Forever is Composed of Nows

I’m Really Good At Being Materialistic

Candice — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:00:35 +0000

Here are some things I am seriously obsessing over. I swear I am really not overly concerned with “things”, I just thought these were worth sharing (and I’ll also take them as gifts if you feel so inclined).

Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier Bag

Look at that beauty!

I have been drooling over this bag for at least a year now. I am a huge fan of Marc Jacobs, but I am not a fan of the prices mainly because I can’t get myself to drop $500 on a bag. I love this bag because its different and it would be able to hold a book, my huge wallet, my planner, and my camera especially on the weekends. If anyone see this go on sale, I should be the first person you contact. Please and thank you.

Lululemon Practice Freely Tank

: Absolutely obsessed

Did you really think I wouldn’t post about Lululemon? It is no secret that I am a full blown addict and this tank is not helping my cause. I already have the similar No Limit Tank and I love it. The drapey tanks are so flattering and unique. They are great for hot summer days with shorts or during yoga. Love!

Nike Lunarglide +3

black + neon= a match made in heaven

I am a big, big fan of bright colors. If I could wear neon everyday I would, but I have a feeling that would not go over well at work. I love Nike’s shoes because they always come in great designs and colors. There is nothing worse than boring sneakers…OK, maybe there is but let’s just pretend.

The Hunger Games Series

I’ll admit I am a little behind on this whole thing and I usually steer clear of overly popular book series (ie Twilight) but I gave in and bought the books. I am currently reading the third one and the story line is amazing. It is filled with action and suspense, keeping your eyes glued to the page the entire time. It is extremely difficult to put these books down. I guarantee you’ll read all three in about a week. Anyone else as pumped to see the movie as I am?

What are some things you have your eye on lately? Share them with me!

It’s Time…

Candice — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:30:14 +0000

…for a new yoga mat. For an activity that is supposed to relieve stress, buying a new yoga mat makes me anxious. It stresses me out for numerous reasons but mainly because they are so EXPENSIVE and I hate throwing money away. I currently use a Manduka travel mat. It is super thin and I love it but there is absolutely no cushioning. I think Manduka is a great brand for yoga mats and I am wondering if I should invest in one of their more supportive mats or if I should go a totally different route. This is where you come in. Since I know a ton of you do yoga and pilates I thought I would ask everyone’s opinion on their favorite mat and give their thoughts on the few I am considering buying. Here they are:

1. The eKO Mat by Manduka–currently on sale for $68

2. The Harmony Professional Yoga Mat by Jade Yoga–$69.95

3. PROlite Mat by Manduka– $72

4. The Mat by Lululemon– $68

5. Sol Adara Yoga Mat by Gaiam–currently on sale for $47.98

Like I said before, I love Manduka and the mats come in many different fun colors but they are on the pricier side. I have heard great things about the Lululemon mat and about Jade Yoga. My first yoga mat 4 years ago was a Gaiam mat that was about $20 and I still have it (it has lost its traction) so I am a fan of that brand too. Clearly I need help deciding!

What are your thoughts on my choices? Have you/do you use one of these mats? I am begging for feedback and suggestions!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Sorry If You Feel Neglected

Candice — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:30:19 +0000

I sincerely apologize for my lack of blogging this week. I know you are crying on the inside and anxiously await my posts (please note the sarcasm). I will now take the time to tell you about the long weekend. Let’s start with Friday.

Friday began with a lazy workout. I really did not feel like working out that morning so I “biked” AKA read a tabloid magazine while mindlessly pedaling. I did some core work and some squats…that’s it. I totally wasn’t feeling it and you know what, that’s OK. Some days I am able to force myself to get going and get a great workout in but other days I am just totally checked out. Friday night included some dinner/drinks with friends and my boyfriend. We went to a bar I have never been to called The Lower Depths. The place was totally different from an other place I had been to and there were creepy,yet interesting murals all over the walls.

Creepy? YES.

Saturday morning, two words: Oreo Pancakes. I am usually not a huge pancake person but for some reason I was craving something bad for me when I woke up. Absolutely worth it. Plus, it motivated me to get in a workout Saturday night and I had a breakthrough of sorts. I ran 2.5 miles without any knee pain. YES YES YES. I have really been focusing on strengthening my legs and rehabing my knee at the gym and it is definitely working. I will be ecstatic when I am able to bust out 8 miles again and hopefully sign up for a half marathon this summer.

