Loving My Body Through Fitness

What does it mean to love your body? It’s different for each one of us, and today, I’m honored to be sharing my own take as part of The World Around Her’s inspiring Love Your Body series.  

Stop by to read about my past struggles with fitness, what finally changed, and how I’ve now learned to better love and care for my body. Last week, I also shared an excerpt from a previous High Heels & Flip-Flops post that explains why I'm forever proud to be porcelain-skinned and tan-free. 

While visiting the site, you can check out other bloggers’ empowering stories, and even consider submitting your own.

Tell me, what do you love most about your body, and what challenges have you faced? 

365 Workouts: Staying Fit While Fighting a Cold

It’s been a slow, cold month here, and sadly, winter doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. In fact, we’re due to get 3-5 more inches of snow tomorrow, on top of the few inches that are still on the ground from this week’s earlier storm. Worst of all, along with bitter cold temps outdoors, this winter has also brought cold viruses into our home.

While we've still managed to make it to trampoline boot camp most weeks this month, nasty winter colds did sideline us for a few days. I tried to at least continue using weights while watching TV, and even pushed myself to keep doing workout DVDs a couple nights in a row. For the most part, though, I just had to relax and take it easy.  

I’m feeling better now and working to get back on track, but a busy schedule and below-zero wind chills have left me feeling pretty unmotivated. I would much rather curl up under a soft blanket with a hot bowl of mac and cheese than put on my workout clothes and squat it out with Jillian Michaels. Here’s hoping spring makes its appearance very soon (and that in the meantime, no more viruses weasel their way into our lives). 

How do you stay fit while fighting a cold? Do you try to push through the discomfort or just lay low until you’re feeling better? 

365 Workouts: January Check-In

If you were caught in the path of Winter Storm Juno this week, I hope you’re staying safe and warm! We got all of two inches here in the DC area, but temps have been so low that the snow is still on the ground. Seriously, this is the time of year when I just want either one big, major snowstorm or none at all.

Anyway, as part of my 365 Workouts plan for 2015, I’m holding myself accountable with monthly check-ins. I’m proud to say that I've stayed on track so far, doing a fitness DVD or heading to trampoline boot camp every day this month (except for two especially tiring evenings when I settled for weights and crunches while watching TV). But still, that's something, right?

My special Flight Fit trampoline socks with sticky grip-strips on the bottom. 

Working out consistently has me looking and feeling so much better already. I’m down a couple pounds, have more energy and have even adapted from being a night owl to turning in and waking up earlier. Here’s hoping I’ll be able to keep it up and continue seeing results during February!

How are you doing with your 2015 goals? Are you on track so far? 

New Year, New Me: 365 Workouts

Happy 2015, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed wonderful holidays and are ready for new adventures in the new year. Our Christmas and New Year’s Eve were both fun and relaxing, and today we’ll be heading into DC to check out the Botanic Garden’s annual holiday display and also see a performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

(via Catster) 

Like so many other people, I try to be serious about health and fitness all year long, but sometimes struggle to stay committed during times of stress, boredom or just plain laziness. That’s why this year, I’m launching my 365 Workouts plan and setting a goal to be physically active every day, whether by heading to a Flight Fit trampoline class, doing a Jillian Michaels DVD, going out for a walk when the weather is warm or even just lifting hand-weights while watching TV after dinner.

I already got a positive jump-start toward the end of 2014, and have seen definite improvements in the way I look and feel. Here’s hoping those improvements will continue into 2015. Now, who’s with me? 

What are your goals for 2015? 

Trampoline Boot Camp

Ever since my friend and I visited an indoor trampoline park last month in California, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of finding one here in my own little corner of the DC area. Luckily, I did just that last Saturday when my husband and I went to a one-hour, boot-camp style trampoline class that was fun, unique and incredibly challenging.

Since my friends and I grew up trampolining in one of their backyards, and I did just fine with the freestyle jumping last month, I figured I should have no trouble at all mastering the class, right? Wrong! Though I was able to keep up overall, it was also one of the toughest workouts of my life, and I definitely have work to do before I’ll be as fast and fit as some of the regulars who were there.

