Tuesday's Treats

It's grey and drizzly out -- which means I'm working from the comfort of my bed!  I'm in complete denial about having to wake up, get up, and get moving -- so I'm counting this morning's lazy as my first treat!

Later today, I'll squeeze in an upper body workout and (maybe) a total body workout in the evening.  I have a few errands to run - groceries and such - so somehow, I'll need to get out of this bed.  But not yet.

Lazy Walrus

Have you ever had a lazy day?  Have you ever felt guilty about being lazy all day?  

I always feel bad about being lazy -- which means I don't really enjoy my down time.  I usually feel like I need to be doing something productive.

Since it's my summer, I don't have as much work to do as I do in the fall and winter -- so I have that nagging sense of "I'm forgetting something".  Normally, I'd distract myself from this feeling and my guilty conscience with some sunshine and summer fun, but today I'm stuck in the house.  I have nothing pressing to do (besides my workouts and errands) and I have very little motivation...

So instead of finding something to do around the house (cleaning, etc...) which doesn't need to be done (read: I just cleaned it yesterday), I've decided to treat myself!  My treat will be  a little laziness today.

I am the lazy walrus! 

Maybe not so lazy

Even as I sit in bed typing these words, I know that I still have a short list of errands I'd like to run and work I'd like to do.

Typing this post does count as doing something, right?

So maybe I'll just allow myself a few other treats as well... like a bath, or an at home facial, or even a yummy meal out.

How are you treating yourself today?

Do you ever feel guilty for "down days"?

How do you handle relaxing?

Let me know in the comments below!! ^_^

Thursday's Thoughts & Things

This week, my mind has been on MOVIES!!!  It's super hot outside, which means I'm happy inside with my AC... and NETFLIX, AMAZON, and YOUTUBE!

Sugar!

I watched That Sugar Film -- which is essentially a documentary a kin to SuperSize Me only the narrator eats 40 teaspoons of sugar per day instead of binging on McDonald's.

Damon is the star of the film as well as the sole participant in this one man experiment.  He and his wife live off of "clean" foods -- a somewhat Paleo diet that's focused around lean proteins, healthy fats, and fresh produce.  This starting point, so the movie claims, will be a stark juxtaposition to what a "normal" diet would consist of.

The rules were simple, he's supposed to consume no more than 40 teaspoons of sugar per day while consuming only "healthy" foods; things labeled as low fat or a healthier option.  He stayed away from "junk" foods; milkshakes, candies, etc... and focused on "hidden sugars" or sugars that you wouldn't suspect a food to contain.  Foods like pasta sauce and crackers are full of these hidden sugars, but so are lowfat yogurt options.

Apparently, as foods are lowered in fat they are also raised in sugar to keep them palatable.

In one scene, the first breakfast of the experiment, Damon reached 20 teaspoons of sugar in one meal.  This breakfast consisted of cereal, a glass of orange juice, and lowfat yogurt.  It shocked me to think that this is a "normal" breakfast for so many.  To start the day with so much sugar, but very few nutrients, is dizzying.

The film is set in Australia, but travels to the US for portions of the film.  One portion of the film discusses the plight of the aborigines as they struggle on the "Standard" Australian Diet.  As they were living completely off the land less than  100 years ago, their rapidly declining health is attributed almost solely to the shift in diet from whole foods to sodas, chips, and crackers.

I would definitely recommend this as a watch for anyone focused on fully nourishing their bodies... it'll start a habit of checking labels on foods & eating single ingredient foods with sunshine in them!

Ex Machina

This one was a recommendation from a friend and is a sci-fi meets thriller that'll leave you thinking.

Hubby and I discussed this during and after the film. 

Basically, this movie discusses Artificial Intelligence and how one computer might pass the Turing Test -- a way to gauge whether a computer has consciousness or not.

Caleb, a young coder, wins his company's contest to spend a week with the boss at his massive and very high tech estate.  The boss, a la Steve Jobs, is a weird and intense and slightly off dude with lots to share. 

At this estate/research facility, Caleb meets Ava -- the AI prototype developed and in need of testing.

Very intense... but super engaging

I recommend watching -- but maybe with your spouse or your friends, so you'll have someone to discuss it with!

