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 ^_^ 

Tuesday treat day

This Tuesday I felt like crud -- so I treated myself to...

A mid morning nap

An early morning walk with the pup

An afternoon YouTube binge

A pre-dinner iced coffee

And a short blog post!

How did you treat yourself today?

Do you ever take a day to heal and focus?

What's your favorite YouTube channel?

Tuesday's Treats #7

It's Tuesday, which means I'm all about treats today.  After a weekend of girly fun, I feel like I've been well "treated" and am going to focus on self care as my reward of choice.

Treats from Girl's Weekend

My bestie and I had a girls only weekend that included a sleepover.  We watched movies, ate junk food, and got the glitteriest mani/pedi's EVER!

This morning's Treats

First up, my morning run.  I set my mind on the goal of running and set my music to motivate.  It was a hot one, but it felt SOO GOOD.

Once I finished my run, I made my recovery drink of choice -- a Protein Latte.  This is basically a scoop of EAS Lean 15 Protein Powder  mixed into iced coffee instead of water.  I ran out of iced coffee, so I used a scoop of my favorite Espresso powder and lots of ice and water.

For Breakfast, I made avocado toast with a whole fried egg + 1 egg white on top.  Something about the yolk + avocado is the best most amazing treat ever.  Adding a ton of Korean Hot Pepper Powder bumps it up a notch.  A generous sprinkle is REQUIRED for deliciousness.

Paired with some fat slices of Watermelon, my tummy was in heaven!

Afternoon/Evening Treats

This afternoon, I have to do some work and then go to a dinner meeting -- where I'll be treating myself to a meal of FISH!  Something I love to eat, but don't often cook for myself.  This is mostly because I can't stand the smell that lingers once fish is cooked in a small space, but partly because Hubby doesn't eat fish -- and I don't like making a fuss for something only I'll eat.

Once the meeting's over, I'll do my Upper Body Strength workout and have a quick shower before some one on one time with Hubby.

We'll end the evening with some movies that I've wanted to watch -- they've been sitting on my Netflix for what feels like 254 years.

How are you treating yourself this week?

What's your stance on glittery nail polish??

Do you eat Fish at home?  If so, how do you prevent the fishy smell???

Let me know in the comments below ^_^

Tuesday's Treats

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday!

Here's how I'm treating myself today

Meditation

I started using a mediation app called Headspace.  It's free to download ( I have a iphone, not sure about android) and there are in app purchases available for further study.  It requires 10 minutes of meditation a day that can be done sitting in a chair or on the floor just about anywhere.

At home Manicure!

To save a bit of cash, I did my nails at home (again) -- What do you think?

 

Morning Run

Even though it required getting out of bed early, my morning run today was definitely a treat... because I was able to beat the heat!

Girlie Day out!

A friend of mine is fighting cabin fever by filling her days with shopping, spa treatments, manicures/pedicures, and ladies lunches.  Today, I'm tagging along for the fun!!

How are you treating yourself?

What are some ways you take time for yourself through the day/week?

Have you ever tried meditation?

Let me know 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 ^_^

Tuesday Treat Day!

For this week's treat, hubby and I cleaned, organized, and completely rearranged our home office!

It's still in need of some carpet cleaning and some dusting -- but by throwing out old papers, super old technology, and broken down clutter we cleared 4 garbage bags of stuff we don't need!  The full dumpster means more room for activities!

In the process of all the sorting and cleaning, I completely destroyed my nails.  That meant another treat!  Manicure :D

I picked a blood red color and shorter nails.  LOVE THEM!

How are you treating yourself today?

Do you ever feel the need to spring clean and get rid of clutter?

What's your favorite nail color?

Tuesday - Treat Day!

Treats for this week:

• Strawberry picking & then pie making with friends and their kids
• Lunch with another set of friends
• Shopping at Ulta for discounts :D
• Coffee and or lunch out of town
• Workouts with Hubby (that'll help my minor side injury heal without irritation)

How are you treating yourself this week?

What's your favorite thing to do with fresh strawberries?

