The Thrive Diet: Review

If you're looking to spice up your diet, whether you're vegan, an athlete, a vegan athlete or none of the above, get a copy of this book. The author, Brendan Brazier, is a super-athlete who thrives off a vegan diet and has learned through years of experimentation how to use vegetables, seeds and nuts in ways you never dreamed of. All of his recipes are included, and I can guarantee you will love the fuel bites recipe and the innovative (entirely gluten free) "pizza" recipes.

I had to take this book as an exploration of another way of approaching nutrition rather than a prescription for how to plan my meals. It's very strict, but certainly not limited. If you are already in the habit of eating mostly raw, vegan foods this will be easier for you to jump into. I am not, I eat gluten, and dairy-free and eat meat less than once a week and followed the plan pretty easily, with some planning, for one week. But had major stomach issues during the week. It takes time for the body to adjust, just as Brendan mentions in this well-written book.

Pick this up, just to expose yourself to another possibility of nutrition. Whether it is right for you, you must decide based on the question- Are you going to safely and gently incorporate the changes he suggests?

Brendan is quite charismatic and has online support multimedia at http://thrivein30.com/sign-up-now/ which can take you through much of the content of the book using videos hosted by the author himself. For further support, try the community devoted to this diet at www.vegacommunity.com.

He has created a nutrition line, Vega, to supplement the diet he talks about in this book. I have been using his Vega Whole Food Health Optimizer as my post work-out shake for quite a while. It's a great, gluten free, dairy free option for you athletes out there looking to get a combo of protein, carbs and nutrients out of your shakes. Other than that, I have no affiliation with Vega, or Brendan Brazier.

An Apple a Day-Lit Review

I read this on the treadmill, over a couple of weeks- you can tackle a couple chapters in your half-hour of cardio if you can read and run/walk at the same time. And this book is about the easiest one to read if you are challenging your cerebellum by running and reading at the same time. Dr. Joe Schwarcz (author) is not a medical doctor, is an amateur magician and advocate for popularizing science- so the language is direct, simplistic and so tongue in cheek I couldn't help laughing, or at least 'chortling' between breaths on the run.
The tag-line is 'a must read for anxious eaters'- but don't let that deter you from reading it. On the contrary, if you believe food is just that- food, then pick this book up. Dr. Joe holds his doctorate in Chemistry- not medicine. So he talks about food in it's elemental form- and straight up sends the message to just 'chill' when it comes to what you eat. Make good choices, don't fret about organic too much, don't fall into the traps of modern advertising about this argument or that argument for or against fat content in your diet (as an example).
Structurally the book is unique- he devotes each chapter to a unique concept; for example, there is an entire chapter on Tomatoes. I love that we can all identify what a tomatoe is, so of course we get what that chapter will address. Further, he doesn't force his opinion, but rather discusses various research (including the sordid, and sometimes almost pop-culture drama of the researchers) about the different topics in the book. You can arrive at your own conclusion before he lays down his own. Never intrusive, and always thoughtful.
Pick this up and give it a go- especially if you have read any of Micheal Pollan's books. They come from very different points of view, and I find the differences between them very intriguing. Pollan talks about food as a whole, and the dangers of 'nutritionism' (breaking things down into parts) while Dr. Joe breaks it all down for us.
When read together, a balance is quite nice to behold mentally- and you can make up your own mind. Which is why we read anyway- right? None of us has ever read a book and then fallen head-over-heels with the prophet writer's works?
I did of course, when I read Brendan Brazier's Thrive Diet, directly after reading "An Apple a Day"- with unhealthy results (indicative, I think, of following anyone's word to the letter). But that, my friends, if for the next literature review.

How to Lose Fat: Easy & Stress-free

A simple article on the fundamentals of getting healthy. This article is well-rounded with advice on training, nutrition and supplements from a 'real-girl' perspective. She advocates training 3 times a week, and eating clean; a program that is stress free is the only program that will work for you. If you find yourself stressed, anxious or worried about training or nutrition, then it's not the program for you.

