Freedom and Fun

So it may have taken me until today but I am super excited to recap the wonderful weekend we had in La Jolla for 4th of July! Phil and I were so excited to take our first So Cal trip together & I couldn’t have asked for a better time. We met our friends Marc & Nicole for a weekend of food, fireworks, freedom and fun! We spent the weekend at the beautiful Empress Hotel with views of the cove and a gorgeous terrace to enjoy breakfast and do a little yoga.

We enjoyed long walks, exploring the cove, wine tasting and delicious dinners but best of all…FIREWORKS!!!! I love fireworks, hahaha, and where we had dinner on the 4th we were able to see 6 shows all across the ocean…it was glorious!

We ended up driving back from La Jolla to San Francisco…which took 12hrs…but gave me a lot of time to think. I realized that have been losing myself in my work and I need to get back on track with being present, finding joy in the little things, and enjoying the blessings of life.

I have a month until I’m in Napa with some of the ladies in my Yoga Medicine family for the start of my 500hr training. I have some work to do, which I am looking forward to, but the trip will be here before you know it and I can’t wait!!

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

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Thursday Thoughts

We are one day away from the weekend friends! Work has been busy but good and I am super excited for a weekend of yoga, outdoor fun and time with Phil! I am grateful now more than ever for my yoga practice – standing on my feet all day long makes me very stiff…I am looking forward to a long yoga session on Saturday morning! Admittedly, it would be easy for me to fall out of my yoga routine now that I am working in the food industry and away from teaching and coaching but I am constantly inspired by the lovely yogis in my life!

These women remind me just how much I love my own practice and how bountiful and beautiful are our yoga community is…no matter where we are we’re all connected & constantly inspired by each other! There is a sense of empowerment that comes over me when I watch a fellow yogi conquer a difficult posture or hear about their studio growing & thriving – it’s a reminder of how much there is still left to achieve & I am blessed to have such inspiration!

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Meditate & Motivate

It’s the start of another wonderful week friends! Phil and I had a great trip to Tahoe this weekend and while I may be a bit tired from the late nights, I’ve got a busy week ahead of me so there’s no time to dawdle. Phil and I are flying back to the east coast Thursday night so we can spend time with family. I don’t know if it’s the fact I’m going home in a few days or that the last time I was in Tahoe I was with my family but I was majorly missing them this past weekend. 

Our family trip to Northern CA 5yrs ago culminated in some time in Tahoe & Squaw Valley, exactly where we were this weekend…every time we passed a particular site, or I noticed something familiar, I was taken back to the amazing time we all had together! What’s more, I was reminded of where I was in my life & able to reflect on my journey. While I must admit I was very impressed with the kind of shape I was in, I was more impressed with how far I’ve come and how many positive changes I’ve made in the last 5yrs. 

I give myself a hard time, as I have shared, about where I am in my career but times like these I am smacked in the face with how much I have actually accomplished and reminded where I am is a great place to be. So even though I love reminiscing about the past and pining for the future, I am going to work on being here, right now, and knowing it’s exactly where I should be.

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Weekend fun & Vie Winery

Happy Hump Day Friends!

I know it’s a little late to be talking about my weekend but I hit the ground running this week and haven’t had a moment to write things down! This past weekend our adventures took us to Treasure Island, a first for both Phil and I. Just a few short minutes over the Oakland Bay Bridge, this artificial island in the San Francisco Bay feels like an oasis worlds away from the city, even though it’s less than a 10 minute drive.  We were invited by some friends to join for wine tasting and bocce – let me tell you, we had a blast! We enjoyed ourselves so much Phil and I joined the winery we visited. Vie has this quaint, tucked away tasting room and outdoor space where members and their friends can come and taste the latest releases, enjoy a picnic, play some bocce or whatever outdoor leisure activity your hearts’ desire – talk about a great way to enjoy the afternoon! As part of our membership we’ll receive 3 bottles of various Vie vintages and I am excited to let you guys know all about what we got this weekend and whats to come.

’til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Its all happening

HAPPY 2015 Friends!

I woke up 1/1/15 & felt terrible – the flu 😦 of course! I made sure I did everything possible to rest and heal so by Monday I was good as new. Even with being sick I still managed to keep up with everything going on – a workout and a few yoga sessions, the rest of my Sanskrit lectures and started the Philosophy portion.

I also managed to suck it up enough to be there to support my yogi bestie at her teaching debut. She and I both went to IIN for our Holistic Health certification and are now on the verge of completing our 200hr YTT with Yoga Medicine. It was a birthday party/yoga night and the setting couldn’t have been more perfect – she did an incredible job…now I just have to get her to come to one of my classes!

Phil and I also are moving full steam ahead with the move – we signed a contract for temporary housing in SF, we’ve booked our plane tickets for 1/30, settled things with our current landlord & are finalizing the contract with the moving company…it really is all happening!

This week is full of teaching, taking classes, finishing my book/report, completing my Philosophy lecture and reviewing anatomy..this month will be quite full but I couldn’t be more excited about the road ahead.