Do you have a favorite coffee shop or lunch spot?

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!!

Tuesday Treats!

Last night was a rough night.

For whatever reason, I woke up around 3 AM completely starving!  I made a quick PB sammie (on a sandwich thin), tracked the points, and laid back down.  That's when it got super rough...

Apparently, my impromptu snack attack was a cue for the doggy to annoy me for the rest of the night.  I'm talking whining, bumping, nuzzling, patting... all over me!

Once he finally settled down and I was able to get to sleep, it was practically morning.

To treat myself today, I'm going to relax!!!  Trying to sneak in a nap later this afternoon might be a big ask, but I'm definitely going to stay in PJ's all day -- no shower -- no makeup -- it's a dry shampoo kind of day.  I'm going to get my fill of junk tv but good foods :D

I'll also have a new phone sometime today!!  I've been eagerly awaiting the UPS truck all day, but so far - nada.

It was time for our contract renewal/upgrade with our mobile phone company, but hubby and I are both super happy with our phones.  We have no complaints and *knock on wood* there's no damage even after more than 2 years.  We currently have iphones with 16GB of memory but decided to upgrade to 64GB of memory -- which ended up being an affordable decision.

The best part is, since we're only upgrading memory, all the cases and accessories will work for the new phones!  No need to upgrade all accessories just to upgrade our devices! :D

How are you treating yourself today?

Do you treat yourself with naps and relaxing?

When was the last time you upgraded your device?

Let me know with a comment 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

Tuesday Treat Day

This week's treat is short and sweet -- ICE CREAM!!!

 Found this beauty which is 3 pp per serving!
What's your treat this week?

Do you have a favorite brand or flavor of ice cream?

Tuesday Treat Day #7

This week's treat is a day at home -- alone.

During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy to get into the habit of putting others' needs/agendas ahead of your own.  For most people, this is their day to day status quo -- putting themselves last, forgetting to take care of themselves, etc...  

I say, take a day for yourself.  Connect with yourself.  Treat yourself to a day all about you.  

For me this meant doing some chores (laundry, dishes, etc...), getting in a workout (sprint intervals at the track and some plyo at home), and watching some junk food TV (real housewives please!)

What will you do to take care of yourself today? 

Do you ever take a day and put yourself first?

How do you Treat yourself?

Tuesday Treat Day #6

This week's Treat

Visiting family!

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I often forget how fulfilling it is to sit and have a good visit with friends and family.  This time of year, I make an extra effort to visit with family that I normally only call once or twice a year.  

These visits might include a meal or snack, playing a game, or even joining family members on an outing (movies are my favorite).  Anything is fair game, so long as you do it together!

I'm also going to be treating my family members to my help with chores around their houses.  My schedule is more free, and they still have to work, so I'm going to play helper elf to lighten their load. 

Acts of service is my love language -- if you're not familiar with the love languages, I'd recommend this link: http://www.5lovelanguages.com/    

This means that I feel the most loved when someone had gone out of their way to lighten my load.  It also means that I give love by serving others.  Even though I do appreciate the other ways love is communicated to me (gifts, affirmations, touch, etc...)... I'm most inclined to work work work...

What will be your treat today?  

What's your love language?  

How do you lighten your loved ones' loads?

Tuesday Treat Day #5

This week's Treat

Games with Friends!  Euchre, chess, board games, video games, etc...

Here are the most recent games I've enjoyed with friends and family:

• Euchre
• Parchese
• Hi-Ho Cherri-o
• Ants in the Pants
• Star Wars Battlefront
• Titan Fall
• Fall Out 4

This next list contains all the games I'd like to play before New Year:

• Double Solitaire
• Greed
• Chess - 4
• Triple Layer Chess
• Rummy
• Poker (Texas Hold 'Em)
• Cribbage
• Phase 10
• UNO

Why?

 I love playing games (and I'm obviously a bit competitive -- hello, Korean!).  It's even more special when it's with friends and family, as I feel it brings everyone together.