Total in Ten: Women's Health DVD

Amy Dixon is my new favorite fitness personality. After purchasing her Ultimate Fat Burn workout, which professes to burn 500 calories in one session, I was hooked on her upbeat, but driving style. She's direct and clear in her descriptions of the workouts. I had to get more from her. After reading all of the Amazon.ca reviews of several DVD's I bought Total Workout in Ten. This morning I did the cardio drill (10 minutes) twice for 20 minutes of HIIT.
This DVD is at an intermediate level but there are modifications for those requiring lesser impact, or a slower pace. Divided in to 4 different workouts (Cardio, Upper Body, Lower Body, Flexibility) this DVD delivers the total package. I will do the entire DVD through for total body conditioning, but will use the 10 minute cardio segment in succession up to 3 times for a great cardio workout in 10, 20 or 30 minute intervals. Get this DVD so you have a flexible, customizable workout option in your library. Behind her Ultimate Fat Burn workout, this is currently the best DVD I own.

Epicure Selections: Gluten-free spice mix review

On my sister's birthday I arrived at her home to take her out to dinner, and while I was not looking she cleverly hid 2 gifts for me in my purse- yes she is chronically generous. I love them and thank you lil' sis.
She is conscious of my gluten intolerance and kindly made sure that these did not have any at all- she loves me so.
Curry Dip Mix (Gluten Free)
A mild curry which is perfect for mixing into fat free sour cream, or plain yogurt for a vegetable or chip dip. I've also used this in mashed yams and soup bases already to create a nice compliment between sweet and savory. I highly recommend getting this versatile spice in your cupboard. It's totally free of any processed products or petro by-products. It, like many spices of course, is vegan friendly.

Verde Vinaigrette (Gluten Free)

This is fantastic- flavorful and green (verde)! When mixed with your favorite oil (I use a high-grade olive oil) and balsamic vinegar (again, higher grade is better for salad dressings) it freshens and adds spirit to your greens. I've actually created a little jar to have on hand all the time, using a glass mason jar, I've added this combination of green herbs to my olive oil and vinegar to have on demand. It's that good.
Have both of these ready to dress up your crudites or greens for spring. It's that time of year! Fresh food is always better.

Fresh Weekly: Training

Monday: 20 min Heart Opening Flow yoga from YogaDownload.com, 30min uphill treadmill walk
Tuesday: 20 min Gentle Hatha yoga, 40 minute fitness class (strength and cardio)
Wednesday: 20 min Level 1 of 30 day Shred (Jillian Micheals) DVD, 20 min Power Yoga
Thursday: 20 min Morning Flow yoga, 40 minute fitness class (strength and cardio)
Friday: 20 min Detox yoga, 20 minutes Total Workout in Ten cardio segment
Saturday: 45min Blast Fat Boost Metabolism Cardio/Strength intervals DVD (Jillian Micheals), 20 min yoga of choice
Sunday: 45min Cardio Blast (The Biggest Loser), 60min yoga of choice

30 Day Shred Level 1 Review: This 20 minutes was at a beginner capacity. It felt good for an active session, but at a low enough level to begin to understand what this DVD will deliver. I will alternate between levels 1, 2 and 3 depending on the day and what my body tells me I can do with it on that day. A good workout incorporating strength and cardio intervals. Make sure you have hand weights, and an exercise mat for this one. I would definitely recommend incorporating this into your regular strength and cardio weekly routine. 20 minutes every morning before breakfast will go a long way towards your bikini-ready body fro the summer.

8 to Great Success

Ran across this from Chris Morgan at Learn2Develop; he posted this great video from TED. It's Richard St. John's 3 min vid about what makes success- from years of research and thousands of interviews with successful people.



The weekend went very well with 2 training sessions, and sticking to my yoga challenge. Yesterday's yoga was a 90 minute power session which left my legs really sore today.
My meals were the same as every other day, but I indulged in some treats over the course of Friday to Sunday. These included
-1/2c trail mix
-Haagen Daaz coffee ice cream
-3 cadbury creme eggs (yes, they are my favourite candy-ever! so I went overboard)