Still, out of all the workout programs and classes I’ve tried, this was by far my favorite, and I’m looking forward to sticking with it as much as I can. No, I didn’t take any pictures of myself all sweaty and red-faced, but if you want to get an idea of what the class is like, check out the video below.

As you watch, keep in mind that the intensity of each session can vary depending on the instructor, as can the types of exercises you do. Our instructor focused on cardio and strength intervals, plus obstacle course-style routines using the trampoline, weighted balls and resistance bands.

Sound like fun? Each class at our local Flight Trampoline Park costs $11, but they also offer a $16 two-class pass and a $70 10-class pass. And if you don’t have a Flight Park near you, there are other companies out there, too, like Sky Zone and Rebounderz.

Have you ever given trampoline fitness classes a try? Would you? I absolutely recommend it if you're looking for a different, fun and challenging workout! 

Five Things Thursday: Best of the West

Hello out there! How was everyone’s July? Mine was awesome, mostly because of the couple weeks I spent chillaxing and catching up with family and friends in California. From Nor Cal to So Cal, Disneyland to Dana Point, and many places in between, there was rarely a dull moment. Although it’s impossible to pick out absolute favorites, here are five crazy cool memories from my time on the West Coast, best coast.

1. Hiking to Mammoth Rocks

Since Stephen’s family has a cute vacation house in coastal Nor Cal, we decided to kick off our trip by spending 4th of July weekend exploring the area. Along with watching the annual fireworks over the bay and going to a local pancake breakfast fundraiser, another highlight was hiking along the gorgeous coastline to Mammoth Rocks, which scientists believe the ancient creatures once rubbed up against, creating uniquely shaped smooth patches that exist to this day. 

2. Visiting DreamWorks Studios and the Iconic Hollywood Bowl

When one of your best friends works for DreamWorks (hi P!), visiting the studios is an absolute must. Even better? Going to the Hollywood Bowl to watch the DreamWorks 20th anniversary show hosted by Jack Black. That outing was in celebration of another best friend’s 30th birthday (hi B!).

3. Three Days of Disney

It’s no secret that I’m an absolute Disneyland fanatic, so when my mom suggested a three-day girls’ trip (Stephen had to head back to DC a bit sooner than me), I was totally down. Two nights at Disney’s Grand California Hotel helped us pack in nearly three full days of park hopping at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. We also had a special dinner at Downtown Disney’s Rainforest Café, where animatronic elephants and gorillas put on a spectacular show. Even though I may have tired out my mom and sister with my go, go, go adrenaline rush, overall, it was a really great time.  

4. Giraffe Gazing at the Santa Barbara Zoo

Of course, no trip to California would be complete without a visit to one of the state’s amazing zoos. The Santa Barbara Zoo, located on the Central Coast, is big enough to be fun, but not so big that you get lost walking around. My favorite animal? The giraffes, of course!

5. Trampolining at Sky Zone

Disney, the zoo and trampolining? Yes, I’m definitely a kid at heart. My friend and I had a blast visiting an indoor trampoline park and getting a great workout while catching up. Have you ever been to one of these places? I need to find one around here ASAP and ask whether they have an exercise class I can enroll in.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from Sky Zone because my phone was stashed away inside a locker, so I'll leave you with a couple other final shots instead. 

What have been the highlights of your summer so far? 

Five Things Thursday: Things I'm Loving

Happy May Day! It’s been a busy week around here, but I’ve still made time to join Diana and Tairalyn for their weekly Five Things linkup, where I’m sharing a few cool things I’m loving right now. Want to join in? Check out my five things below, share yours and then head on over to The World Around Her or Little Miss Mama to add your link and join the fun!

1. Charity Miles App

Even though our daily walks were put on hold thanks to rainy weather the past couple of days, I’m looking forward to getting back out there again! If you aren’t already familiar with it, the free Charity Miles app allows you to earn money for a charity of your choosing for every mile you walk, run or bike. Charities to choose from include Stand Up to Cancer, the Wounded Warrior Project, ASPCA and many more. Check it out, and start giving back while you work out!

