Prom and Workouts!

So now that graduation's just around the corner, I've had a lot more free time. What does that mean? I woke up this morning, read in bed, then went to workout. Did a quick 2 mile run on the treadmill, 12 minutes of intense stairmaster, then weights. Sometimes you've just got to get in a quick workout to get the blood a-pumping.

Went to Whole Foods and picked up a delicious turkey bacon tomato aioli sandwich (with gluten free bread that wasn't Udis...therefore not good :-(( ) . Portion control is the thing that I use to help maintain healthy eating, and so I only got a half sandwich. However, I didn't skip out on the espresso fudge ice cream afterwards ;-) I'm sorry I didn't take any pictures...have to remind myself to bring a camera!

Now, on to prom! I had the best time at prom with my boyfriend and my best friends. I wore a J. Hughes dress (I think that's how you spell it?!) that I haggled for only $150.00 (down from $500!!) and Steve Madden flats. Being 5'9, it's easy to feel awkwardly tall around everyone...except the bf (who's 6'4).

I got my hair done in the style of Jessica Chastain at the Oscars...and thought it turned out pretty well!

As for the pictures....

Prom was awesome, dancing was fun, and the after party was even better ;-) (Who says a girl can't let lose).
 It's weird to think that school's almost over, that I'll be turning 18 (finally!), and graduating and heading off to college. But everything comes with a purpose. IN the months ahead, I'll be going to France, returning to my volunteer work, and training for my first half marathon (eek!!) Not to mention, finally finding gluten free pie that actually tastes like, well, pie!

xoxo

I'm ALIVE...and going to college?!

Hi girls! Wow, it's been a long time....aka four months. Whoa. So time flew by, I kinda forgot I had a blog, and whaddya know..it's graduation time and prom and eek! So I won't recap my life in four months, because a lot happened, but I will let ya'll know that I'm going to college!! And it's in the South (what is a poor ol' California girl like me going to do there?!) Next year, I will be attending Emory University!

I am so excited and can't wait! What things have you guys been up to? I miss hearing about your lives and can't wait to get back into the blogger community :-)

Been MIA lately

Hi!

Sorry that I've been MIA lately--my entire school came down with the stomach flu a week ago, and I was out sick for four days...in the process losing eight pounds. (Not that I needed to).

I'm still getting my strength and weight back up to normal. I've been busy rowing, reading, and sleeping--all in that order. (Yes, sleeping comes last).

I have a huge 5k test coming up in crew and we're about to figure out lineups for our lightweight eight (a boat with girls under 130 lbs).

Its been difficult lately trying to figure out gluten free foods that give me enough energy to row--there are not a lot of carbs that keep me sustained in rice. I will definitely keep everyone updated soon!

Blessings!

Book Club: The Lantern

Hi All!

Welcome to my new series on books. I try to read about two "fun" books a month, and this month's book was The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson.

It reminded me a lot of Daphne DuMaurier's classic Rebecca. Eve falls for the much older, mysterious Dom and they escape to a hamlet in Provence. But Dom's past life with his wife Rachel comes back to haunt them and Eve can't help wondering what went on in his previous relationship. Another story is added to theirs: the sad history of the Lincels, the people who previously owned the farm that Eve and Dom are staying in. Eventually, the Lincels and the couples' histories become intertwined in the worst way.  I'd give the book 3 out of 5 stars, because the ending was just so abrupt and disappointing! However, the descriptions of France and Provence are SO beautiful, I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who loves that part of the world!

What have you been reading lately?

How to Power Through Workouts: A User's Guide

Hi everyone!

This is a how-to post on how I power through workouts! Today I woke up at 5:30 to do hills sprints and a leg pyramid with the team and then had school and afterwards ran another 4 miles before rowing!

How does one keep motivation during workouts? For me it's all about music, music, music. I love Pitbull and Drake for workouts but I do like to mix up some alternative music in the meantime...like this baby:

I also count. Yes, as weird as it sounds, I count things as I go...ok if I reach the bridge in thirty paces, I'll beat the girl in front of me...etc. I love counting down by thirty's. I find them to be the best number. Not too long, not too short.

I always, always, tell myself the quote, "Pain is temporary. Pride is forever". Nothing gets me through workouts like that.

It's all about grit. Yes, grit. I also promise myself small rewards, like getting to go to Five Guys with my bf tomorrow. (Yes, I'm letting myself eat fries, haha).

Now, on to bed--7 AM workout tomorrow!

What are your tricks for powering through workouts?

Tuesday Thoughts + My Favorite Stretch

Hi!

It's 10:15 and I should probably be in bed right now, but sometimes blogging is the most relaxing thing to do!

This past week has been moving so slow for me...it feels like a Thursday but it's only Tuesday..aargh.

Today, I woke up early feeling not-so-awesome from a not very good night's amount of sleep. I find that about 8.5 hours is what makes me feel optimal.

I ate my usual Strawberry Glutino Bar and Tea for bfast...for lunch I ate a small amount of leftover Indian chicken curry, with rice, and mixed vegetables. I am OBSESSED with cauliflower and was so happy when it came in my dish on Monday Night! I also ate an apple with lunch and downed it with chocolate milk...as it is my favorite drink. For dinner, I ate roast lemon chicken, wild rice, and butternut squash with butter....delicious! And then, I promptly had a glass of milk and chamomile tea and downed about ten of these suckers...

Pamela's products are the bomb and so good...and gluten free :-))

The workout today for crew today was easy in terms of load...2 mile run then a couple laps around the lake. It felt awesome to be outside, except that fact that the weather changed in the middle of the workout! (Aargh, hate when that happens!)

Now...for my absolute favorite stretch of ALL time. (Seriously, it works for any pain in your body)...Viparita Karani...or legs up the wall.


Simply roll your body up on the side of the wall and let your legs inch up the wall (be as far away or close to the wall as your hamstrings allow). BREATHE. And rest for at least 5 minutes. It's simply amazing and will work your hamstrings, glutes, etc. 


I'm off to do it now as we speak before I tuck in! I've decided to start posting pictures of my meals and recipe ideas as I get more creative with gluten-free eating....


xoxo

My Daily Health Routine

Hi lovelies!

I had a beautiful day today, with a ton of homework. I managed to get out for a run yesterday, and although it was a bit chilly (for Northern California that's like 45 degrees), and it was absolutely beautiful:

(Forgive the sweaty and makeupless face...it's how I run)/Used my Nike Run app and loved every minute of my run. I usually do a loop of 4.25 miles hovering around a 9 to 8 minute pace!

Today was a little bit crazier and just managed to squeeze in a Jillian Michaels Yoga Workout...man it's harder than it looks!

I always record my workouts and what I eat in my fitbook journal. It's definitely one of the best purchases I've ever made and cheap too (at only $25!)

Here's what my fitbook looks like for today:

As you can see, I ate a lot of crackers. Gluten-free of course.

Why the fitness post? I love blogging about fashion, but fitness and eating healthy and nutritiously are a big part of my life! I am going to be in season starting tomorrow and will be (hopefully) running my first half-marathon in June! I can't wait and am so excited to share that journey and my healthy lifestyle with you lovely ladies!

xoxo

P.S. Did anyone else watch Glee this night? Finn proposed to Rachel? What?!