For board games and card games, it's a great feeling to unplug and have some chatter around the table as the game is played.  For video games, it's fun to link up the different generations and help the older folks relate to the youngsters!  

It may turn out that Grandpa kicks-butt on Star Wars Battlefront and with the new movie coming out soon, it's going to be a popular thing I think...

Random Childhood Story

It was a sort of tradition every Friday night -- my family would pack up and head to my grandma's house.  We'd either eat there or pick up food on the way.  Sometimes it would just be my parents and grandparents, other times aunts and uncles would join.

When there were a lot of people over, my grandpa would have to add an extra "leaf" into the table (it was the type that expands when you pull on either side, going from circle to long oval if needed).  His table would go from comfortably seating 4 to comfortably seating 12.

This was especially helpful on Friday nights because once dinner was over, it was always game night!  The kids would scatter and watch tv or play in another room while the adults would get out the cards, pull out the board, or even get out a puzzle.

It seemed the adults would go through phases -- they'd play War (it's like double solitaire but with lots more couples) for long stretches, but then switch to cribbage or another game before deciding to try a board game or puzzle... 

As a kid, I ALWAYS wanted to play too!!  I got really good at cards (as good as a kid could be) and would make sure to keep the adult's glasses of soda or lemonade full -- every bathroom break for them was an opportunity for me to play!

I loved this tradition!  So for a family friend's Christmas gift, we put together a game night basket -- candies, snacks, and games!  I hope to carry on the tradition with my own family as something to look forward to every week and a fun way to bond as a family!

Do you have a favorite game?

Does your family have a game night?

What traditions do your families have that pull you all together?

Tuesday Treat Day #4

This week's Treat

At home manicure and pedicure!

Color Choices

Essie "Dressed to Kilt" -- Deep Red for toes

Essie "Merino Cool" -- Light Grey for fingers

Why?

For the past few weeks, I've gone to a nail salon and have gotten my nails professional manicured.  I decided that this week, I would give it a go myself and save a little money.  After indulging in some new makeup purchases at Ulta and Rite Aid -- I decided that splurging on makeup meant saving on nails.

I also felt like my nails were going to take a beating during the Thanksgiving festivities later this week -- so a pro-manicure after the holidays would be money better spent, sort to speak.

What are some other treats that I should indulge in?  

Have you ever given yourself a manicure?  

If so, do you see any difference when you do it at home versus salon??

Tuesday Treat Day #3

This week's Treat

Dry Skin Brushing!!!!

Why???

You might be thinking -- how is this a treat??  Taking time out of our busy lives to pamper/care for ourselves shouldn't be reserved just for treat days, but like many of you -- I get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to take care of myself!

I have to remind myself, with Treat Days, that I'm important!  If I'm not well taken care of, then I can't take care of others well!  This treat also is completely free (once you have the proper brush).

Skin Brushing 

Skin brushing relates to the practice of exfoliating by using a brush (like the one pictured above) on dry skin in circular motions.  It's best to start from the furthest points from your heart and work your way in (to promote circulation).

Here's what I do:

• Starting with the tops of my feet, using a dry brush on dry skin, I lightly brush the skin in circular motions
• I then slowly moving up to the ankles and then legs
• Once I've finished brushing each leg, I start with my fingertips/hands and work my way to my shoulders
• Then I finish with my torso making sure to use light circular motions.

I usually follow skin brushing with either a shower or by moisturizing my skin... but do whatever feels right for you.

Skin Brushing Benefits

1. Exfoliation --  Whenever I skin brush, it's like a snowfall in my bathroom!  So much dry skin!  So many flakes!
2. Increase circulation -- you'll feel your skin come to life as you brush it!! 
3. Stress relief -- play some relaxing spa-like music, light some candles, relax!  Skin brushing can be meditative and can help reduce tension and relieve stress
4. Reduce cellulite -- not sure I believe this one, but in this article they claim the increase in circulation/stimulation can help break up the fatty deposits that cause my cottage cheese thighs!  Hey, why not!
5. It feels good!!  It's like scratching an itch that you didn't know you had -- in a place that you couldn't otherwise reach!  This is especially true of my back -- I have super dry skin and the brush I use has a really long handle so I can reach every inch of my super dry flakey back!  (sorry for the gross overshare...)

