Tag Archives: vacation

Motivational Monday: Word

4 Jun

Happy Monday everyone! Today got off to a flying start and I was out the door bright and early for a sexy date.  The date was me, my books, and the library. It was a rocking good time.

My and the books have become pretty close lately, and I can see the relationship only getting more intense in the weeks to come.  But it’s all good.  I like books, and words, and learning!

If you’ve been a reader of this lovely blog for a while, you are probably aware that I’m a lover of good grammar, and adore alliteration.  Put simply I like words.  Maybe it runs in the family (my mom is completing her master’s in linguistics and my dad is finishing his novel as we speak).  I also find quotes and sayings particularly motivating.  I remember during the initial stages of my recovery, my mom would write notes and quotes on my mirror.  Just seeing those was enough to put a smile on my face and keep me moving forward.

Mom’s are the best!

So for today’s motivational monday I’d like to share some of my favourite words, sayings, and quotes.  They are short and simple but are sure to make you smile! Feel free to pin as many as you like!

And my personal favourite…

Here’s to a great week ahead!

-Sarah xo

What is one of your favourite quotes or sayings?

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Adventurous April: The Final Countdown

28 Apr

Hey guys! How are you all??? So first of all I’d like to apologise for being a little m.i.a. this week.  As you probably know, I’ve been madly studying for mid-semester exams.  Well I’ve completed two, and have one left on Monday.  I’m feeling quite worn out mentally, but I’m pushing through.

Even though I’ve been a busy bee studying, I still managed to find some time for a few adventures. This is officially the last week of adventurous april, and I wasn’t about to let exams get in the way of having just a wee bit of fun!  Here’s a recap of this week’s adventures:

1. Pomegranate

Before this week I don’t think I’ve ever tried a pomegranate.  But when I saw that they were on special at the store, I decided to pick one up and try it out.  After removing the arils from the fruit, I quickly got to work for recipes to try with this new-to-me ingredient.  I came across a tropical inspired oatmeal recipe that sounded right up my alley, and used it as inspiration for this great protein packed breakfast.  I give you Pomegranate Power Porridge!!! It’s just a simple variation of my Banana Berry Oatmeal Soufflé, but tastes very light and fresh.  I especially love the burst of flavour when you bite into one of the pomegranate arils!

From this...

To this!

The close up...oooohhhhh

Click here for the recipe: Pomegranate Power Porridge

2. Bacon

Yes you read that right! I also tried bacon for the first time.  Growing up I was never a fan of bacon OR eggs.  Well last year I made the leap and started eating eggs, so naturally bacon is the next step to the equation.  Part of the reason I avoided trying bacon was the fact that I thought fat was bad, but now that I’m over that whole saga, I decided to give it a go.  I cooked it up and added it to a nice big salad with some corn and leftover chicken.  I’d love to show you exactly what it looked like, but sadly hunger got the best of me.  But you all know what a salad looks like right??? In case you don’t it was pretty similar to this:

3. Fancy Pants

I have a confession to make: I’m fairly slack when it comes to dressing up for uni.  I would live in workout gear if it were socially acceptable to do so.  But do you ever notice how good you feel when you put in that extra effort?  Your confidence radiates, you have a bit more spring in your step, and feel dead sexy. Ok ok let’s not get carried away here…

With exams on, putting in that extra effort was definitely a challenge.  But I really felt the confidence in my appearance would translate into confidence that I was going to ace my exam!  Positivity feeds off itself right?

Red seems to be my colour!

4.  Photography

Since starting this little blog of mine, I’ve taken a keen interest in photography.  I currently use a point and shoot to take most of my shots, but get frustrated with how they turn out sometimes.  To be honest, my Dad’s iPhone takes better pictures!  So I’m saving up to buy a camera, and have also decided to some money into improving my skills.  First on the agenda is a food styling and photography workshop in a few weeks time (adventurous april is being extended in my books).  The guy who runs it, Dario, said he would be happy to lend me one of his cameras for the class. I’m super excited and can’t wait to learn some tricks of the trade!

Rhubarb Crumble. Photo Courtesy of Food Pixels.

