Living Life's Adventures

A weekend with Dave...

2008-06-23T08:19:00.008-06:00

Dave Matthews Band that is! Both Friday and Saturday night was spent about 30 miles north of Albany at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) where 35,000 people each night (which is a sold-out crowd by the way) rocked out to the music. Kolby and I went with our good friends, Christi and Clint, as well as his boss Rob and his buddies. Between tailgating, grilling up burgers and enjoying two gorgeous summer days we definitely enjoyed the two-day adventure to the fullest. I haven't seen Dave in ten years since my senior year in high school at Red Rocks, which was amazing, and I thought two nights in a row sounded a bit silly but I have to say that no matter how long it has been or how often you see them play, DMB puts on a great show. Thought I would share a few photos of the weekend -- mainly of us with our friends Christi and Clint -- unfortunately, no cameras allowed at SPAC. :(

New love and new project...Going green baby!

2008-06-12T07:12:00.005-06:00

When I would visit my sister Kim in San Francisco during college one of my favorite things to do was to stroll the Saturday morning farmer's market, pick up a cup of coffee, munch on a nutella and banana crepe and taste fresh fruit, cheese and treats to my heart's content. Really nothing can compare to that. Although I don't believe any local food market could be as enormous or varied as the SF one, I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised by the market here in Troy, NY -- a suburb of Albany. Every Saturday from May to October it is outside on the edge of the Hudson River offering fantastic fresh produce, flowers, honey, wine, baked goods, cheeses, meats, eggs and homemade soups, spreads and dips. I go religiously every week (at least when I am in town) with my large market tote and cash in hand to pick up my essentials: veggies, fruit, pesto spread or bruschetta topping, a scone for the morning and maybe one new thing I haven't tried yet. The food is so fresh it lasts all week long and the flavor doesn't even compare with grocery store offerings. Here is my latest bounty -- I feel like I should have a cornucopia on the counter and be wearing a bonnet on my head. :)

The other fun "green" thing I have recently taken up is using an outdoor clothesline. I have been thinking about it for a long time and although I don't want to hang my knickers (is that how you spell that?) on the line for the neighbors to inspect I do think workout clothes, towels and linens are ideal for drying in the sun. Hey, if we are going to spend a fortune to cool the house no point in running a dryer too! Saving money and making a small change to benefit Mother Earth is great by me. What supplies do you need? Just a clothesline rope and some clothespins from your local big box or hardware store -- less than $10 for it all. If you don't have a big enough space to do this on your balcony or patio you can get a retractable line for inside your home. Functional but not unsightly. :) (I even used this idea for post-fodder on Green Daily -- check out the post here!). Anyhoo -- here is my first attempt... it seems to going well!

The garden brings color to my desk ... and a new friend to the deck

2008-06-12T07:04:00.006-06:00

All the gorgeous flowers I was showing you earlier made for some colorful bouquets on my workspace -- plus, peonies make my kitchen smell so fresh.

Oh! And I have a funny story to tell... the other night Dillon was making these strange low growling noises with little sharp barks out on the deck. Seeing as she is usually very quiet and noise usually means there is an animal in the yard I figured I had better investigate. When I got outside with a flash light I found Dillon cornering a toad (or is it a frog?!) and then she licked its back (which led her to paw at her nose and make awful faces with her tongue out -- apparently toad doesn't taste great raw)! Here's the little guy -- I made Dillon go inside so she wouldn't paw him to death. Too cute!

Short trip to NYC!