Movies I'd like to see

Free State of Jones

Suicide Squad

Star Trek Beyond

Ghostbusters

Miss Peregrines School for Peculiar children

Doctor Strange

Rogue One

**Note, most of these will not come out until later this year -- but I'M SO READY TO SEE THEM!!   :-D

What movies are you watching this summer?  

Do you have a favorite film that keeps you thinking?

 What's your favorite movie genre?

Let me know in the comments below ^_^ 

Thursday's Thoughts & Things...

It's that day of the week again, where I share random thoughts and things from my life.  Do you like these types of posts?  Should I keep doing this?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Father's Day

With Sunday being Father's Day, I can't help but think about my own Papa.  We normally don't do anything crazy for our father's (my dad and my father in law) -- since they don't like the attention.  Well, at least they don't claim to like the attention.  Usually we'll do a card or a small gift.  If we're in town or nearby we'll do a meal either at home or at the restaurant of their choice.

I'm considering starting a new tradition... text blasts.

My parents are new to texting, but have really taken a liking to it for the past two years.  Really, since my mom got an iphone and discovered the pure joy of emoji's... and the ease of switching from an English to a Korean keyboard.  These things are much easier on an iphone than on the other phones they used.

My plan is to get out as many old photos as possible and just start texting them to him one after another starting as God-Awful-Early as I can.  There's a really good one where we both had awesome bedhead.  It's my #1.

Random Father Story

The story that best summarizes the relationship my dad had with my toddler self is how I woke him up from one particular nap.  

He was working nights at the time, so he was always asleep when we were awake and gone while we were asleep.  I wasn't more than 3 or 4 and must've been missing my daddy terribly at the time.

Usually, he would get home, shower, eat, and then head to bed.  He would always make sure the bedroom door was closed and the rule was no going in unless the door is opened.  Once he'd slept enough, he'd swing the door open and come on out to play with us and hang out.

My mother must've gone into the bedroom for something and forgotten to close the door after her.  The way my dad tells it, she did this on purpose when she decided he had slept enough.  Either way, the open door was the cue that it was officially, "daddy's awake" time.

As the ninja I have always been and definitely was, I stealthily launched into a full sprint from the end of the hallway to the foot of the bed where I proceeded to do a full tuck jump and land knees first into his back.

You see, my pop sleeps on his tummy (or did on this day), so he took both knees into his back as a gentle nudge to consciousness.

 It was awesome!!

If you ask him, it was debilitatingly painful.  So let's not ask him.... Awesome it is.

When Eminem is your hype man

I played this song on repeat -- Till I Collapse -- The first minute... motivates me!

Do you have any fond memories of your father(s)?  

What do you normally do to celebrate?  

Who's your hype man/woman?  

Is there a certain song that just gets you going?

Let me know in the comments below ^_^

Just for Fun Friday

Summer time means having lots and lots of fun!

This week, the fun is in the planning!  

Hubby and I have been invited to spend some time with his folks this summer.  They are renting a cabin by a lake and it'll be my first time (even though they've been doing this for years).

My M.I.L. called today and booked the dates for the cabin while I booked dates for a rental car.  Now that things are reserved, it's so exciting!!

Vacation = motivation!

Picture this, my M.I.L. on speakerphone chatting with hubby and I while I rummage through my drawers and closet to find my swimsuit.  Once I find the little bugger, I (of course) try it on.

Nothing like a reality check to MOTIVATE!

Knowing that I'll be seeing hubby's whole family [and knowing they'll be seeing me in my swimsuit as we spend time by the lake] is a great appetite and craving suppressant.  It's also great for workout motivation.

Girl Time

There's been a lot of girl talk and girl time as well.  This weekend, a very dear friend of mine will be coming over for mani/pedi/scary movie/sleepover time!  Hubby will be away for the weekend, so it'll be just us girls!!

What are you doing for fun today?  

Do you enjoy having girl time?

 When was your last vacation?  Do vacations motivate you towards healthy choices too?

Let me know (with some details please!) in the comments below ^_^

Tuesday's Treats!

Today ended up being a busier day than normal for me.