5. Meeting my fitness idols!

This weekend the Australian Health and Fitness Expo was on at the Sydney Convention Centre.  Being a pilates instructor, I got free entry into the event, so there wasn’t any way I was going to miss it.  Especially because some of my fitness idols would be there!!! Specifically Lindy Olsen and Alicia Marie.  I got to meet them in person, and even had my photo taken.  Really made my day.  That and all the free samples.  Who doesn’t love free stuff right!

Alicia Marie, Me, and Lindy Olsen

Phew, what a week!!! Anyway tomorrow is back to studying for my final test on Monday.  And speaking of Monday, I’ve got a special treat coming up for you, so stay tuned! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Who are your idols? Have you ever met them in person?
Do you have any foods that you like now, but hated growing up?

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Motivational Monday: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

16 Apr

Some mornings I wake up before my alarm and jump right out of bed feeling refreshed and ready to go.  Other days I feel like I need one of these to lift me out from under my cosy sheets…

And those are the days when you know you will need an extra push to stay positive so you can align with your goals, and keep on trucking.  So today I thought I’d let the pictures do the talking. Here are some of my favourite motivational quotes and pictures that I use to keep me going on those days when I need a good pick-me-up.

And some motivation to get moving and rock your workout

And remember this…

So pick the sign on the left and make it happen!

Happy Monday :)
Are you a morning person?
How do you stay motivated and on top of your game?

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Weekend Link Love

14 Apr

Hey guys! How was your week?  Good, bad, or somewhere in between?  Regardless of how it went, you can relax now because the weekend is here!!! Which means taking time out to do things YOU enjoy.  Maybe it’s a run outside, catching up with friends, or perusing the morning paper over a leisurely breakfast.  Whatever floats your boat!

For me, catching up on my Google reader is something I look forward to. It’s my alternative to the morning paper, and the reads are usually much more inspiring than the world news, which I often find a little sad. Anyone else?

I love reading about people’s adventures, mishaps, or tales of inspiration.  But most of all I love sharing my favourite finds with you guys! So let’s get some link loving underway!

1.  Check out these awesome travel videos titled Move, Learn, Eat posted by Peace.Love.Nutrition.

I was so moved and inspired when I watched these videos (and the guy in them is pretty hot too!)

2.  Get back on track with 12 Things Highly Productive People Do Differently by Marc from Marc and Angel Hack Life

These tips are super useful. I especially like number 1, 3, and 5. Heck they are all helpful! I printed these out and posted them on my corkboard to remind myself that I need to stay focused when studying (because a 5 minute facebook break just doesn’t happen….and don’t even get me started on pinterest. That thing is the ultimate time-wasting machine!)

3. Always wanted to do a headstand but have no idea how? Lulu’s got your back. Check out 5 steps to headstand by Carolyn Anne Budgell on Lululemon’s Blog

Remember practice makes perfect!

4. If you are looking for some beauty and style inspiration, head on over to Running On Happiness where Katie shares great fashion finds, DIY tutorials, and lots more!  I used this tutorial to try out a new-to-me hair-do for adventurous april: The Top Knot.

Saw it

Photo provided courtesy of Running on Happiness

Nailed it!

Another Adventurous April success!

5. Anyone else have a crush on Ryan Gosling? I think he’s quite a stud, and seeing these ‘Hey Girl, Gluten-Free’ pics on tumblr makes me like him even more.

6. Ridiculous, insane, delicious.  Those are the only words that came to mind when I saw this Tim Tam Cake by Steph from Raspberri Cupcakes. It’s not gluten free or dairy free or anything like that…but it is awe inspiring!

Photo courtesy of Raspberri Cupcakes

If you’ve never had a Tim Tam before you are totally missing out! The traditional version is two layers of choc malt biscuit with a light chocolate creme filling in between, all covered in chocolate.  And this cake has a whole pack hidden inside.  Sounds healthy right?  My advice if you make this cake – enjoy in moderation.  Or if you are after something savoury and slightly more figure friendly then check out Steph’s Ginger Beer Pulled Pork. It looks totally devine!