2008-06-12T06:58:00.004-06:00

A week ago I took the train in from Albany to NYC so I could visit with a good friend from Sioux City who is originally from Long Island and visiting her folks for the week. Jenna, and her adorable little guy Will (who I am so mad I forgot to take a picture of!)and I met at Penn Station late morning, made our way over to Central Park for a leisurely stroll and shared a fantastic lunch at a small cafe on the East Side of the park. (We also shared some uber-tasty cupcakes to go with our perky lemonade on the way to the park). It was so great to see Jenna and have a rare moment of girl-time face-to-face instead of over the phone. :) After just a few short hours I was back on the Amtrak heading north for an evening softball game with Kolby. The trip was certainly worth the train ride, which by the way is fantastic -- views of the Hudson River the entire length of the trip, free WiFi and the perfect spot to catch a few zzz's in the afternoon.

Catching up...

2008-06-12T06:45:00.008-06:00

Since my typical photo upload method (arg! Kodak Gallery) is not cooperating, and I really would like to post more photos on my blog, I am catching you up with a myriad of pictures of our yard and a few new projects I have undertaken.

Here are my new herb pots which have creeping thyme, mint, sweet basil, flat leaf parsley, chamomile, lavender and rosemary along with a banana pepper plant, shallots and a couple of geraniums.

The amazing peony bushes in our yard are in full bloom -- the small one has the magenta colored blossoms and the huge bush has pale pink blossoms... they smell incredible.

The irises were short-lived but gorgeous. There were also a few other pretty flowers but I don't know their names.

I can't forget to share with you the Grill Master (Kolby) who is showing off his outdoor cooking prowess. :)

Spring has sprung!

2008-04-27T14:24:00.008-06:00

Since our home is finally "in bloom" (and, as usual, we are discovering just exactly what is planted in our new garden) the pictures of the first signs of spring should be shared. So far a few tulips and lots of green stuff we aren't sure of. The two trees covered in white blossoms are actually quite stinky (reminiscent of dead fish if you catch my drift) which was a rather unsettling discovery. But we see the beginnings of lilies, possibly iris and peonies and a lilac tree that is sure to smell better than the two we have blooming currently. Here's to more fragrant and colorful findings! :)

While I am sharing photos...

2008-04-22T08:17:00.003-06:00

So, a few weeks ago we went to check out the Maple Houses in Vermont -- yes, this is where maple syrup and all manner of maple treats are born. There is one open house weekend out here that seems to be the height of maple touring and we figured since we never know how long we will be in one place it is best to take advantage of such opportunities as they present themselves. Luckily, we have a couple of friends, Christy and Clint, who also like to try new things. Perfect!

Off to Merck Forest we go -- about 1 1/2 hours away -- to enjoy a blueberry pancake and homemade sausage breakfast smothered in all the fresh maple syrup you can handle. :) (Admittedly, I am not that much of a maple syrup fan but Merck's sticky sensation was heavenly!) After our scrumptious meal we toured the barns where new baby lambs and piglets awaited. Precious really. And they even hand a handful of small draft horses that were beautiful.

Such a gorgeous day too -- we had just been snowed on the night before and had blue skies all day. Couldn't have been more fun.

Piggies and Lammies -- Oh my!

2008-04-22T08:15:00.001-06:00

MIA since Sept. '07!?!

2008-04-22T08:09:00.005-06:00

Ridiculous! I say, if you have a blog, use it! Well, it doesn't sound like I am using my own advice these days. To be fair, we moved AGAIN. But that was a while ago. Last time I posted was September -- it is now April!! wow. Quick recap -- in October, while still working for Opportunities Unlimited in Sioux City, Iowa, I began working for AOL as a blogger (coolest job EVER!). The two sites I post for are Green Daily and Luxist and although polar opposite in their scope, they are equally rewarding to work on. Then, we got the news we were moving again -- this time to NY! Sounds cool at least. :) Looked at houses in November, moved our stuff beginning of December, and have been living in Albany since.

Still working for AOL and the rest of my time is devoted to my thesis -- yes, still working on that. :) Although now it is considered to be an enjoyable project. Besides that I am working hard to get in shape and looking forward to a LOT of outdoors time here on the east coast.

There you have it -- returned and hopefully better than ever! :)

Cheers!

And it all comes together...