My mouth is watering again

Sunday was deemed a laundry and organizing day for me. I filled two bags of clothes to donate since my closet and dresser is completely overflowing. It feels good to downsize and have things be neat. I also bought some new sneakers because I managed to ruin my current shoes while coaching. Wet deck + sneakers= smelly shoes beyond repair.

Love the colors!

Monday I went to an amazing Core Vinyasa yoga class. The studio I usually attend has had to move locations for the past two weeks due to a problem in their regular studio. The classes are being held at the Harvard Club and it is a beautiful place to practice. I secretly wish classes were held there sometimes even though I miss the regular studio very much,mostly due to its close proximity to my work.

photo credit: backbayyoga.com

I ended the long weekend by giving myself a sparkly pedicure. Giving yourself a sparkly pedicure is the best way to end your weekend and start a new week in my opinion. This week I am hoping to run 3 miles (sans pain), go to a few yoga classes, continue with strength training, and maybe even get myself into a spin class. Let’s hope this week I am highly motivated!

How was everyone else’s long weekend? How do you prepare for the week ahead? What workouts do you have planned this week?

#PlankADay and Valentine’s Day!

Candice — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:15:41 +0000

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Personally, I am not a huge fan of Valentine’s day but I’ll take all the candy and extra love!

I got up to my desk this morning around 8:15am to find flowers, cookies, and candy from my lovely boyfriend. The flowers brighten up my little cube AND the cookies were homemade…not kidding. What a great way to start a Tuesday. If anyone would like to drop homemade cookies and candy on my desk everyday, I would not object (hint, hint).

Smiles!

I am trying really really hard to not stuff my face with candy and cookies today and so far I have done pretty well. Luckily it was a busy day so I was not sitting at my desk staring at the delicious treats all day long. I also made sure to do a few extra minutes of core work to off set the Valentine’s Day candy. I got my #Plank Day done, plus a few side planks thrown in there.

Speaking of #PlankADay,it was featured in the health section on Boston.com today which I think is great! The article talks about the hash tag on twitter and how big it has become. There are now 2100 people who participate in #PlankADay. I never knew how the whole #PlankADay tweet was started or that so many people did it! I looks like two friends made a pledge to do at least on plank a day and VIOLA! #PlankADay was born.

I think it is amazing that 2100 people are now doing one plank a day to promote a healthy lifestyle. Hopefully with this article being published the number of people participating will grow even more. Check out the article here and pass on #PlankADay to everyone you know!

: Join us!

I hope everyone had a great Valentine’s Day and I hope you got your #PlankADay done!

Are you a lover or a hater of Valentine’s Day? Do you try to steer clear of the candy and treats? Do you participate in #PlankADay? If you don’t, why not?!

Don’t Be A Head Case

Candice — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:15:47 +0000

Happy Monday!

Favorite Things Friday-Yogathon!

Candice — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:00:20 +0000

Only one favorite thing this Friday but it combines two things that I love very much: yoga and animal welfare.

Tomorrow South End Yoga in Boston is hosting a Yogathon to benefit the Animal Rescue League of Boston. I have been volunteering with ARL Boston for about 4 months now and I absolutely love it. My family has been involved with helping animals in need, specifically dogs through fostering and adopting rescues, for as long as I can remember.

ARL Boston is a great shelter in Boston and can use all the support and donations they can get. So, if you are in the Boston area please try to make it South End Yoga this Saturday. Although I will not be bringing one of my own dogs to attend the class (they are WAY too insane), people are welcome to bring their furry friends to attend the class with them. The classes are donation only and they suggest a $20 donation. Not only will you be helping animals that need it most, but you will also get in a nice work out!

Help animals like Jym! Love him!

Check out the South Boston Yoga website for more information and feel free to check out the Animal Rescue League of Boston website as well to learn more about them!

Happy Friday!

Confessions of a Lululemon Addict

Candice — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:15:57 +0000

The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.

I need an intervention. I obsessively check the Lululemon website for new products and sales. If I could wear one brand of clothing for the rest of my life it would be Lululemon. If I could wear Lululemon to work, I would. I carry my lunch in a Lululemon bag everyday (I literally have 50 of the bags laying around my room). I even have a Lululemon sticker on my laptop. Yes, the clothing is on the expensive side, but in my opinion, I think it is well worth the money. Overall, I think people have mixed reviews about Lululemon: they either live and breathe Lululemon (like me) or they despise it.