7.  Seeing as we’re on the topic of food, let’s throw some healthy meal ideas into the mix.  One product that I’m really loving lately is tahini.  It is so much more than just ‘that stuff you add to hummus’, right Katie?  So here are a few fun ways to incorporate tahini into your meals:

Carrot and Tahini Soup with Pita Crisps nytimes.com

8.  Enough about food, let’s talk fitness! I still don’t have a smarty pants phone…but if I did I’d probably use some of these cool apps to help track my health and fitness goals. You can check out the best of the best here with this infographic by Wellsphere.

What are you currently obsessed with?
What links are you loving? Feel free to share!

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Lovely Lemon Snow Eggs

5 Apr

Happy Hump day! It’s Wednesday and that usually means you have made it through 60% of the work week and really it’s all down hill from here. But this week is even better…you know why???

Easter Holidays!!!

And a four day work week means that you’ve actually made it through 75% of the work week by now.  Well done you! I can honestly say that I’m really looking forward to this holiday weekend.  Some rest, relaxation, time with family, and a few treats all sound like the perfect end to what has been a very hectic week so far.

Most years I get to celebrate Easter with my Greek family back in Adelaide, but unfortunately a visit interstate just wasn’t possible this year.  Since my family doesn’t make a big deal about Easter, I always loved spending it with my Greek family.  Their company is great, but their food is even better! At easter time my Greek Momma cooks up a storm of traditional delights such as avgolemono soup, which is served after midnight mass to mark the end of lent.  But the one thing the whole family looks forward to most is my Greek Momma’s Flaounes, a traditional easter bread filled with cheese and sultanas.  My Greek Momma’s son told me I should have a crack and make them gluten free…

I pondered it over for a minute, but thoughts of lead weights not bread rolls filled my mind so I decided to give that challenge a miss.

I opted for something much simpler instead: cookies.  When it comes to gluten free baking I find cookies are always a reliable option.  They stick together better, and there is no need for any fancy gums or 10 different types of flour.  So for me, cookies are where it’s at.  And this recipe couldn’t be any simpler! I used this recipe from Elena’s Pantry as inspiration for the biscuit base, then dressed them up a bit to make these lovely Lemon Snow Eggs.

Lovely Lemon Snow Eggs

(Gluten free, Grain free, Dairy free, Vegan, Low FODMAP) 

Ingredients:

Biscuit Base

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil melted
  • 2 tbsp brown rice syrup or other liquid sweetener
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1.5 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds
  • Egg shaped cookie cutter
Topping
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar OR Sugar Free Protein Frosting (see below)
  • Lemon juice
  • Unsweetened desiccated coconut
Method:
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F (175°C).  Line two baking sheets with baking paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl combine the almond flour and sea salt. Mix with a fork to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl whisk together the coconut oil, brown rice syrup, lemon zest and lemon juice.
  4. Add wet ingredients to almond flour mixture and mix thoroughly to combine.  The dough will resemble bread crumbs at this stage.
  5. Fold chia and poppy seeds into the mixture.  Then using your hands, carefully shape the dough into a ball.
  6. Roll out dough between two sheets of baking paper to 1/4 inch thickness.  Use the cookie cutter to cut out shapes and carefully transfer to baking pan.
  7. Cook in pre-heated oven for approximately 5 minutes, or until lightly golden.  Let cool slightly on pan before transferring to cooling rack.
  8. In a small bowl combine powdered sugar with a small squeeze of lemon juice. Stir to form a thick paste.  If frosting is too thick for your liking, continue adding lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency.
  9. Place desiccated coconut in a small shallow bowl. When cookie have cooled completely, frost them with icing then roll in coconut and serve.
  10. Store biscuits in an airtight container and keep in a cool dry place.  Best if consumed within 2 – 3 days.
 *Sugar Free Protein frosting: Replace powdered sugar with 1/3 cup protein powder (vanilla flavour would work best).  Add a splash of unsweetened almond milk and stir to form a thick paste.  Ice cookies with frosting then roll in coconut before serving.

To download a printable version of this recipe click here: Lemon Snow Eggs

They are not as special as Flaounes, but I’m sure my Greek Momma would approve no less!

What do you love about easter?
Do you have any traditions?

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Motivational Monday: Upper Body Blast!