2007-09-10T20:02:00.000-06:00

It's amazing to me how when you start to really focus on the truly important things to you and the goals you really want to accomplish, everything just comes together. For instance, the biggest goals I have currently are to finish my thesis and lose a few dress sizes! Instead of trying to do every other little thing I wish I could do (and be Superwoman simultaneously) like keeping up my piano and guitar playing, singing, horse back riding, becoming a tri-athlete... I instead chose to CHOOSE. I CHOSE to separate my "wants" from my "needs" and VOILA! I have control and focus and determination... my long lost friends. :)

Funny how just choosing to do those two main goals (while maintaining my 9-5 job) I have found simplicity, peace, inspiration and a smile.

I hope each of you can find and hold onto this sense of direction I have re-discovered and long-awaited.

Happy Seeking!

Picture courtesy of my friend Sabine - beautiful.

Less is More

2007-09-02T18:16:00.000-06:00

This expression is applied a lot and for good reason. Recently I find that so many people, both men and women my age (late 20's, early 30's), are living beyond their means and their years. Let me explain -- I live in Sioux City. Not exactly the Big Apple or San Fran where young professionals seem to be racing to meet fashion, housing and entertainment standards beyond their budgets. Yet even in a midwestern town lovingly nicknamed "Sewer City" I meet people weekly who are my age adorned in Gucci, Coach, and Tiffany's items and they are struggling to pay their water bill! Come on people -- doesn't it make more sense to keep the lights on than wear the newest, goggle-sized sunglasses just because you saw it in a magazine? With winter around the corner I'm thinking my heat sounds better than cold, metal around my neck with some girl's name on it.

So enough of my soap-box -- just wanted to shed some light on the fact that although we may not have EVERYTHING we want (live-in masseuse, anyone?) we at least pay our bills on-time, in full, and don't have debt up to our eyeballs.

Hellooooo!

2007-09-02T17:37:00.000-06:00

WOW -- so how long has it been since I last posted? Almost 2 months!! Crazy. I have no real excuses except the fact that my computer did get a nasty virus for a few weeks and that certainly curtailed my blogging efforts. I have also been out visiting or being visited a lot lately too -- to Minneapolis and San Francisco and having Ali come to Sioux City! :) Its been loads of fun but I am back to business and that means I am back to blogging. :) I know, you truly missed me.

So, probably should do a little update on life and then I will post some more on my recent discoveries. First of all, although making good progress on my thesis (YAY! Its about time.) I am not making consistent progress on my healthy lifestyle. I have had some shining moments (followed by Blue Bunny ice cream binges and a week full of pizza!) and have remembered some long lost lessons in healthy eating and habits which has been a relief! But still seem to have a long road ahead. Yet there is some hope for me since I do feel I have been focused on keeping a positive mindset about weightloss and exchanging my current ways for better, happier, more energetic ones. :)

Here's to a new month, a fresh start (again) and back to blogging. Its gonna be a good September. :)

Picture courtesy of www.allposters.com

Great Friends!!!!

2007-08-07T21:21:00.000-06:00

I currently have at least three countdowns in progress, even though two of them lead to the same day. One is till this school year is over and I'm done with school, again! Another is till the end of summer school, Friday at approximately 10:30am. This countdown leads to a very exciting countdown of my visit to Laura and Kolby's!! Yes ladies and gentlemen, I'm off to Sioux City, Iowa! As Laura and I made plans for my visiting, I realized how much it means to me to go and visit those that are the most important in my life. Especially since most in that category live at least 4 hours away from me. This realization has just given me a new vigor in my efforts to keep in touch with my friends, because most of them are not know for being good at staying in touch(Laura is not in this group!). I think that staying in touch with those we care about the most helps us to be a better us. They are part of who we are. Sadly often times they are the ones that we neglect first, counting on the hope that they will always be there! So send a friend an email that you haven't sent one to in a while, I know I always like to get actual emails from friends!