Oh and my sister is going into labor tonight…my first niece or nephew is going to be here any moment!

‘Til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Foodie Friday

Happy Friday Y’all! I am tickled pink the weekend is here and I can finally enjoy an escape from the work week chaos.

As promised Wednesday, I am sharing the plates from our Restaurant Week double date at Bistro 7 in Old City. While it was amazing to see my closest friend from High School and catch up with him and his girlfriend, the food didn’t necessarily thrill me. The plates were good and the service was decent but there was no WOW factor…

I guess I am a picky palate and had a long day but I just didn’t find anything all that impressive..good but not great!

We all started with different apps: Beet Salad, Field Green Salad, Duck Liver Mousse, & Gnocchi which were all pretty tasty!

And then I had the salmon with lentils and the rest of the table had the braised brisket with horseradish mashed potatoes. We all agreed the entrees left a lot to be desired – the fish a bit overcooked and the beef a bit dry.

The dessert did redeem the meal a bit, since I am a sucker for anything with chocolate or coconut, BUT they were by no means the best coconut rice pudding or chocolate pot de creme I’ve had in recent memory. 

Like I said, the company was incredible and it was great to get out, so all and all it was a win! I am super excited to share a low key weekend with my love and I hope each and every one of you have a spectacular weekend!

‘Til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

Thursday Already?

Hey there friends! How on earth did it get to be Thursday already?!?! Even though there’s still one more day until it’s official, I already feel like the weekend is here! My college bestie Michelle is in town with her beau Mike and I am so excited to start the weekend early! 

I was able to sneak a little cardio in yesterday after work (awesome 22 minute routine that totally kicks butt – break down below). and am hoping for a little yoga today…there are only 58 days until I leave for my Yoga Medicine teacher training & with the craziness of the last 6 weeks I have not been as diligent about my practice nor my supplemental exercise as I’d like to be! 😦 I don’t know about anyone else but I am totally a routine freak! I feel best when I am organized, regimented and sticking with a daily routine. I can’t decide if that’s good or bad…does it mean I’m unable to healthfully adapt to life’s changes?! OR is it a product of juggling family, school, sports & a social life since before I can remember?!?

I often wonder if the things we crave in life – routine, food, vacation spots, etc. – are simply a product of our childhoods or expressions of something deeper within ourselves. This is yet another thing I meditate about…finding the ability to express my deepest, truest self & honoring me first…not easy for someone who has allowed decades of external influences define my inward and outward ‘self.’

ANYWAY, I still have that bulu review I promised last week (maybe today will be a double post kind of day), & I’m excited to share my version of cherry chunk ice cream with walnuts and dark chocolate for Foodie Friday tomorrow – trust me, Ben and Jerry have got NOTHING on this girl!! 

‘Til next time, keep smiling! 🙂

 

22 minute circuit 

• 60 sec. down dog push ups
• 10 sec. rest
• 45 sec. burpees
• 10 sec. rest
• 90 sec. front & back lunges (45 sec. each side)
• 10 sec. rest
• 45 sec. mountain climbers
• 10 sec. rest
• 30 sec. forearm plank 
• 20 sec. rest

* 4 times through ( 5 min. 30 sec. each round) *

 

Foodie Friday

Happy Friday Friends! I am so excited for this weekend because my one of my very best friends from college is coming to visit! I haven’t seen here since Phil & I went to visit for Rockaway St. Patty’s Day in March and it feels like forever! In honor of her visit, I am highlighting some more fiesta food, since whenever Michelle is in town, you know its a party!

I made roasted garlic hummus & pita chips as part of the appetizer selection for my BBQ – this nutritious crowd favorite has become my go to for parties, quick snacking &  an easy sandwich spread!

Roasted Garlic Hummus & Pita Chips

• 1 can organic chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
• 1 head garlic (roasted @ 450 for 20 min.)
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1/4 lemon juiced
• 3 tablespoons EVOO
• pita bread
• salt, pepper, cumin, paprika & cayenne to taste
• chopped parsley to garnish

Start by popping your garlic in the oven, wrapped in tin foil @ 450 for about 20 minutes…you’ll smell when its done! While the garlic cools, grab your food processor and combine the lemon juice & tahini. Allow these two ingredients to whip until they become a paste before adding your roasted garlic (just chop the top and squeeze it out), chickpeas (liquid from the can and all), & seasonings. Allow it all to run in the food processor for a few minutes (stopping to scrape the sides every now and again), and then set in the fridge while you crisp up your chips. Cut pita bread into triangles, toss in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of EVOO and salt, line a baking sheet with the triangles & bake @ 450 for about 5-10 minutes until they’re nice and browned. Remove triangles from baking sheet & cool on a rack. While the chips crisp spoon your hummus into a serving dish, top with remaining EVOO & chopped parsley & you’re all set!

I love adding colorful vegetables to the plate to add color and nutritional value but the hummus & chips are delicious all on their own!