I started my day by oversleeping which is probably why I felt rushed all morning.  Then I went on my run and showered/got ready super quickly.  I had video conference scheduled for 9am which was thankfully pushed to 10:30am, but I just barely made it.  The whole thing took about an hour and then I was able to catch lunch and errands with a friend.

To start my treats, I purchased a few new eyeshadows and more nail polish remover (all for around $7 at the drugstore!).  We looked and looked for some new sandals for my summer wardrobe -- but couldn't find any in the stores nearby.  

Then, once I was home and snacking, I found these gems on Amazon

They were on sale for $29.95,. which was right in my budget.  I'm hoping they'll last for this summer for date nights or girls days where my "go-to" Old Navy flip flops would be too under dressed...

How are you treating yourself this week?  

Do you run in the morning or at night?  

What shoes are your current "go-to" shoes?

Let me know in the comments below ^_^

Just for Fun Friday

This week, Hubby and I are cooking new recipes for our Just for Fun activity.

We're preparing Steak Au Poivre with Mashed potatoes, onion rings, and an iceberg wedge salad for supper.  Such extravagance means lots of prep work, so I'm glad that the Hubster is on board for helping.

Planning these recipes and excitedly chatting with the Hubster, made me shift into Domestic Goddess Mode!!

Made some homemade applesauce

 

And some Chocolate Chip Cookies

Then passed out!

What did you do just for fun this week?

Do you and your spouse ever cook together?

What's your favorite recipe??

Just for Fun Friday

Today I'm having a movie marathon!  Hubby is away all day, so I have Netflix all to myself... this means I get to watch all the movies I've added to my list, but that hubby wouldn't particularly like.

Here's what I watched:

Death comes to Pemberley

I love Pride & Prejudice, so of course I had to watch this.  This little gem, which is a BBC three episode mini series, shows what happens (or one idea of what happens) after Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy have their "happily ever after" moment.

Verdict:  If you like Pride & Prejudice, it's Worth the watch!

Sugar Coated

This documentary showcases a Canadian approach to the battle of the bulge.  Included are the works of Gary Taubes, Robert Lustig, Yoni Freedhoff, and Sami Inkinen.

It shows a peek behind the veil of the sugar companies and their tactics which draw an astonishing parallel to those used by the tobacco companies years ago...

Verdict: A Must SEE!

The True Cost

This humbling documentary follows those affected by "Fast Fashion" and shows that those inexpensive "throw away clothes" do have a higher cost -- in the form of sweatshop labor, environmental depletion, and pollution.

Verdict:  It'll make you think about your own consumerism and who it affects!!! 

Hush

This low budget thriller was a recommendation from a friend -- it's wonderfully done and keeps you at the edge of your seat!

The story centers around a lone female protagonist put in at an interesting disadvantage...

Verdict:  The ending was the absolute best!!!

What are you doing just for fun today?

 Which movies should I watch next?

Have you seen any documentaries that really make you think??

Let me know in the comments below!!

Thursday Things

Here are some things for this Thursday...

1.  I like BBQ's!  Hubby made burgers on a charcoal grill for the first time yesterday!  I completely forgot how much I love burgers cooked on a grill.  Yum!
2. Water is the best.  After waking up with part of the Sahara in my mouth, I'm reminded of this very fact.
3. The end of the semester grade freak out is real!  So many students coming to me with last ditch attempts at passing.  Let the lesson be learned... waiting until the end of the semester is a mistake!
4. I love Chocolate Cake & Pizza!  I definitely overdid it  yesterday (in honor of my special day) --and now I'm bloated!! -- so I'm counting it as a wash and starting fresh today!

Also -- Board games are the best!  We had fun playing some classics like Clue yesterday.

What do you have going on this Thursday?

Charcoal or gas grill??

What's your favorite board game?

Let me know by leaving a comment/reply :D

Just for Fun Friday

This week, my "Just for Fun" task was Menu Planning!!

I kid you not!  

I love my planner (mine is like the discbound binder set as the featured image of this post), organizing my calendar, using agendas, etc...  I'm not always the most organized person, but I love to sit down and take the time to lay everything out.