What are some other treats that I should indulge in?  

Have you every tried skin brushing?  

If so, do you see any improvement in  your skin or cellulite like the article linked above claims?

Tuesday Treat Day #2

This week's Treat:

Treats don't always have to cost money -- This week's treat is one that is totally free and easily accessible -- a LIBRARY BOOK!  Not an e-book, not a magazine, not a blog post, not a newspaper article -- a real, actual, low-tech book!  

Backstory:

 My husband and I want to read more, instead of vegging out in front of the TV and binge watching Neftlix all the time.  It's an approach we're taking to our life -- out with the junk, in with the good stuff.  This means less junk food and more quality food, less junk time and more quality time, and less junk entertainment and more quality entertainment.  This means reading more quality books and reading less junk (like endlessly scrolling through social media).

With "reading more" as our goal, the first step is to find the time to read!  With holiday break coming up, I figured it was the perfect time to carry around a book to read!

My pick:

This book, Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, is my first choice.  I did a tiny bit of researched to find authors related to my recent favorite - Malcolm Gladwell.  I have his works, David and Goliath, Outliers, and Tipping Point on audiobook on my Ipod that I listen to during long runs.  Supposedly, Daniel Kahneman -- a Nobel Prize winner in Economics.

 

Here's the "back of the book" which the library by me pastes inside the front cover.    

Other Treats for today:

Maybe Starbucks, running indoors instead of the rain, and a nap??

Definite treat-- nails!!

  

What's your treat this week?  

Who's your favorite author?  

What are you reading now?

Tuesday Treat Day #1

This Tuesday treat day is the start of something official -- I'm going to have a treat day every Tuesday of my marathon training cycle -- to keep my spirits up and to reward my hard work.  Some of these treats will be free (self care, nap, meditate, relax, etc...) and some of these treats will cost a small amount of money but nothing too wild.

The last few Tuesday Treat Days went along almost unnoticed -- I have been alternating self care (skin brushing, meditations, naps) and going to the nail salon and getting Gel Manicures.  If you're prone to breaking your nails or chipping nail polish, gel is for you!

It literally will last 2 weeks or more and I am HARD on my nails...  I make my nails suffer through all of the following and more...

• I do dishes by hand (no dishwasher :(... )
• I am constantly digging through boxes, bins, drawers, etc... at work
• I type NON-STOP
• I scratch my dog -- he loves it
• I pull weeds in the garden
• I fight with the copier and printers at my work daily
• I cook!  (Love trying new recipes from scratch! -- Leave me some in the comments/replies if you have a great one to try!)
• I lift/workout -- dumbbells, barbells, kettle-bells, burpees, pushups, ... this polish will last!

Last Tuesday, I went in for my manicure and decided on a beige-grey color that I'm loving!  It's so perfect for the gloomy rainy fall weather we've been having!

This Tuesday, I decided on a Starbucks Flat White -- which is a must try if you've never had it.  It's super rich, frothy, foamy, strong espresso drink that feels so decadent.

Tall Flat White with 2% 140 Calories

Tall Pumpkin Spice Latte with 2% w/Whip - 300 Calories w/o Whip - 240 Calories

The top layer of milky foam is so light and micro-foamy that it feels like whipped cream.  I got a tall with 2% milk which only set me back about 140 calories -- which is just right for a treat.  Compared to my old Fall favorite, a tall pumpkin spice latte with 2% milk, which has over twice the calories of the Flat White -- 300.  Even if you skip the whipped cream (which is arguably the best part) it'll still clock in at 240 calories.

So for this treat Tuesday, I saved 100 calories and still felt like I was treating myself... yum!

What will you do to treat yourself?  

How often do you remember to re-center and re-focus during your training?  

Do bigger rewards work for you or smaller more regular ones?