Hello Lunch Bag

This morning I bought yet another article of clothing online. I got the stride jacket in black to accompany my teal colored stride jacket I bought last year. Luckily I still have left over money on gift cards from Christmas so it’s not like I’m spending my own money on the stuff. Yesterday I received a new Cool Racerback Tank with a fun design (also on a gift card–yay Christmas!). This is my 4th Cool Racerbank Tank. A little over the top? Maybe, but it is my favorite workout tank and they can even be worn around casually or under something else. When I find a particular article of clothing that I love, I am the kind of person who buys it in 5 different colors. Does anyone else do this or am I just crazy?

Can't wait for this to be delivered!

Absolutely loving the unique design

I do have cheaper brands of work out clothing, but they definitely do not have the longevity or high quality that Lululemon has. In the past I have bought a lot of Target’s C9 brand but their tanks fray quickly and loosen a ton over time. I still have and wear my first purchase from Lululemon (a pair of black Groove Pants), which was about 5 years ago, and the pants don’t look any different from they did the day I bought them. They have outlasted any other cheaper pair of yoga pants I have bought in the past and that is exactly why I continue to “invest” in Lululemon and rave about them all the time.

Are you a Lululemon addict or do you steer clear of the store completely? Do you have one brand of work out gear/clothing that you swear by or do you like to mix and match? I’d love to hear what you think!

Eleven Things

Candice — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:15:53 +0000

I love blog tags! This is my first “11 Things” blog tag and I’d like to thank Fit Chick Diaries for tagging me! This post is very, very word heavy. I am sorry there will not be any pretty pictures to look at. Sad face.

RULES

1. Post these rules.

2. You must post 11 random things about yourself.

3. Answer the questions set for you in their post.

4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

5. Go to their blog and tell them you’ve tagged them.

6. No stuff in the tagging section about you are tagged if you are reading this. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

11 random things about myself:

1. I lie about my height I say I’m 5’8″ but I’m actually 5’7″ and a half

2. I hate change and most new things

3. I have had the same shoe size since I was 10 years old

4. I drink around 10 bottles of water a day or more

5. I’m addicted to my cell phone

6. I’m afraid to take a spin class (see number 2) but it is a goal of mine for 2012

7. I don’t take naps. In fact, I hate them most of the time.

8. Since being a pescatarian, the only thing I miss is boneless buffalo wings

9. I never drank coffee until I got a full-time job last March, not even during finals week at school

10. I keep an old school planner– I refuse to put my schedule on an electronic device

11. I hate coconut and pineapple

11 Questions from Fit Chick Diaries:

1. Do you prefer to listen to music, or no music, while running or working out?

It depends on the length of the run. If it is a shorter run, I will sometimes run with music. If I am doing a longer run, I do not listen to music. Why? I don’t know, it’s just a personal preference. I actually believe I run “better” when I do not listen to music.

2. Where do you find the most support in your life?

Easy answer: my parents. They have always been my biggest support system!

3. Would you rather read the book, or watch the movie?

I am not a huge fan of movies in the first place but I am obsessed with books/reading. I actually like watching the movie, then reading the book and figuring out what parts they left out of the movie. PS- the book is ALWAYS better.

4. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be and what would you be doing?

I would be back in Cancun, eating sushi by the pool in perfect 85 degree weather (yes, I am still mourning over not being on vacation anymore).

5. What is your favorite meal to prepare?

I actually hate preparing meals 99% of the time. I only like making desserts.

6. How many states and or/countries have you visited in your lifetime?

I have been to 28 states and 2 different countries (Canada and Mexico). Canada and pretty much all the states were for swim meets or training trips for swimming.

7. Ever travel a great distance for a race?

I think Hawaii is the furthest I have traveled for a swim meet (from Wisconsin).

8. Favorite flavor of ice cream?

I don’t think I have a favorite flavor of ice cream–I would much rather have Ciao Bella’s Blood Orange Sorbet. So good!

9. If your life was a title of a song, what would it be called?

I literally have no idea. Something dealing with being an overscheduled control freak?

10. What is your greatest temptation (food or otherwise) that might cause you to be less healthy?

Candy, candy, candy, candy, and more candy. Oh and cupcakes.