2. Farmers Markets

Have I mentioned before that I love, love, love our new neighborhood? Starting tonight, there’ll be yet another great thing going on – a seasonal farmers market within easy walking distance of our place. I’m looking forward to seeing what they have and hopefully also getting inspired to whip up a few new healthy recipes.

Photo Credit: Fabbioli Cellars

3. Fabbioli Cellars’ Una Pera Wine

As I mentioned last week, Fabbioli Cellars is one of my favorite local wineries. Lately, I've been especially loving their Una Pera pear wine, which always hits the spot on a warm spring or summer’s day. Since it’s sold at our local Whole Foods, we can even get our fix without visiting the winery itself (even though we like to every chance we get).

4. Margaritas

For those times when wine just won’t cut it, I love indulging in a tangy margarita. I recently discovered this mango jalapeno recipe on Pinterest and can’t wait to give it a try.

5. MRIS Homes.com

Sure, Zillow is a great basic tool, but for hardcore house searching, MRIS Homes is a truly awesome one-stop shop for real-time, in-depth info. Fellow house hunters or homeowners, are there any other sites you'd recommend?

What are you loving this week?  

Five Things Thursday: Favorite Spring Activities

It’s that time of the week again, when I’m joining Diana and Tairalyn for the Five Things linkup and sharing five favorite activities I have or will be enjoying this spring. Want to join in? Check out my five things below, share yours and then head on over to The World Around Her or Little Miss Mama to add your link and join the fun!

1. Relaxing Neighborhood Walks

Coming off of an epic winter that felt like it would never end, I’ve especially been loving the warmer weather, blooming flowers and chirping birds letting us know that spring is finally here. In order to take advantage of the nicer weather before the dreaded summer humidity sets in, Stephen and I have been making time to go for walks around the neighborhood during the evenings and on weekends. With plenty of trails to choose from, our walks are simple, relaxing and a good way to ease back into exercising after months of winter laziness. We’ve loved seeing a lot of animals so far, too, including geese, beavers, ducks, turtles and frogs.

2. Local Wine Tasting

Trying out new wines and visiting local wineries are two of my favorite things any time of year, but especially during the spring, when the weather’s once again warm enough for a nice outdoor picnic and a chilled glass of refreshing Viognier. We’re hoping to hit up one of our faves, Fabbioli Cellars, very soon.

3. Lao New Year Festival

One fun highlight of our spring thus far was heading to last weekend’s Lao New Year Festival at a local temple. After wandering around and checking out the food options, we decided on papaya salad for me, chicken satay for Stephen, and pad Thai and Thai iced teas for us both, all of which we ate while listening to a local band perform. I was a little disappointed that no one seemed to be selling my all-time favorite dish, crispy rice salad, but we did manage to pick up a big batch of hot dried chilies to use in our cooking throughout the coming months.

4. Healthy Spring Cooking

After months of chowing down on pasta, soup and other wholesome comfort foods, it feels good to get back to making some lighter and healthier spring dishes, including sushi and stir fries. Trying new recipes has been a goal of ours recently, and next week, we’re planning to try replicating some of the meals we learned how to make during last month's Indian cooking classes.

5. Outdoor Patio Reading

Now that we’ve got our new Ikea patio set all ready to go, I’m looking forward to sitting outside during the day and in the evenings to read. I’m currently starting a new book by Paul Taylor called The Next America: Boomers, Millennials, and the Looming Generational Showdown, which I’ll be sure to review here on the blog.

Have a great Thursday and a fun weekend, everyone! What are some of your favorite things to do during the spring? 

Five Things Thursday: Random Musings

Happy Thursday! Today, I’m excited to join Diana and Tairalyn for their new weekly Five Things linkup, where bloggers can share any five things currently on their minds. Want to join in? Check out my five things below, share yours and then head on over to The World Around Her or Little Miss Mama to add your link and join the fun!

1. Now that it’s finally spring, I’m trying to get outside and exercise more often, even though it’s been tough getting back into it following months of lazy, out-of-shape lounging. During last weekend’s run, I barely made it a mile before wanting to stop and walk, but I guess something is better than nothing, right?