I used my day off this week to plan a menu, which is what I normally do for the week -- but this time, I planned a whole month's worth of meals.  This included grocery lists for every two weeks and the ability to switch things around if needed. 

The idea for monthly menu planning came in when I stumbled across a random blog post talking about how planning more "big picture" saves money in the long run.  Short term meal planning (like just for today or just for the next few days) leads to more grocery store runs and then more "that looks good" purchasing.  

This also plays into weight loss.  If there's a plan in place, then it's easier to stay "on plan".  If there's no plan in place, it's sometimes easy to fall into the whole take-out or order-in for meals phase -- which I've long tried to avoid.

What did you do just for fun today or this week?  

Do you menu/meal plan with your family?  

How do you stay on plan for weight loss?

Just for fun Friday #6

This week, I'm doing some shopping!!!  With the holidays quickly approaching, there's nothing more fun than making a list, checking it twice, and making sure to get great deals for all my family and friends!!
What are you doing this week?

I'll be spending time with family!! I love the holidays!! 

Who's on your shopping list?

I try to include all family and all friends.  Some get handmade goodies.  Others get store bought gifts from their wish list. 

Do you like shopping or find it a chore?

for me it depends on the crowd-to-deal ratio. If the crowds are too buy for the deal, it's not worth it for me so I bail. But I'll be more patient for a great deal. 

Just for Fun Friday #5

Too Many Clothes!

This week, hubby and I are battling our laundry mountain -- how do we let it build up?!?!

We're trying to do the laundry and decide what we'll pack, but that's easier said than done. 

We have too many clothes!!

What's the Problem?

 Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink!!  

I have what feels like a gazillion items of clothing -- most of which I do not wear!  I cycle through the same few outfits, that are my current favorites, and the rest stay tucked away in the closet, in the drawers, or on the shelf!

This mountain of clothing makes packing for travel even harder!  It's hard for me to anticipate what I'll want with me when I get to my various destinations.  With fewer clothes, I wouldn't have such a problem with the "what if" portion of the packing experience.

Having these clothes around that don't quite fit or don't look right or aren't in style make me feel "less than".  But I keep them around "just in case" -- which is so idiotic.

How did it get so bad?

I have a hard time letting go of clothes that "might" fit one day or "could" look good, if I just did the thing and got the right whatever -- madness is what it is.

The cycle started in college -- I didn't have much money, so I made due with the clothes that I had.  Even when I started gaining weight, I would squeeze my dupa into too tight clothes and hoped no one would notice.  

Once I started working more and was able to buy some more clothes, I made sure to stock up on essentials (jeans, tees, etc...).  My wardrobe today still consists mainly of what I purchased back then -- in 2005... Yikes...  I can't believe my wardrobe is mostly a decade old.  

It wasn't until the last two years (with weight loss and working out) that I would allow myself to by more clothes.  I started rewarding myself with a few new items of clothing.  I shop mostly at outlet malls or T.J.Maxx or other affordable clothing stores, so it wasn't a splurge to get a few items that are more current.  

I can't believe what a difference new clothes make.  I FIT into my clothing -- and it actually makes me look smaller!  My most recent purchase was a super thrifty "buy one get one free" jean-legging situation.

I know, most people hate leggings, but they are so comfortable and flatter my shape -- my legs are my favorite body part, so I try to show them off without being too revealing... instead of short skirts/shorts, I wear skinny jeans or leggings.  I pair them with long flowy tops to conceal my trouble spots (basically my whole torso).  

I wore the jeggings for the first time yesterday and I was amazing -- normally when I wear jeans, they're tight and stiff and I'm constantly adjusting them and pulling them up.  These jeggings were so comfortable and made me feel so confident (and no one knew they weren't just skinny jeans, HA!).  

Wearing clothes that fit and that make me feel fantastic is refreshing!  It's also renewing to my spirit and sense of purpose.  I feel WORTH IT!  It makes me want to gather up all the clothes that are from the 2000's and donate them -- or otherwise get rid of them!  If it doesn't make me feel fantastic, I don't want it around!

For this Just for Fun Friday -- I challenge you to either:

(1) Clean out your closet!  Limit yourself to just those favorite outfits that fit nicely and make you feel fabulous -- donate the rest!

