1. My family - Sure, they may not answer their phones sometimes (all the time) but they're supportive and very loving.
2. My boyfriend - He is beyond patient with me and I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful man love me.
3. My friends - Sure, 99% of them live 200+ miles away from me, but they're always a phone call away. (Love you, Carri!)
4. My boyfriend's family - They took me into their home so that I could go after my dream in the big city.
5. Yoga - I have found something I can be healthy with and teaches me about the human body and how mysterious it can be.
6. APDA and Literacy Chicago - The two non-profits I work with. They've given me a greater appreciation of my mind and body.
7. Running - I've fallen in love with it again and it is my #2 outlet for stress.
8. My skin - It is my first layer of protection, and I did it a favor this year by quitting my tanning habit (I know, tsk tsk).
9. Human interaction - I appreciate time in life that isn't spent in front of electronics (Ironic that I say it on a computer, but no one's awake, I swear!). I love face-to-face connections with others.
10. Beautiful days - Days like today (it's in the 50s) are gorgeous and I appreciate the ability to go outside and bask in the sunshine. And shouldn't everyday be beautiful because it is a new day?
Namaste.
If you would like another list of 10 I'd considered posting, visit the Fitness magazine Web site for their list of 10 Healthy Holiday Superfoods. I know you want to.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
My Suicide Mission
11/20: So, as I continue to strive toward being a healthier person, I find that I need to try new exercises & foods to keep my motivation going.
Thus, tomorrow, I am going to attend a Bikram Yoga class.
For those of you who don't know, Bikram yoga is all the poses and flexibility you know, but the room is kept at a very high temperature. I have heard of some classrooms being kept at 100 degrees! The classes run 90 minutes each and in essence, it is a 90 minute full body massage.
I don't know a whole lot about it at this time, but I will for sure put up a Part 2 tomorrow after the class. And if you're wondering why I'm doing this, I feel the detoxification will be empowering and leave me glowing and renewed.
See you tomorrow!
11/21: WOW! I read over the things to expect from the Naperville Bikram Yoga class, but I'm not sure anything could have prepared me for that! My first warning sign was walking into the buildingwhile some very sweaty messes were walking out. I bought my 30 day pass (Yes, I'm going back) and headed in to the 100+ degree studio. I found a place in the middle right side and set up my towel and mat like the others had done.
The instructor walked into the room and explained that there would be a breathing exercise, a series of 29 poses, and a closing breathing exercise (it was a 90 minute class). By this point, I was already sweating, but I pushed through. Sure, I had to lay down and just breathe a few times, but I made my goal which was to not leave the room at any point. A very sweaty 90 minutes later I realized I had made it through the entire class, at times feeling nauseous, and left feeling very proud.
As I write this now, I am a little sore, but will surely go back for more. I'm proud of myself and anyone else who can challenge themselves to make it through such a task. Our pats on the back are well deserved. Namaste.
Thus, tomorrow, I am going to attend a Bikram Yoga class.
For those of you who don't know, Bikram yoga is all the poses and flexibility you know, but the room is kept at a very high temperature. I have heard of some classrooms being kept at 100 degrees! The classes run 90 minutes each and in essence, it is a 90 minute full body massage.
I don't know a whole lot about it at this time, but I will for sure put up a Part 2 tomorrow after the class. And if you're wondering why I'm doing this, I feel the detoxification will be empowering and leave me glowing and renewed.
See you tomorrow!
11/21: WOW! I read over the things to expect from the Naperville Bikram Yoga class, but I'm not sure anything could have prepared me for that! My first warning sign was walking into the buildingwhile some very sweaty messes were walking out. I bought my 30 day pass (Yes, I'm going back) and headed in to the 100+ degree studio. I found a place in the middle right side and set up my towel and mat like the others had done.
The instructor walked into the room and explained that there would be a breathing exercise, a series of 29 poses, and a closing breathing exercise (it was a 90 minute class). By this point, I was already sweating, but I pushed through. Sure, I had to lay down and just breathe a few times, but I made my goal which was to not leave the room at any point. A very sweaty 90 minutes later I realized I had made it through the entire class, at times feeling nauseous, and left feeling very proud.
As I write this now, I am a little sore, but will surely go back for more. I'm proud of myself and anyone else who can challenge themselves to make it through such a task. Our pats on the back are well deserved. Namaste.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Hot Accessories: Use 'em or Lose 'em
Hot Accessories
1. OPI Nail Polish – used at most salons because of its stay tough attitude (will last through the washing of the dirtiest dishes).
2. Garnier Fructis leave in conditioner – my hair is a frizzy, hot mess when it’s humid out… unless I’m using this.
3. Jergens Gradual Tan facial moisturizer – approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation and gives you a lovely glow.
