carrot Ginger Soup
• Dessert: Blueberries & Cacao Cookies

 

What are you doing to start your week on the right foot!?!?

 

Self Care & Detox Day 7

I hope everyone is enjoyed their weekends as much as I am! This morning started with some restorative yoga to stretch things out and get the flood flowing before my swim lessons!

The Vabulous Life Spring Detox Day 7  is off to a awesome start – just a few hours at the pool before getting to enjoy a Sunday afternoon of sunshine! Phil and I have a river ride planned for later this afternoon – so excited for our first ride together!

Even more exciting is I scheduled some much needed self care! That’s right, I am getting my monthly massage therapy fix at Hand and Stone! I can’t tell you how valuable my massages have been now that I’ve kicked things into high gear. Hand & Stone offers a sports massage that is perfect for releasing trigger points or ‘knots’ throughout various muscle groups. Between all the yoga, riding and sitting at a desk, my upper back/shoulders/neck are a mess – I can’t wait for a little release!

Detox Day #7

• Morning Elixir
• Breakfast: Green Flax Smoothie
• Snack 1: Apple & Pumpkin Seeds
• Lunch: Hummus & Veggies
• Snack 2: Cacao Coconut Cookies
• Cranberry Flush
• Dinner: Beet Salad w/pumpkin seeds& olives
• Dessert: Chocolate Chia Pudding

 

How are you spending your Sunday?!?!