2. Last week, I was excited to get word that I’ve been selected for a new freelance writing opportunity with a women’s lifestyle site. I’ll make an official announcement and share my first post once it goes live, but for now, I’m just grateful for the upcoming opportunity, even though I’m at the same time disappointed that a fellow writing buddy who applied with me wasn’t accepted. Have you ever had an experience like that, where you got good news but a friend didn’t? It’s definitely sapped some of the joy out of the announcement, even though I know she’s genuinely happy for me.

3. My husband and I have been trying out a lot of new recipes lately, and last weekend we whipped up a tasty new addition that will definitely be a keeper in our house this spring and summer – kung pao salmon. Would you like to try it, too? Stay tuned for a recipe recap post next week!

4. Now that my husband and I have decided to stay here in the DC area for the foreseeable future, we’re looking forward to starting our house hunt during the mid-to-late summer. So far, we’ve gone to a couple seminars, put together an initial list outlining what we do and don’t want, and have also starting scoping out potential neighborhoods we like. The thought of making such a huge purchase still feels a bit daunting at times, but as we keep getting more of a solid feel for what we’re doing, it’s starting to get a lot more exciting, too!

5. If the weather is nice this weekend, we’re hoping to head to a Lao New Year Festival where we can enjoy some tasty eats, including the utter deliciousness that is crispy rice salad. Have you ever tried it before? Here's also wishing an early happy Easter to all who will be celebrating! 

What's Your Excuse?

When Maria Kang, the infamous "hot Facebook mom," posted her first so-called inspirational "What's Your Excuse?" photo last year, I simply kept my mouth shut in spite of my extreme annoyance. After all, I realize that this woman is simply seeking publicity and hoping to draw a reaction out of everyone. But when she had the nerve to post yet another photo this year, further boasting about the fact that she works eight-plus-hour days, gets little sleep and supposedly has no nanny, I just couldn't keep quiet any longer.

Why? Because it makes me incredibly sad that this woman is still out there bragging about how great she thinks she is, and even sadder that many people actually think she is healthy and a "role model" simply based on the way she looks. I mean, sure, she may look fit on the outside, but who knows what is really going on inside her body, or will over time, due to ongoing stress, limited sleep and so on? As I recently discussed with a friend, size and appearance are not always a direct reflection of one's actual health. 

Furthermore, while it's great that she works out and likes looking the way she does, it's just not realistic or desirable for many others. Although I certainly believe in the importance of exercising and eating healthily, everyone's body is unique, and beauty is not one-size-fits-all. I, for one, would much rather do without damaging my body with constant stress and little sleep than look like her.

Therefore, rather than continuing to judge others primarily based on the way they look, or feeling pressured to try living up to someone else's perhaps unattainable standard, I think we should all instead focus on our own health and fitness, finding what works for us and allows us to feel happy about the way we look and feel. We should also keep in mind that it is indeed entirely possible to be healthy and live a long life without ever looking the way Ms. Kang does.

What do you think about this woman's photos and messaging?

New Year's Resolutions: Better Late Than Never

I hope everyone’s 2014 is off to a great start so far! Since my family was here visiting from Christmas through last week, I’m just now getting back into the swing of things after an amazing holiday in New York City and a wonderful time introducing them to some of the DC area’s best museums and landmarks.

Even though we’re already a couple weeks into the new year, I figure it’s better late than never to share a few goals and resolutions. And really, any time, new year or not, is a good time to set goals for improving your life, right? 

Here below, with the help of a couple simple prompts I discovered via fellow bloggers, is a quick look at several of my goals, along with my chosen "word of the year."

A Bad Habit I’m Going to Break: 

Overeating

A New Skill I’d Like to Learn: 

Cooking more healthy meals

A Person I Hope to Be More Like: 

My Nana

A Good Deed I’m Going to Do: 

Donate on behalf of causes I support

A Place I’d Like to Visit: 

New York City’s Metropolitan Opera

A Book I’d Like to Read: 

The End of Illness by David B. Agus 

And many others, as well. As of right now, I have 98 books on my “To Read” list. During 2012 and 2013, I read 20-25 books per year while taking part in the Goodreads Reading Challenge. I hope to continue that trend by getting through at least 20 titles this year.