Financially Savvy

2007-07-17T20:30:00.000-06:00

Here is a skill I have yet to add to my repertoire, let alone perfect -- being financially savvy. Even though I took courses in nearly every department during college, from crop sciences to human development, neuroanatomy to business law, I never took ANY business classes (something I most definitely regret now). But there is a website and newsletter that have greatly improved my financial vocabulary and understanding: The Motley Fool.

Visit their website and you'll be amazed how much information they give you for FREE! Following both current market trends and basic lessons it has something for everyone. This day in age if you can make money and you want it to last, you need to know how to invest and follow the market. Its a life skill none of us should be without.

Long Walks with My Dog

2007-07-15T21:01:00.000-06:00

Spending over an hour this morning walking Dillon, my 2 year old, 60 lb., shepherd-mix dog, along the Missouri River was by far the highlight of my day. Not only is she a great buddy but going without anyone I know ensures a rest for my mouth and my mind (as I tend to be pretty chatty majority of the time) as well as bonding with her and getting some much needed exercise. One of the reasons we got Dillon, and made sure she was bigger than a lap dog, was to have a running, walking, exploring buddy that I felt somewhat safe with alone as well. She definitely fits the bill and is always ready to hop into the car and go anywhere, as long as the window is down on both sides so she can pace the backseat and catch all the action whizzing by. :)

If you have the time and yard to keep a dog I recommend you go to your nearest Humane Society, pick up a pup and improve your health by having man's best friend waiting at the door and ready for anything (as long as water and treats are along for the ride). :)

New insights

2007-07-06T17:39:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to start off by saying that I'm so glad that you, Laura, have gotten back into blogging. It makes me very happy! So I came to the conclusion during my journey that I don't mesh with Houston well. I'm not sure what it is, but Houston and I have different energies(for lack of a better word). Yet, I have no idea where I want to live next. I have been back in school now for two days. I have mixed feeling about this. I think I will enjoy both classes that I'm taking, but I'm ready to be done with school. The weather here has been very rainy, and not the kind where you can still go out and do whatever you need to do. I guess it is hurricane season. Thanks for the feng shui info. I should look into that for when I move apartments at the end of the month. There is not a lot going on since I've been back. I did just want to put a topic from my health in education class out there. Today my professor talked about different areas of health and how they all affect each other. In other words, one part of your life (under your control or not) can affect any other part of your life. So the sooner you fix or adjust to whatever is wrong, the sooner that the rest of your life will be in better condition too!

Fresh Mountain Air... Does the Body Good!

2007-07-06T13:40:00.001-06:00

For the last 3 days I have been enjoying the crisp mountain air of Arrowhead, CO with my family over the 4th of July weekend which has been just phenomenal. There is something to be said for living in a place like CO when it comes to your health... especially the mountains. Everywhere you turn there are fantastic outdoor activities to enjoy and easy ways to get exercise and take in the spectacular scenery. From the walks along the Eagle River, to fly fishing and white water rafting in one, 18-holes of golf and hiking narrow trails among giant tree groves, the mountains of Colorado have it all. And you can't help but want to get outside and enjoy every minute of it!

Bring Balance to Life & Home with Feng Shui

2007-07-01T20:23:00.000-06:00

I have heard about Feng Shui for years now but have never really tried to arrange my house, office or life in that way. Seeing as how I was positiviely surprised by acupuncture I can't see why I shouldn't try Feng Shui since they are both ancient Chinese traditions. Feng Shui takes the basic elements of life (no...not sleep, beer & money)-- wind, water, earth, metal, fire & wood -- and artistically places them in a formation that enhances harmony and energy within a space.