Pose-A-Day: Did some late night yoga & got my Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog) shot from a very interesting angle. Since I am already dancing for joy today’s Natarajasana (dancer) pose should be a fun one…officially half way there!!!

Daily Eats

• Breakfast: Coconut Protein Bar
• Snack: Nectarine
• Lunch: Greek Yogurt & Granola
• Snack: Pita Chips & Hummus
• Dinner: Dinner in the City
• Dessert: Miracle Tart (I love these things!)

Have a wonderful weekend wordpress family!

More than Fond

Happy Monday ALL! I hope your weekends were as wonderful as mine! I guess I have to rewind as far back as Thursday night…just SO much to share!

Thursday night was our anniversary dinner @ Fond. I got an awesome ride in before hand which made indulging in dessert an easy decision! While it was beautifully sunny, the intense winds made for challenging ride. I was all geared up for this pleasant ride, intending to push myself after a nice leisurely warm up but mother nature had other plans! I was riding directly into the wind for the first 40 minutes and felt like I was crawling…this was NOT the work out I was looking for..but turning that corner back towards home felt so good and made the initial push SO worth it! It just goes to show that even though things may not turn out the way you intend, its how you handle it that makes all the difference!

Anyway, back to dinner…

While you’re welcome to BYOB, Fond does in fact feature a full bar to compliment their Amazing American cuisine! Phil and I opted to bring our own wine (no corkage fee Tues/Thurs) and were pleasantly surprised with a delightful amuse of wild mushroom soup to start the meal! We ordered yellowfin crudo and a roasted acorn squash salad to share but opted to pick our own main courses (mainly so my man could have some meat!). My salmon was one of the best plates of fish I’ve ever had, and Phil was silent as soon as his fork hit the plate, so I’m pretty sure he enjoyed the short ribs! Of course, no meal is complete without a sweet treat! We picked the pistachio tart with vanilla ice cream and poached cherries…DIVINE! All and all we had a marvelous meal that topped off our anniversary celebration perfectly!I managed to get three incredible yoga classes in this weekend, two of which were with new instructors that introduced unique sequencing that was challenging but effortless at the same time! The other was the mala (108) class I mentioned Friday for the Spring Equinox! I had an energizing salad and motivating meeting before class to put me in the mood – talking about health and wellness always fires me up! Kristin broke the class into 4 sets of 27 Sun Salutations, dedicating each set to an intention for you, your family/friends, the community at large, and your biggest challenge, respectively. Kristin had us write out each of our intentions and tuck the piece of paper under our mat as we practiced. Once practice was over Kristin asked us each to burn our intentions sheet as a way of releasing them into the universe…talk about an awesome way to kick of spring! Phil and I spent the rest of the weekend doing our best to take in the wonderful weather. The farmers market is back so we took a stroll through the park and picked up some glorious goodness before making our way to an early dinner with Phil’s family! It was his brother’s 29th Birthday this week so his parents took us all out to Capital Grille – I love any excuse to share a meal with family!!! I used to prefer dining around 8pm because that was the popular time to be out and about but let me tell you, early seatings are where it’s at!!! We were on our way home before 8pm which made for a much more chipper…and productive…Sunday morning!

What are some of the things you are more than fond of from your weekend?!?!?

 

Pocono Weekend Round Up!

As promised, today’s post is all about our weekend up the mountains! Phil and I had an amazing time with friends and family as we said goodbye to the winter season…well, hopefully!

Friday was a low key night since we planned to spend the day skiing Saturday…well, we tried to keep things low key! If you’ve ever played played cards for humanity than you understand how an innocent few rounds can turn into several hours of insanely irreverent fun!

Our intended early morning start turned into more of a late breakfast and yoga hour to stretch things out!

We finally geared up and made it to the mountain in the afternoon. While my inner child was bursting at the seams with excitement, mainly because I was 12 the last time I strapped on a set of skis, my paranoid adult mind was petrified I would re-injure my still fragile back.

Well, I only made it down a few times because my back couldn’t handle it, BUT we had a blast and what was waiting at the lodge was well worth it!

We ended the day with some homemade pizza, red wine and The Wolf of Wall Street. Truth be told, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the movie but the pizza was yummy and red wine rarely disappoints!

We all used daylight savings as an excuse to stay in bed just a little later than usual. I for one could’ve stayed in bed ALL day but we were headed to grab a bite at the gem of the Pocono restaurant scene, The Jubilee!

After brunch we packed up and were all ready to hit the road, except for one tiny hiccup…

…Phil’s car wouldn’t start…whomp whomp! God bless AAA and the tow truck driver, Pocono Joe!

In keeping with my ‘find the good’ theme from yesterday, the inevitable tow did have an upside…

Phil and I got to spend the whole ride back holding hands…I love this man more than I can even attempt to put into words!

All and all the weekend was wonderful! I feel so blessed to have such a loving and supportive partner in life who challenges me and brings out the best version of myself!

Bye bye snow…Hello Sunshine!!!