(2) Pack your suitcase and travel!   There's nothing more exciting and liberating than traveling and experiencing new things with friends and family!

What will you do Just for Fun today?  

What's your favorite traveling outfit?  

Do you have any travel plans this year?

Just for Fun Friday #4

Happy Thanksgiving!

This week -- Just for Fun & in honor of Thanksgiving-- I'm listing all the things I'm grateful for.

• My loving husband -- I'm blown away each day but all the joy and love he brings to my life.
• My amazing family -- even though we're crazy and quirky, we have a great time
• My friends -- for having my back and loving me even though they know I'm just as crazy as the rest of my family
• My Dog -- he's little and snuggly, but he's my fur baby
• The ability to run -- I realize this is a gift, even if I'm not the fastest I'm still able to get up, lace up, and go.
• Good Health -- though I have some pounds to lose (and will be shedding those pounds each day), I am otherwise in good health and realize how blessed I am.  I have family and friends that are not as fortunate and continuously battle to feel normal -- I wake up and feel great! 
• Gas Prices -- they are low enough right now where I'm not freaked out to travel for holidays!!

What are you thankful for?  

How are you trying to be more grateful in your life?  

Does this holiday season remind you of all your blessings?

Just for Fun Friday #3

Making Mandu!

This week, hubby and I made homemade Mandu!  This is the recipe we used.... Thank you Maangchi!

This is something new we tried for the very first time -- and we think it'll become one of our family traditions!

What's Mandu?

 Little Pockets of heaven!  They are dumplings made with a seasoned meat and vegetable stuffing that are then steamed, added to soups, or in my case pan fried.  (It's basically a Korean Pierogi with a thinner skin or the Korean version of a Potsticker...SOO GOOD!)

To make them I used two kinds of store bought "skins" -- Big round ones (like below) and plain old Wanton Wrappers.

We mixed up the meat mixture -- I used all Beef instead of some beef, some pork... added seasoning, onion, green onion, garlic, cooked and chopped sweet potato noodles (like the kind you used for JapChae), and crumbled tofu.

You take a thin little wrapper, add some filling and fold up your little balls of deliciousness.  Pictured here you see three Mandu made by hubby (on the left) and two made by me (on the right) -- you can tell because my ends point out and his are crumpled in.

Once we had a nice stockpile build up, I pan fried a few in some vegetable oil -- SOO GOOD and CRISPY!

Random Childhood story

I've always been a fan of any kind of dumpling.  Korean Mandu, Chinese Pork Buns, Polish Pierogis -- if it's a cute little dough packet with a delicious filling, then it qualifies as one of my favorite foods.

Growing up, my grandparents lived very close to a Catholic church that had very Polish roots.  My paternal grandmother was part Polish -- so she loved this!  Every year, the church would coordinate efforts with the heavily Polish local population to put on a full blown "Polish Festival" to raise money for their church and Catholic School.

This this was the Sh**!!  There were Super sketchy Carnival rides, Polish bands to play Polka non-stop for the whole 3-day festival, a grown-ups only Beer Tent and all your typical carnival foods -- including Caramel Apples, Elephant ears, and funnel cakes.

There was a huge tent with nothing but games -- ring toss, balloon dart pop, bingo, etc... even Texas Hold 'em!  All games cost a quarter or $0.50 and would go towards fundraisers for the school or charity.  If you won a game, you'd get a prize -- Once I even won a GORGEOUS doll!

At the very back of the festival's lot, there was a CANDY TENT!  The entire tent was just display after display of candy -- some pieces were 5 for a penny, others were a quarter each, and the full bars or packs were a dollar or more.  I would save up my money (or beg for allowance) and stock up on candy.  The festival was in August and at times I would still be eating my candy horde well into Halloween season...

The Polish festival was something we looked forward to every year.

The best part was the fact that they had any kind of Polish food you'd like -- Kielbasa, cabbage, and of course PIEROGIS!   That's right -- addition to all the other food stands, you could also get the most delicious, fluffy, crunchy, chewy, cheesy, potatoe-y Pierogi ever!  They always had three kinds -- Potato, Cheese, or Potato & cheese.  You could get individuals or combos and they let you have as much sour cream as you needed.  My favorite were the potato & cheese (why choose right?).