4. Neutrogena Deep Clean Relaxing Nightly Cleanser – Delish lavender scent and leaves your skin feeling fresh before you hit the hay.
5. Neutrogena Anti-Oxidant Cleanser – It’s never too early to prevent wrinkles!
6. Elastic headbands – Great for exercising and although they stay tight, they’re not tight enough to leave you with a headache.
7. Bath and Body Works Midnight Pomegranate body wash – Looove this scent.
8. Crest White Strips – Work very well, especially in comparison to Listerine Whitening Strips, no offense!
9. Garnier Fructis Body Boost shampoo/conditioner – Love the smell and leaves your hair feeling fuller.
10. C.O. Bigelow Rose Petal lip balm – Can be used on dry lips, knuckles, elbows, etc. AND smells like rose petals!
1. OPI Nail Polish – used at most salons because of its stay tough attitude (will last through the washing of the dirtiest dishes).
2. Garnier Fructis leave in conditioner – my hair is a frizzy, hot mess when it’s humid out… unless I’m using this.
3. Jergens Gradual Tan facial moisturizer – approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation and gives you a lovely glow.
4. Neutrogena Deep Clean Relaxing Nightly Cleanser – Delish lavender scent and leaves your skin feeling fresh before you hit the hay.
5. Neutrogena Anti-Oxidant Cleanser – It’s never too early to prevent wrinkles!
6. Elastic headbands – Great for exercising and although they stay tight, they’re not tight enough to leave you with a headache.
7. Bath and Body Works Midnight Pomegranate body wash – Looove this scent.
8. Crest White Strips – Work very well, especially in comparison to Listerine Whitening Strips, no offense!
9. Garnier Fructis Body Boost shampoo/conditioner – Love the smell and leaves your hair feeling fuller.
10. C.O. Bigelow Rose Petal lip balm – Can be used on dry lips, knuckles, elbows, etc. AND smells like rose petals!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Hot Haves - Hot Pants (etc.)
Oh, poop. Only been a couple weeks and I already missed a Sunday posting of Hot Haves. Please forgive this busy, busy girl.
1. Victoria’s Secret sports bra – Very sturdy, complete with an adjustable clasp! Even great for bigger puppies.
2. Hard Wear fleece headband – Super warm and is shaped to cover the ears without slippage.
3. Minnetonka moccasins – Mine are pink, but they sell them in several other colors too! Very comfy and durable… I’ve had mine for 2+ years and they’re still in mint condition.
4. Old Navy yoga pants – Great for a pair of long gams. I have 3 pairs…
5. The North Face "Momentum" jacket – Great weight, perfect for runners!
6. Anne Klein black flats – They go with everything. Literally everything.
7. Dresses from Forever21 – Yeah, this is very general. But I have worn their clothes to the ground, and they are of great quality, at a reasonable price!
8. Victoria’s Secret Long Janes – Wow, so cute… with a hint of holiday coziness.
9. Joe’s Jeans – I didn’t know how to describe them, so I’ll just say that your new nickname will be “Hot Ass.” *Splurge*
10. Ralph Lauren basic black pumps – These shoes are not yet in my possession, but they are def on my wish list and I’ve worn them around the store enough to call them mind. Delicious. *Splurge*
So, there you have it. Great ideas of closet additions. Enjoy.
1. Victoria’s Secret sports bra – Very sturdy, complete with an adjustable clasp! Even great for bigger puppies.
2. Hard Wear fleece headband – Super warm and is shaped to cover the ears without slippage.
3. Minnetonka moccasins – Mine are pink, but they sell them in several other colors too! Very comfy and durable… I’ve had mine for 2+ years and they’re still in mint condition.
4. Old Navy yoga pants – Great for a pair of long gams. I have 3 pairs…
5. The North Face "Momentum" jacket – Great weight, perfect for runners!
6. Anne Klein black flats – They go with everything. Literally everything.
7. Dresses from Forever21 – Yeah, this is very general. But I have worn their clothes to the ground, and they are of great quality, at a reasonable price!
8. Victoria’s Secret Long Janes – Wow, so cute… with a hint of holiday coziness.
9. Joe’s Jeans – I didn’t know how to describe them, so I’ll just say that your new nickname will be “Hot Ass.” *Splurge*
10. Ralph Lauren basic black pumps – These shoes are not yet in my possession, but they are def on my wish list and I’ve worn them around the store enough to call them mind. Delicious. *Splurge*
So, there you have it. Great ideas of closet additions. Enjoy.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Why I love Moosejaw.