A Letter I’m Going to Write:

One allowing me to reconnect with someone I've lost touch with over the years

A New Food I’d Like to Try:

Crab sushi

I’m Going to Work Harder At: 

Believing in myself

A Project I'd Like to Finish: 

A final draft of my first novel 

I'd Like to Spend More Time: 

Exercising

I Want to Eat More: 

Fruits and vegetables

I Want to Wear More: 

Colorful clothes and jewelry, instead of my usual neutrals

A Class I'd Like to Take: 

An online writing seminar via Writer's Digest

Word of the Year: 

Confident 

Did you choose a "word of the year" or set goals for 2014? 

So What! Wednesday: January 16, 2013

It’s been quite a while since I last linked up with So What! Wednesday, but because I’ve had a lot on my mind lately, including some big “life questions,” I figured this would be as good a time as any to jump back on board. Today, I’m saying “so what” if:

#1 – I’m back on track with my workouts, but am still not down to my goal weight. I know that if I keep up the hard work, though, I will definitely get there this year!  

#2 – Now that Stephen has officially turned 30, I’m especially dreading my own birthday in September. Even though I’m proud of many things I’ve accomplished during my 20s, and everyone keeps telling me that 30 is “just a number,” there’s something inside of me that’s not yet ready to leave this “younger” phase of my life behind.

#3 – My several recent attempts at becoming a vegetarian have failed. While I now rarely meat at home, and usually only have it for special occasions that include some of my favorite dishes, cutting it out completely just left me feeling too deprived. I also surprisingly gained weight during my meatless stints, since I ended up replacing lean meats with more cheese and dairy!  

This spicy bean and veggie stir fry is one of my favorite meatless meals!

#4 – I’m still not ready to have a kid, even though it sometimes seems as if everyone around me either already has a baby or is expecting one this year. I have nothing but congratulations for those who are ready to start their families, but I have too many other things I want to do before babies come along and take over my life.

#5 – Since leaving my congressional job following the 2010 election, I haven’t been following a “traditional” career path like many of my peers. This is in part because Stephen and I had initially considered moving back to California – a plan we then rethought due to several can’t-pass-it-up career opportunities that came his way. But even though I may not have gone back to working a 9-to-5 job as of yet, I've still earned my master’s degree, worked on various writing and wedding coordination projects I loved, traveled, and spent lots of time with family. Figuring things out career-wise is definitely at the top of my goal list for 2013.  

What are you saying “so what” to this Wednesday?

Staying Fit During the Holidays

Greetings from California, where I’m celebrating Christmas with my family a couple weeks early! So far, I’m having a great time catching up with relatives and friends, and it’s even kind of nice to be here ahead of schedule for a change, especially because it means that more people are still in town for dinners, parties and get-togethers before heading off on their own holiday travels.

Speaking of dinners and parties, if I have one key goal for this trip, it’s to maintain the hard-fought health and fitness progress I’ve made throughout the past month. The summer months were definitely a low-point for me, not only in terms of dealing with a lot of stress and tough family issues, but also because my weight shot up and my confidence took a major nosedive.

Image Source: MyFitnessPal

But no more! I’m happy to say that over the past several weeks, I’ve been working hard to get back on track by eating right and working out for 30 minutes at least five days a week. One tool that has definitely helped me stay motivated and on top of things is the MyFitnessPal program, available both online and as a free app.

Tracking my daily calorie intake and exercise sessions has already helped me drop a few pounds, and even though I still have a decent way to go before reaching my goal, seeing the forward progress I’ve made helps give me the push I need to keep trying. Here’s hoping that by the time my sister-in-law’s wedding rolls around next July, I’ll be back down to the weight I was on my own wedding day two and a half years ago!

How do you stay fit during the holiday season? Are there any apps or online tools that help keep you on track? If you’re using MyFitnessPal, feel free to come link up with me @ htsapphire28. 

Sunrise Workouts

I’ve never considered myself to be a morning person. A night owl by nature, I relish late nights and lazy mornings whenever I can, and used to make a habit of exercising with my husband each evening before winding down with a tasty meal and refreshing glass of wine. 

This year, however, between nighttime grad classes and hectic schedules all around, my time and motivation for sunset fitness has definitely taken a backseat. And afternoon routines? Forget it. Once I’m in a productive "zone" throughout the day, there’s no way I’m about to quit to squeeze in a workout.