I remember ordering some that were so fresh and hot that I couldn't wait to take a bite!  I burned the crap out of my mouth, but it was worth it.

For this Just for Fun Friday -- I challenge you to either:

(1) Try some MANDU!!  Any local Korean restaurant (worth their weight) will serve these either steamed or pan fried -- try them both and let me know which you prefered!

(2) Make some dumplings!  Any kind of dumplings!  I have found that one common thread through most cultures is their embrace of the dumpling...

What will you do Just for Fun today?  

What's your favorite kind of dumpling?  

Do you have any fun things you like to do with family every year?

Just for Fun Friday #2

Here's a "Just for Fun Friday" fact for you--not all Kim (seaweed dried into sheets) is the same.  

I've tried several types, some Korean and some not and I have to say Korean seaweed is the best!  (Not at all bias...)

Korean Kim just seems flakier and crispier and it's seasoned so it has a burst of flavor and texture in your mouth while you chew it. Other seaweed sheets are tough and flavorless. (I'm looking at you Japanese nori...)

This brand, aptly named A+ Kim, is the bees knees -- and makes these cute individual packs. 

  

Random Childhood story

When I was little, my mom would sometimes make us Kimbap -- Rice rolled up in seaweed sheets with eggs and veggies, and then sliced into little disks of heaven.  Sometime she would make a dipping sauce with soy sauce and hot pepper flakes --  It was the BOMB! 

Sometimes, when I was feeling ravenous and impatient -- my mom wouldn't even go through the added trouble of cutting the Kimbap -- so she'd make a roll up for each one of us kids and we'd walk around outside chewing on our snack.

There used to be a Korean Market right near our house, a long time ago -- when I was maybe 4 or 5.  My mom was friends with the owner/operator so we'd get to go in the back -- where there was a break room/living quarters complete with a fridge, cabinets, and a stove/oven.  On the other side of this massive supply/break room there were huge pallets of bagged rice.  

We'd climb all over them and while we were playing, my mom and her friend would fry up some eggs to make us Kimbap.  Once they fixed this snack, they'd bring us over our plates and we could eat them right there on top of Mt Rice Bag...  It was beyond cool.

Sometimes when I see Kimbap at the market registers, I think of climbing those bags of rice and the crazy fun we'd have imaging we were scaling a tower to take over a castle, or that we'd be the first Point-Five-Koreans to reach the peak of a huge mountain.  Such fun!

For this Just for Fun Friday -- I challenge you to either:

(1) Try some Korean Kim!  You can find it on amazon or go for the A+ KIM from a local Asian Market near you

(2) Recall a favorite game you used to play as a kid -- the more you used your imagination, the better!  Share with a comment/reply.  

What will you do Just for Fun today?  

Do you ever get random flashbacks triggered by something you see, eat, or smell?

Just for Fun Friday #1

EatYourKimchi

I was exploring various aspects of Youtube the other day and stumbled across this hilarious Canadian couple -- Simon and Martina -- who moved to Korea and have lived there for nearly a decade.  Their Youtube Channel hosts a collection of videos that capture life and eating in Korea - -amongst other things.

Their dog -- Spudgy -- looks just like my dog Henry!!!  Isn't his little cartoon character cute?

After watching far too many of their food videos, I was seriously craving some great Kimchi Jjigae and dumplings and rice and all of the food!!  Hubby sympathized with me and planned a trip to our local (45 + min away) Korean hot spot.  The plan was to have lunch, go shopping, and get full!  Gotta love the hubby!

For this Just for Fun Friday -- I challenge you to either:

(1) Try some Korean foods if you live near a Korean restaurant -- If you don't do spicy, order Bulgogi (Marinated beef) -- You'll thank me later.  OR

(2) Check out some of the "food porn" on the EatYourKimchi Youtube channel -- then find a Korean restaurant or store near you!

What will you do Just for Fun today?  

Do you follow any Youtube channels?  If so, please share!  I'm late on the Youtube game and am in need of some recommendations!