Since most of us spend about 1/3 of our day in the bedroom I figured it would be a logical place to start. Two quick tips: Don't keep the TV in your bedroom (and if you do, cover the screen with a cloth when you head to bed) and don't keep your main work station or computer in your bedroom if you can avoid it. Both muddle the good Chi in your room and will be counter-productive to achieving a balanced space. Also, be sure to have your bed in "command" position -- meaning it is across the room from the door, flush with a wall for support, and takes the "main-stage" within the space. Now, add a little bamboo in a vase, some chanting music in the background, and a lemongrass-scented candle and I would say you were well on your way to peace and restoration.

The good thing is our room doesn't have far to go -- our bed is in the right place, we don't keep a TV in our bedroom, and if the computer makes it upstairs, it is typically shut down and unnoticeable once we head to bed. I DO however need a lemongrass candle... mmm, sounds so fresh -- I feel the need for a Target trip tomorrow! Maybe my next entry should be retail-therapy... is that a legitimate discipline? If only my insurance would cover it.

Happy Re-arranging! :)

Picture courtesy of: http://www.eco-furniture.com/

Good to be home!

2007-07-01T16:31:00.000-06:00

So I'm finally back in the states. Now I just have to adjust my time and try to start eating healthy again. Clearly I've still been doing something wrong since I was working out with a trainor 3 days a week and eating healthy most of the time. So I'm starting fresh now that I'm back. I did lose a little bit of weight while I was gone. So I'm trying to figure out what works for me, as I think everyone is. I hope that all of you are enjoying your summer and having luck being healthy. I'll post some funny stories soon from my trip and any discoveries as to what might work for me! Ali
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Things that go BUMP (or BARK!) in the night

2007-06-27T11:55:00.000-06:00

Quite the adventure we had on our hands last night -- not one I ever care to repeat -- as Dillon (our shepherd mix dog) took on one ugly, nasty possum at 1am. Fun... You should have heard them out there, ripping all of our neighbors (and I am sure, the whole northside of town) out of their quiet slumber with gnashing and barking coming from opposing sides. If this was the WWF we could call them Dillon "Protective Powerhouse -- Don't You Come Into MY Yard" Malesich vs. Possum "Rabies Reservoir - Put Up Your Dukes" Problem. Quite the show you all missed! (By show I mean Kolby and I racing down the yard in our pj's, no shoes, and a weak flashlight...cursing the noisy bunch in the pitch dark at the bottom of the yard).

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting one of these mangy, large rat-like creatures... here's a photo for you! Enjoy!

Picture courtesy of www.yopress.com

More motivation to stay AWAY from the white foods

2007-06-26T21:14:00.000-06:00

Just in case the great weightloss, more rejuvenating sleep, and endless energy wasn't enough of a reason to cut out foods high on the glycemic index, this article I found today definitely seals the deal. Not only do "white" foods (or highly processed, sugary foods) turn me into Two-Ton-Tilly and drop me on my face with fatigue but there is a study that says those foods may increase my chances of getting colorectal cancer. And since that already runs in my family, no reason to tempt fate! Whole-grain, sprouted, hard-as-cardboard, only found at the Natural Foods store -- here I come! (Picture compliments of www.medic.usm.my/~ssu/images/High%20Glyc.jpg)

Laughing Your Way to Health & Happiness

2007-06-25T20:34:00.000-06:00

Laughing out loud has to be some of the best medicine for most problems. Think about it... how mad, or sad, or bad can you feel when you have a great, big, belly laugh that makes your sides hurt! Well, in case you don't have any inspiration close by check out this kid's laugh... you won't be able to contain yourself! [Click on the title to this entry... once you reach the Cardio Blog with Rigel's articles then scroll down to "Laugh Away Heart Disease" and click on the video] Keep on hand for rough days, visits from your in-laws, PMS, and an easy abs workout. Gotta love YouTube! (This blog was made possible by: TheCardioBlog site and Rigel Gregg... thanks!)

FYI- Katy & Kim... the little guy sounds like Dad's "Wylie Coyote" laugh... hilarious!

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Great New Recipes!