Marriage-Facebook Tag

I was tagged in a friend's Marriage survey; I'm only going to do this once and so will post it here:
Marriage (From facebook tag)
What are your middle names? Jade and Chadsey
How long have you been together? 5 years, married for 2.5
How long did you know each other before you started dating? 8 years
Who asked who out? He asked me
Whose siblings do you see the most? We're lucky, we see both
Do you have any children together? No, and will not
What about pets? No, and will not. We are one another's pets.
Did you go to the same school? Same high school, different Uni's
Who is the most sensitive? Me, by far
Where do you eat out most as a couple? We're limited; he kyboshes a lot of my choices to help me avoid gluten.
Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple? Mayan Riviera, Mexico
Who has the craziest exes? Neither of us. Our exes are fine people and are not crazy- sincerely.
Who has the worst temper? Me- red hot hot temper.
Who does the cooking? Me, 6 meals a day, 7 days a week.
Who is more social? He is very energized through other people; I tend to hide
Who is the neat freak? He is.
Who is the most stubborn? He is. But by answering that way, I think I indicate that I am.
Who hogs the bed? He does. But he can't help it- he's a big, muscle-y guy.
Who wakes up earlier? Me. It's my time; and I think he would die if he awoke before 6am.
Where was your first date? Movie theater, watching "Finding Nemo"
Who has the bigger family? He definitely does- a big Dutch family.
Do you get flowers often? Yes, right now I have some lovely purple ones
Who eats more? He does, but I'm close behind him. Him more meat, me more veggies
Who sings better? He is a great singer, very few people know that.
Who does the laundry? He does, and is great at it.
Who’s better with the computer? He is- it's his job. You would not believe our home office- two huge screens, and more computing power than his network at work. And, he's paranoid, so it's super secure.
Who drives when you are together? He does, but hates it as the car is too small. When we get the new one he won't let me I'm sure.
Who picks where you go to dinner? I pick one, he says no and chooses another. For my own good I'm sure.
Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong? Me, but I don't do it often enough. I'm wrong a lot.
Who wears the pants in the relationship? He does. A woman is more powerful in a hot skirt- and I wear a lot of skirts.
Who has more tattoos? I do
Who eats more sweets? I do, biggest sweet tooth I know of.

31 Day Yoga Challenge

Trina at CarrotsNCake has started a yoga revolution online; what a brilliant way to bring healthy minded persons together and promote well being. Her 31 Day Yoga Challenge is being promoted by YogaDownload.com too, offering a 50% discount off purchased yoga downloads for the month of March (enter promo code CarrotsNCake at checkout). Even better news, you can try all of their 20 minute sessions for free-anytime! Their classes are printable pose guides, accompanied by well-created audio guides and slide shows (optional).
I'm hopping on the bandwagon a week late, so my challenge will be a 25 Day Yoga Challenge and I'm committing to 20 minutes of yoga a day until March 31, 2009.
Saturday, March 7, 2009- 20 minutes Power Yoga- challenge level 3-4 (intermediate). A great, challenging class to really create some heat in your body. This was invigorating, and challenged my upper body strength right off the top. My shoulders are sore today for just the 20 minutes.
Sunday, March 8, 2009- 20 minutes Morning Flow- challenge level 2-3 (beginner-intermediate). Focusing on back bends, this really sets a pure-posture standard for your day if you do it in the morning. Opening and strengthening the spine supports a tall posture, and open chest for your long days in front of the computer or hunched over a steering wheel.

Oh- and where are those food pics for the weekend? In my ambition to get all my meals documented on Friday, I forgot the camera in the office. Oh well. Here's a breakdown in text:
Friday finished with a Playstation Scene It get together at our place. I indulged in multiple glasses of a Piesporter with my friends, a brownie with cream cheese icing, salad with pears and goat cheese topped with barbeque beef (everyone else had beef on a bun). So this was my treat meal for the week.
Saturday was a great clean day; I love the feeling of accomplishment and internal purity from a clean day:
Breakfast: 1/8c creamy rice with 2T flax, 2T salba seeds/ 6 egg white omlette with spinach, tomato, red pepper and mushroom, 2c coffee with almond milk and splenda
Mid-morning snack: 10 almonds
Lunch: 2c leftover butter-lettuce, pear and pecan salad with 3oz ground turkey and 1T sesame orange dressing
Supper: 2c iceberg lettuce salad with 3oz ground turkey and 1T sundried tomato & oregano dressing, 1 bowl fresh fruit including banana, strawberries, and kiwi

Top 10 Signs You've Become An Adult

From Honey at Brazen Careerist

Personally, I think it’s kind of sad whenever you look back on your life and want to be in a particular place again. Looking back and remembering how happy you were is one thing, and looking back and wanting to be there again is another. But the signs of an adult are plain to see, and here are the Top Ten ways you can tell.