11.What is the scariest thing that has ever happened to you?

Graduating from college. I can honestly say I was more scared than excited. Everyone wants to get out of college but I wanted to stay forever. Going to class, swimming, and eating all day was the best life ever and I will always stand by that.

Now all that is over, its time to tag some other people to participate. Here is who I chose:

KRHToday, LiveForTheRun, LiveRunLoveYoga, Running Rocks, Life, Really, GoGoJenny, Gliding Calm, My Happy Happenings, Melissa Runs, My Purposeful Life, and CisforCourtney

These are your questions:

1. What is your biggest and/or hardest goal for 2012?

2. Vegetarian or Meat-eater?

3. Would you rather write something down with pen/paper or on a computer/cell phone, etc?

4. Dog or cat person?

5. What is your favorite season and why?

6. If you could live anywhere other than the place you currently live, where would you live?

7. Do you prefer Facebook over Twitter or vis versa?

8. What is the longest run/race/workout you have ever done?

9. If you could only read one book over and over, which one would it be?

10. What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?

11. What motivated you to start blogging?

I am excited to see everyone’s answers and what random things you post about yourself! Remember to tag 11 more people to keep this fun blog chain going!

The Hungry Wannabe Yogi

Candice — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:15:51 +0000

My last semester of college, I was a yoga fiend. I went to classes 5-6 times a week and even completed a 30 day challenge. Oh how I miss the days whenI had the time do run and do yoga. I considered myself a “real” yogi, not the fake one I am now. The truth is, I could probably squeeze in 4-5 yoga classes a week despite the fact I have a busy schedule but there aren’t many morning classes that I am able to make (I love 6 or 6:30 am classes) or they cut into my family/friend time which is already pathetic enough. I know I am clearly just making excuses but I do try to be on my mat at least 1-2 times a week.

Anyway this post is inspired by an article I read on Shape.com this morning about the 10 best foods to eat before a yoga class. Most classes, especially Bikram or Hot Yoga classes, advise you to not eat at least an hour before the class, but drink plenty of water. Why? Well it is because you will literally throw up all over your yoga mat and possibly your neighbor. Unfortunately I have come very close to this unfortunate situation quite a few times. I know it sounds absolutely ridiculous but I am hungry pretty much all day long and not eating for 1-2 hours before a class is always a struggle for me. So, if you are like me and have a bottomless pit for a stomach, you may benefit from reading the article. It gives 10 options that are light, yet will keep you tied over for the 1-1.5 hours during the class and also serve as a great source of energy. A lot of these may be great for a short-medium run. You can read the full article here.

That's me....just kidding. I know I just totally fooled you.

Are there any foods that you like to eat before a class that are not on the list? What foods to do you tend to steer clear of before a class?

Happy Monday

Who Doesn’t Love Friday?

Candice — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:15:28 +0000

You know what that means: another Favorite Things Friday! I am amazed that it is already Friday. As my first week back from vacation, I thought this week would be excruciatingly slow. Thankfully, that was not the case! Let’s get started with this week’s favorite things to keep me in a positive mood for the weekend.

My new bracelet from Etsy!

L-O-V-E

This is my first purchase from Etsy even though I am frequenter on the site. I love all the jewelry sold on there. I have wanted a Hamsa bracelet for a long time, but never found one that I was really in love with. I like this bracelet because it is silver and it will blend well with my other bracelets and is simple enough for work.

Being sore

No more being lazy by the pool in Mexico. Booooo

I don’t think this is normal, however, I love being sore. I didn’t work out the entire week I was in Cancun so I went pretty hard this week. Lots of yoga, weights, and cardio for this girl to get back on track.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches

mmmm peanut butter

I have been really lazy this week with my lunches due to the fact that I’ve been too tired to put a lot of effort into planning. Enter PB & J sandwich. I forgot how much I love eating them and they are so quick/easy. Plus, they make me feel like I am 5 years old again.

My New Blog Layout

I changed the look of my blog on Tuesday. I figured, new month and new year, I might as well have a new blog layout as well. I like this one much, much better than the last one. I have a feeling this one will stay for a while.

Any big plans for the weekend? Thoughts on the new look of my blog? What are some of your favorite things this week or in general? I love comments!

As always, Happy Friday!