2007-06-24T16:42:00.000-06:00

Its getting to be that time of year when heat and humidity outweigh the cool, crisp, spring weather and I am no longer interested in heavy, hot meals. So I have been searching out some great new recipes that reflect the zest and freshness of summer while still keeping with my own healthy guidelines, and of course, ensuring full stomachs. Let's be honest... I never leave the table until my appetite has been satiated. :)

One of my new favorites comes from a fantastic website, scandinaviandiets.com, where the food choices center around the concept of the Glycemic Index. For those of you not familiar with GI, here is the short version: Glycemic Index measures the point to which a food is processed and characterized by non-whole grain or sugary ingredients. For instance, white pasta, rice and bread will have a much higher GI rating than their whole-wheat, multi-grain versions. The lower the GI score the better the food is for you. It will last you longer, provide a better source of energy and nutrition, and will not be as easily converted into fat which translates into weightloss! :) I should know, I went down 3 sizes in about 2 months. (The website also has great resources for workout plans, nutrition advice, fitness equipment like pedometers and heart rate monitors and was co-founded by my trainer in Denver, Diana Holt, who is a wonderful motivator and friend).

Recipe: Mediterranean Spinach Salad with homemade Vinaigrette (check it out at this site)
http://www.scandinaviandiets.com/recipe_view.php?id=19

Also, there is a great new cookbook out from Pampered Chef called "Spin on Salads"! I know, it can't be that exciting, but there is a salad in here for everyone -- no matter what your tastes are. Here are three of my favorites: Jerk Shrimp, Mango & Avocado Salad; Grilled Georgia Peach and Chicken Salad; Grilled Antipasto and Orzo Salad.

I included one recipe for you all to test out... let me know if you want another one.

Jerk Shrimp, Mango & Avocado Salad
Dressing:2 T. lime juice; 1 T. sugar; 1 t. lime zest; dash of salt; 2 T. vegetable oil
Shrimp & Salad: 1 T. lime juice; 1 T. Jamaican Jerk rub (PChef spice); 2 t. veg. oil; 2 t. finely chopped jalapeno pepper; 1 garlic clove, pressed; 16 uncooked shrimp (about 21-25 per pound), peeled and deveined, tails removed; 1 firm, ripe avocado; 1 head Belgian endive, separated into leaves; 1 firm, ripe mango, peeled and cut into cubes; 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper; lime wedges

Combine ingredients for dressing, whisking in oil last and putting in the fridge until ready.
Combine first 5 ingredients for shrimp, toss raw shrimp in mixture to coat - cover and refridgerate for 15 minutes. Cook shrimp in skillet over medium heat about 4-6 minutes, until shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through, turning once. Combine avocado, mango, and red bell pepper with endive. Drizzle with dressing, add the shrimp and serve with a lime wedge.

Enjoy the recipes and feel free to share yours as well! Have a great week!

It Has Been Revived!

2007-05-28T15:00:00.000-06:00

Its about damn time. I have left this site alone for too long and have decided to revamp it and start anew. Welcome to the new spot --

Our old site hasn't been accessed by us for almost a year and I decided it needed a new feel and a broader topic... hence the change in name. :) My intention is for this site to highlight our interests, our discoveries and our successes. Whether that means fabulous recipes, amazing places we should visit, a website we adore, new fitness techniques or strategies, a must-read book or magazine -- whatever we want it to be. Include photos and weblinks too since all of us live so far apart so we can see what you are talking about. Use those digital cameras. :)

I hope this is as fulfilling and fun for you as I envision it to be.

Pins and needles

2006-06-21T18:01:00.000-06:00

Hi ladies,

I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer. I will be in a week and a half. Right now I'm having troubly finding time to breath. Just wanted to let you all know that I went to the acupuncturist tonight. It was interesting, not too bad. I'll let you all know what the results are. Keep me in your thoughts as I try to finish up this summer school session!