I would have to say my top 5 pet peeves list as:
1. Bad drivers with big cars.
2. Mean/rude people.
3. 1-800 numbers
4. Hearing noises but not knowing the source.
5. Insincere conversations (i.e. “We should hang out soon!”)
That’s why I was so surprised that my #3 didn’t put me over the edge last Tuesday. You see, I ordered a package from Moosejaw on October 10th. I waited a few weeks and it didn’t come. “What the *expletive*!?” I thought to myself. So on Monday night I went over the shipping information again and found that I had listed the wrong address (2644, not 2264). Next came the blushing and mental head slap… then I decided I’d call the next day to figure out where the package had gone.
I called a branch of the (*ahem*) shipping company (not Moosejaw) and someone told me that I needed to call their 1-800 number. So, I called the shipping company’s number and was at a standstill when I needed to enter my tracking number. I pressed “0” (hoping to speak to a real person). After a few times of calling them, I looked up the Moosejaw number. Crap, another 1-800 number! But it wasn’t a recording when I picked up – ALAS! It was a real person! It took, literally, about 5 minutes to figure out the details, the shipment was resent, and I received the package two days later.
So, what is the point of all of this? Moosejaw tries for a customer service program that is out of this world – and they achieve this. With all of this switching to electronic communication, it is important for companies to give customers access to a real person. That voice to voice communication goes a long way. I *heart* Moosejaw.
1. Bad drivers with big cars.
2. Mean/rude people.
3. 1-800 numbers
4. Hearing noises but not knowing the source.
5. Insincere conversations (i.e. “We should hang out soon!”)
That’s why I was so surprised that my #3 didn’t put me over the edge last Tuesday. You see, I ordered a package from Moosejaw on October 10th. I waited a few weeks and it didn’t come. “What the *expletive*!?” I thought to myself. So on Monday night I went over the shipping information again and found that I had listed the wrong address (2644, not 2264). Next came the blushing and mental head slap… then I decided I’d call the next day to figure out where the package had gone.
I called a branch of the (*ahem*) shipping company (not Moosejaw) and someone told me that I needed to call their 1-800 number. So, I called the shipping company’s number and was at a standstill when I needed to enter my tracking number. I pressed “0” (hoping to speak to a real person). After a few times of calling them, I looked up the Moosejaw number. Crap, another 1-800 number! But it wasn’t a recording when I picked up – ALAS! It was a real person! It took, literally, about 5 minutes to figure out the details, the shipment was resent, and I received the package two days later.
So, what is the point of all of this? Moosejaw tries for a customer service program that is out of this world – and they achieve this. With all of this switching to electronic communication, it is important for companies to give customers access to a real person. That voice to voice communication goes a long way. I *heart* Moosejaw.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Hot Haves - Hot Links: Link it or leave it.
1. www.poorlittlerichgirl.com – Haute couture at a not so haute price.
2. www.myopenbar.com – Happy hours in a variety of time zones.
3. www.emptywallet.org – Cheap/free (mostly artsy) things to do in Chicago.
4. www.yelp.com – City hot spots with ratings and comments.
5. www.delicious.com – Find top rated restaurants, products, etc.
6. www.moosejaw.com – The North Face, Patagonia, etc. all at a low, low price.
7. www.galsguide.com - Area info for 20s/30s somethings in Chicago, San Francisco, DC, NYC, Boston, Pittsburgh, Northwest Indiana, Detroit, Milwaukee, San Diego, Minneapolis, & Indianapolis!
8. www.fitnessmagazine.com - You can sign up and keep your workout progress for free! Just one thing among SEVERAL tips, options, etc.
9. www.theonion.com - If you're in the need for a good (dry) laugh!
10. Going with #9, www.thedailyblank.com - "Chicago's Finest Satire"
2. www.myopenbar.com – Happy hours in a variety of time zones.
3. www.emptywallet.org – Cheap/free (mostly artsy) things to do in Chicago.
4. www.yelp.com – City hot spots with ratings and comments.
5. www.delicious.com – Find top rated restaurants, products, etc.
6. www.moosejaw.com – The North Face, Patagonia, etc. all at a low, low price.
7. www.galsguide.com - Area info for 20s/30s somethings in Chicago, San Francisco, DC, NYC, Boston, Pittsburgh, Northwest Indiana, Detroit, Milwaukee, San Diego, Minneapolis, & Indianapolis!
8. www.fitnessmagazine.com - You can sign up and keep your workout progress for free! Just one thing among SEVERAL tips, options, etc.
9. www.theonion.com - If you're in the need for a good (dry) laugh!
10. Going with #9, www.thedailyblank.com - "Chicago's Finest Satire"
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