26 Mar

Good Morning and happy Monday!!!!!! I’m so excited…do you know why??? It’s time to get motivated! And what better way to get pumped for the week than with a fat blasting arm toning upper body workout.  Got your tickets to the gun show?

A hot upper body is not only essential for sleeveless shirt season, it also keeps you safe and strong.  This is particularly true for the muscles of your back.  Our activities of daily living drive our bodies in a forward direction.  Activities such as sitting at your computer, driving your car, or watching tv all tend to pull your body forward.  This creates a muscle imbalance which leads to poor posture and even back pain.

The solution? A balanced upper body training program that focuses on strengthening your back, and shoulders, with a little bit of chest and arms.  Strengthening the muscles of the back will help counteract the forward pull of daily activities.  A strong back is essential for good posture too; an easy way to look 5 lbs lighter instantly!

Bad posture = head & neck poking forward, rolled shoulders, and a bulging belly. Not attractive at all!

Good posture = head & neck in alignment with spine, shoulders back, and tummy tight. 5lbs lighter, and exuding confidence!

Fitness is the perfect tool to fight fat and feel better after a long hard day at the office.  But sometimes the last thing you feel like doing is gearing up for the gym.  But I say no gym, no problem.  You can do this entire program from the comfort of your own home.  So no excuses! All you need is a few workout essentials including:

  • Resistance bands – you need at least two: one light/medium strength and one heavy strength.
  • A positive frame of mind, and
  • Somewhere you can anchor the bands (door handle, door frame, etc)

Resistance band workouts are a great way to stay fit while at home or travelling abroad.  You want to choose a band that allows you to tire your muscles within the required amount of repetitions.  If you feel like you could do more than the suggested repetitions, shorten the band, step further away from the anchor point or use a thicker band.  Use the chart below to guide your band selection, but always remember to work within your limits.

This workout incorporates supersets as well as normal working sets.  Supersets are two exercises performed back to back with minimal rest.  This keeps the heart rate high to help burn more calories, but also saves you time; a winning combination!  So without further adieu here’s your upper body blast!

To download a printable guide click here: Upper Body Blast Printout

Yesterday I did this workout and I can tell you my arms were shaking by the end! It’s fast but effective.  Work hard and you’ll be showing off your toned and terrific arms in no time!

In your opinion, which celebrity has the best upper body or arms?
What’s your favourite upper body part to work?

 

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Getting to know me: A to Z

24 Mar

A few weeks ago Janetha from Meals and Moves posted an A to Z survey to help us get to know her a bit better.  And as an added bonus she created a template so we could all play along too.  So who is this gal in the bright red top anyway?  Well let’s find out. Here’s my A to Z:

A is for age: I’m 23 years old, will be 24 this year.  I’m still at uni though. Lot of my classmates are like ‘Oh my goodness I’ll be turning 20 this year…that’s so old!’ which makes me feel even more like a grandma.

B is for breakfast today: I had 1/2 cup of gluten free oats with berries, sultanas, and chopped nuts.  At the end I whisked in 1 whole egg, 1 egg white and 1tsp of sunwarrior vanilla protein.  All topped off with a bit of maple syrup.  It was divine.

C is for currently craving: Something lemony.  There is not a day that goes by that I don’t have something with lemon.  I have it with hot water and fresh ginger, squeezed over a salad, or add some zest to my dinners.  I’m in love with lemons.

D is for dinner tonight: I’m making these hamburgers with corn, salad and some raw veggies.  I make double batches of these patties and freeze them for quick dinners during the week.

E is for favorite type of exercise: My favourite type of exercise is weight training, but I also like walking (I’m not talking about a lazy saunter either…I mean a walk with purpose that makes you huff and puff) and Pilates (I’m actually a qualified instructor…how could I not love it!).

F is for an irrational fear: Bugs! Anything that creeps and crawls just gives me the jitters. I can’t go to bed if I know there is one in my room for fear it might ‘attack’ me in my sleep.  But my dad always rescues the critters and puts them back outside.  He’s pretty awesome like that!

G is for gross food: Brussel sprouts.  I’ve tried to like them, really I have, but I just can’t get over the bitter flavour.  In general, food that grosses me out has more to do with the texture than the actual flavour.  For example, I’m not a fan of oysters due to the slime factor.  I also don’t like mushy things such as mashed potatoes.  It’s weird I know.