Ali

I DID IT!!

2006-06-12T13:24:00.000-06:00

Can-Do Connection
Hey Ladies! As the heat rises everyday in rural Texas I am VERY thankful that we invested in a treadmill so I don't have to sweat to death outside or sit on my bum all day inside! My goal last week was to workout 5 days/week with at least 30 minutes of running each time and I not only made that goal but EXCEEDED it! (I know, I am shocked too!) I ran 3 of the 5 days of over 45 minutes each time, lifted weights, did some yoga and played softball twice! :) Things are going well. I haven't seen a lot of physical changes yet but I certainly feel better, sleep better, actually wake-up in the AM and have more productive days which is great!

Ali, I am so glad you sent us a message from the armpit aka Houston... you must be cooking out there considering how hot it is in Giddings! WHEW! Let me know about your visit with the acupuncturist/MD... she sounds awesome. :) I just found out there is an acupuncturist near me in Bastrop (where the coffee shop is) as well as some Jazzercise (man, I sound old!). Hee hee.

Kim, I love hearing about your tennis, rowing classes, and fun-runs in Miami.... its great you have so many activities to get involved in. You sound like you are staying plenty busy.

I do intend to list some new recipes I have been using that are really tasty and healthy very soon so be looking for those. Other than that I guess I need to set another goal for the week.... 5 days/week of running again between 30-45 minutes, weight lifting 4 times/week and NO iced tea!! (Its been so hot I have been indulging myself with iced tea and sugar...not good for my crazy diet!).

OH! I almost forgot! I also joined the Lance Armstrong Foundation Challenge to not only run a 10K but raise lots of money for cancer research, education and survivorship. Nike has paired with the foundation to provide 10 weeks of training to the participants twice a week in Austin in order to reach your goals. I figure I am not too far from being comfortable with a 6 mile run since I am running 3-4 miles now but they are supposed to coach you on form and speed so you can not just do the 6 miles but do them to the best of your ability which I haven't pushed myself on before. Its going to be great. It starts the end of July when I get back from CO. Interestingly, the races are in more than one city... Denver being one of them. I think that race is in late August. The Austin race in early October. If Katy and Diana want to look into the Denver race I think you can look at the LAF website (www.livestrongchallenge.org)... I also have a bunch of extra info I picked up at a meeting to send to you if you want to see it. Let me know!

Have a great week and I will post-recipes later on! :) Keep it up!
~Laura aka Seeking Slenderness

2006-06-08T07:46:00.000-06:00

Hello to all from the armpit of Texas, aka Houston! Sorry that it has taken me so long to join the blogging since Laura and I created this fun place. I hope that all of you are doing well. Katy I'm right there with you on the no chips and cookies in the house thing. Sounds like everyone has some good plans started. Kimi let me know how the yoga goes. I've been thinking about going to one of those places too.

My goals are to eat healthy and workout, pretty simple right. The eating healthy thing has been going pretty good considering I haven't been to the grocery store in months, yes Laura I still haven't gone!! I have been eating mostly salads and sandwiched from Central Market and Eatzi's though, which are for the most part healthy. As for working out, I've been moving lots of boxes and other things around for work in the lovely heat and humidity. Thankfully that should be finished for the most part by next week. This will actually allow me the energy to go workout either first thing in the morning or when I get off of work in the evening, I'm still debating on what time to do it. I have also lined up an appointment with an acupuncturist that is also an md, the one that you told me about Laura. I'll let you know how it goes. I hope that everyone has a great weekend, and I can't wait to hear more from all of you!

Ali

Making it in Miami

2006-06-02T18:07:00.000-06:00

I have been in Miami for roughly 5 months and with my current job situation...I do not have a "routine" so...that makes it a little hard to get into one for exercising. I would like to run three days a week early in the day (I have to here or I might just pass out) and I would like to try out the Bikram yoga studio that happens to be about 300 yards from my front door. ( I know NO excuse right?)