Ever since last fall, the pounds have slowly started to creep on, along with the stress that accompanies feeling out-of-shape and lax about my health. Something simply had to change, and that’s why you'll now find me rising and shining three days a week for 6 a.m. cardio and toning classes at the local community center.  

Image Source: www.activehealthinstitute.com

After just one week of sessions, I still feel part insane yet also part exhilarated by being up before the sun, fascinated to discover a whole new world of early-morning dog-walkers, joggers and commuters, all venturing forth bravely into the rising dawn. All in all, I'm pleased that the transition hasn’t been nearly as difficult as I initially thought it might be. 

Rather than feeling entirely exhausted afterward, the early start has actually helped me feel more energized and productive throughout the day. And although I do still have trouble falling right to sleep when I turn in early, I know it’s surely better for my health in the long-run than staying up until 1 a.m. trying to finish just one last chapter of reading, like I usually do.

Even more so, the fact that it’s a scheduled class I’ve actually paid for pushes me to get up and start moving, even when I don’t initially feel like it. Working out in a group also inspires me to push beyond my limits without giving up. I’ll keep you posted as the weeks progress, but right now I’m looking forward to a healthier, stronger, few-pounds-lighter me!

How do you stay in shape, and what’s your favorite time of day to work out? 

P.S. Special thanks to blogger Nali of It's the {little} things for giving me The Versatile Blogger award! I'm proud to pass it along to each one of the inspiring and insightful writers listed in my "Savvy Reads" sidebar, whose posts never fail to brighten my day! 

Summer Lovin’

As a California girl at heart, it’s no surprise that summer is my favorite time of the year. And while the putridly humid summers here in DC have nothing on SoCal weather, I still eagerly await the season each year and feel an undeniable pang of sadness when it departs by Labor Day – way too early in my West Coast opinion!

Here, five uniquely summertime treats that always make me smile.

Food

All the fixin's for a tasty gazpacho! Image Source: tripadvisor.com

I definitely know it’s summertime when I can order a cool bowl of gazpacho at La Tasca or Fireflies, two of my favorite restaurants here in Alexandria, our hometown just outside the city. Both recipes are slightly different – the Fireflies version a bit spicier and thicker – yet they're each ever so tasty in their own way!  

Wine

Two of my favorite things -- wine & cheese.

Nothing says summer quite like heading out to the Virginia countryside for a relaxing afternoon on the patio at Vintage Ridge Vineyards, our favorite winery in the area. Whether I’m sipping a glass of their sweetly refreshing Summer Night or their silky smooth Syrah, what really sets Vintage Ridge apart is the inclusion of tasting platters to pair with each wine. From my very first visit, they had me at crostini with gourmet cheese.

Fitness

I'll take beach running any day. Image Source: teamdirtyred.blogspot.com 

Two years ago, I lost over 25 pounds in a desire to live a healthier life, as well as look and feel my best at my wedding. But with each winter’s chill, the pounds start to creep back on, since try as I might, working out indoors just doesn’t give me the same rush as running or even just strolling outdoors on a warm summer’s evening. Though, as luck would have it, the intense heat this time around is throwing a wrench into my plans, too!

Travel

Seaside in St. Maarten. 

While California is undoubtedly closer to my favorite tropical locale of all-time – Hawaii – being on the East Coast offers tons of fun and affordable options for trips to the Caribbean, whether cruising or hunkering down at a beachside resort. So far, we’ve cruised to Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, and just got back from a fabulous trip to St. Maarten, which I’ll share details about over the next few weeks. Though we definitely enjoy traveling to warm places during the fall and winter, there's no argument that the low-season summer prices simply can’t be beat!  

Fashion

Gold trim adds the perfect touch. Image Source: LOFT

You didn’t think I’d end this post without paying homage to my favorite footwear, did you? Last but certainly not least, warm summer days are the perfect (and practically only) time to enjoy slipping my manicured toes into flip-flops, of which I have dozens. From my bejeweled beauties to my cheap poolside kicks, I love ‘em all!

What’s summertime like in your area, and how do you make the most of the season?