H is for hometown: Sunny San Diego, California.  Miss that place!  I lived in pacific beach until I was 14 when we moved to Australia.  My extended family still live in the US and I always look forward to going back for visits. (Fingers crossed it will be sometime this year!)

Back in San Diego for my cousin's wedding. Miss these guys!

I is for something important: Take time out for yourself.  By looking after yourself better, you will be more equipped to take care of others around you.  You are worth your time!

J is for current favorite jam: When I first read this I thought it meant favourite jam as in food (mine is strawberry), but it’s about music (doh!).  So my favourite song of late is In the Air (feat. Angela McCluskey) by Morgan Page, Sultan, Ned Shephard & BT.  I always blast it on my ipod when I’m at the gym.

K is for kids: Not anytime soon.  I love hanging out with other people’s kids, but I’m not sure if I want my own.  Plenty of time so just wait and see.

L is for current location: Sydney, Australia.  We’ve lived in a few different places in Australia, but have ended back where we started.  It really is a special place.

M is for the most recent way you spent money: At officeworks shopping for back to school stationary.  I get all excited when i get to buy new notebooks, binders, and pens.  I like to colour coordinate everything as well.  This year the theme seemed to be purple!

N is for something you need: Pants.  Don’t worry I have some on now, I just need more for the upcoming cold months.  Oh and a new pair of running shoes as well. I have really narrow feet so it’s hard to find a pair that fits well. I might just end up ordering these online.

O is for occupation: Current occupation is a student.  But hopefully in a few years time it will be exercise physiologist, and dietitian.  So I’ll pretty much be graduating in 2000 and never…

P is for pet peeve: People who eat desserts really daintily.  Nibbling away like a mouse on a cupcake is just not acceptable.  You need to mong into that thing to really appreciate all the flavours.

Gracefully unhinging my jaw to enjoy the full flavour of these cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery in NYC

Q is for a quote: I have lots of different quotes that I like, but this is a current favourite.

R is for random fact about you: I have really crappy vision and used to be extremely cross eyed.  I started wearing glasses when I was 18 months old.  You know how mothers tend to keep something like a baby’s first pair of shoes? Well my mom kept my first pair of glasses.  I went through multiple surgeries to try and straighten my vision, and the last one finally worked.  Now people are aware that yes I AM talking to them, not some imaginary person to their left or right.

S is for favorite healthy snack: That’s a hard one!  Lately I’ve been eating more savoury snacks: Hardboiled eggs, raw nuts, or a small piece of my salmon slice.  If I want something sweet I opt for a piece of fruit (bananas are my favourite) or a healthy baked treat (these muffins are to die for!)

T is for favorite treat: I.love.hot.chocolate! I have one every night and find that it really helps me sleep.  It might just be the sugar crash which causes me to nod off, but I’m ok with that.

U is for something that makes you unique: My accent.  It’s really mixed up. Sometimes I sound really American and other times I roll with an Aussie twang.

V is for favorite vegetable: Broccoli!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really love all vegetables though.  But I hold a special place in my heart stomach, for broccoli.

W is for today’s workout: Didn’t do one.  I attribute this to lazziness and lack of sleep.  Tomorrow I start day 1 of phase 3 of Jamie Eason’s LiveFit Trainer.  I can’t believe I’m up to phase 3 already! I actually am quite proud of myself for sticking with it.

X is for X-rays you’ve had: Lots!!! Growing up I was quite accident prone.  It’s not a good thing when staff start to recognise you at the hospital.  Luckily none of my injuries were too serious.  The worst was probably my broken leg.

Y is for yesterday’s highlight: Receiving my copy of Oxygen magazine in the mail (I still subscribe to the US version) and watching the first episode of Jersey Shore season 5.  Watching reality TV is one of life’s greatest guilty pleasures.

Z is for your time zone: GMT + 11 hours.  Living in Australia means I’m a day ahead of all my US buddies.  When I fly back to california I always arrive before I’ve technically even left.

Now it’s your turn! Pick a letter and give me your answer. I’d love to get to know you better too!

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