I have also joined a tennis group that meets on Wednesdays at 7pm that I am hoping to stick with (I went last Wed. and we played for over 2 hours--it was a blast)

So now that I am babbling, let me know if I did this right. :)

Carpe Diem -- love kimi

Update

2006-05-27T08:16:00.000-06:00

Can-Do Connection
I have heard from a few of you and hope that you will post your ideas soon! As for me, this week has been good in some areas... not so amazing in others. I am pretty successfully sticking to my crazy candida diet (only whole grains, only water to drink, any meats and veggies, select fruits and dairy) which is a hard transition to make every time I fall off the wagon so I am happy about that. But I have only run twice this week and lifted weights once so that could definitely see some improvement. :)

My goals for this week are to run for at least 30 minutes (plus a little warmup and cool-down on either end of that) 5 times and lift weights 4 times this week, alternating upper and lower body. Plus, stick to my diet of course. :) I would really like to be able to workout first thing in the day but I am having trouble accomplishing that... what? me? get out of bed before I absolutely have to? :) Kolby and I are trying to go to bed earlier (maybe aim for 9:30pm) so we CAN get up, at least walk the dog together around the block once and then maybe squeeze in a workout after that. We will give it a shot this week. I know we could do it if we just committed to it.

Well, that's my update for now! I also wanted to share a cool website where you can follow your progress in terms of how many calories you consume each day, what goals you have in terms of weight and a timeline to accomplish that in. The site is FREE!! and is called www.fitday.com. I have used it in the past. Not every food is in there but you can always use the labels from the food you are eating to enter anything not listed in the site. Its great... you should really check it out.

Have a great holiday weekend and let me know if you are having trouble using either this site or fitday! Ciao!
~Seeking Slenderness

Can-Do Connection

2006-05-27T08:01:00.000-06:00

Can-Do Connection
Hey Laura and Ali...
This sounds like a great blog. Sounds like you are already motivated if you put this together. I am impressed! Count me in. I'll have to come up with my plan and get back to you. For now though, I have learned I have almost NO will power when it comes to chips or cookies in the house. My solution....I can't buy them or I'll eat them. My other solution...any time I am tempted by those scrumptious yummies or anything for that matter...I drink as much water as I can stand.
Bye for now.

Seeking Six-Pack (aka Katy)

Howdy!

2006-05-21T10:36:00.000-06:00

From hot-as-hell Texas comes the Can-Do Connection where like-minded friends can get together (from miles apart) and cheer, vent and encourage each other in our struggles to overcome cellulite and schedules! :)

Founded by Laura Malesich and Ali Hunziker on a sunny day in Bastop, Texas (small town in the middle of nowhere) in the hopes of achieving healthier habits (that actually stick), more energy (woo hoo!) and better lives (sounds good!) we hope you will join us adding photos and stories to this blogspot. Its our first try with this too.

One idea is to post whatever your goals may be: eat veggies everyday, lose some lb's, try a 10K, fit into your bridesmaids dress by August (can you see what I might be working towards?), workout 3 days a week, etc. Put a timeline in place with your goal: let's say six weeks from now. And if ya'll are interested, put $10-$20 in an imaginary pot to go to those people who achieve their goal in six weeks time. We can play it by ear and suggestions are welcome! Of course, we will be on that good ol' honor system... but I trust you. :)

I am sure we all know friends who could benefit and enjoy this but for now I'd like to keep it to just those close friends that I trust with my deep secrets of motivation-issues and ice-cream binges. Who knows... this may be a hit and we will all want to include more people after the first time-frame is over and we see if this is beneficial or not. I hope it is.

So, this is the opening act... feel free to put up your ideas, goals, trials and tribulations and pictures too! Lookin' forward to seein' ya'll in the Can-Do Connection.

With Big Hopes!
Seeking Slenderness (aka Laura)