1. You watch (or read) the news. Now granted, in times like these you can’t help but watch the news…but how many high schoolers or college kids do you think are following what’s going on in the world? I became interested in the news because a) I don’t know how closely they monitor my internet at work and I think that Yahoo! news is a pretty safe URL to have in my browser history, and b) I studied rhetoric, and the rhetoric of politicians is pretty fascinating stuff. The BF couldn’t care less about the news when I met him…I created a monster here. I suggested to the BF that since he hates sports, the news would be great small talk for him. Now he’s obsessed. Half of our TiVo is devoted to local and national news programs. Sigh…at least Charlie Gibson is attractive and intelligent. Wait! Maybe thinking Charlie’s kind of hot should be #11 on this list…

2. You have a budget and a savings account (with money in it!). All of my life (all the way through grad school, actually) my financial philosophy was “try not to spend a bunch of money on crap.” Now, I track every penny I earn (and spend). Trying to pay off debt, it turns out, is a lot more of a pain in the ass then accumulating it was…especially if you never really thought about what your debt-to-income ratio would be once you graduated. Perhaps #2 should have been, “you know you’re a grown-up when you use terms like debt-to-income ratio.“ I totally use the monthly checkbook sweep method to make extra credit card payments. I think even knowing what a checkbook is and how to balance it is kind of a lost art…

3. You instinctively shake hands when meeting someone you don’t know. Remember when you were in college and adults started shaking your hand, and it was all weird? Now, you do it without even thinking…to people your own age or younger!

4. You get hangovers. I remember the first hangover I ever had…now, I was 18, but to be fair I drank half a bottle of peppermint schnapps. (I do not recommend this). But nowadays, if I have more than 2 drinks, I feel like crap the next day. WTF?! I remember when I thought hangovers were for wimps and fakers…or to pretend that you really couldn’t get to that 9 a.m. class…

5. On the weeknights, you go to bed by 11 o’clock…at the latest. I have always tended to fall asleep early, but I remember when I would leave the house at 11 p.m. on a weeknight to go out dancing and not get back until 2:30 a.m. at the earliest. I did this two weeknights per week and that doesn’t count Friday or Saturday! Nowadays, if I don’t go to bed by 10:30 p.m. then that means one of two things: 1) I have fallen asleep in the living room with the TV on, or 2) I am going to have to close the office door at some point during the next day so that I can either take a little nap or weep uncontrollably.

6. On the weekend, your idea of “sleeping in” has become 9:30…a.m. It turns out that if you get up at 5:45 a.m. every day, you can’t shake that programming on the weekends - at least not entirely. No matter how late I stay up on Friday, I have a tendency to wake up at 8:30 a.m. in a complete panic thinking that I am late…

7. When you see someone driving recklessly, your first thought is, “Oh my god, that’s so dangerous.” This was probably one of the first signs I noticed. I didn’t drive recklessly when I was younger, but I got a little wet whenever I saw someone do it (especially if it was someone I was dating). Now I have to literally bite my tongue not to backseat drive the BF…and I have called him on the way to work to tell him about the stupid things I see drivers doing on the freeway. Wait a minute, is that hypocritical? Hm…

8. All your high school/college friends have one or both of the following: a kid and a mortgage. And as if that weren’t bad enough, they’re starting to treat you differently because you don’t have those things. The BF and I are going to turn 30 this year (yes, I know my bio/profile on this site is out of date…) and everyone we know is starting to look at us askance and say things like, “homes are a good investment” (cough, cough, bullshit) or “children are the most rewarding experience of your life.” Um, what?

9. You haven’t done in an illegal drug in…wait, when was the last time you had a joint? Okay, this is fortunately the only thing on this list that means I might not be an adult…I have found that since I get hangovers now (see #4) that pot is the best way to get a good night’s sleep and not feel like shit the next day at work. Now, I smoked the odd time or two (and I’m not really exaggerating…it was really, really infrequently because one hit made me fall asleep almost immediately) when I actually was in college (I never smoke or drank in high school, which is a whole other story about what a huge dork I was). However, the BF owns a volcano vaporizer. When he originally bought this I was horrified that he paid $600 for this device. Now, I use it daily and this month marks the first time in my entire life that I chipped in for pot. But the rest of you - the ones who don’t smoke anymore? You are officially old.

10. Your have more work clothes than casual clothes…and this doesn’t bother you because how often do you wear jeans, anyway? The BF said this recently, and I almost peed my pants. I still have more casual clothes than work clothes, but then again, that’s because I haven’t graduated yet and I’m still paying off credit card debt (see #2…).

25 Random Things

So a couple of friends have tagged me for 25 Random Things About Me. Thought I would indulge in a little self-promotion and actually do it. So here are 25 totally random things about me, followed by my meals and training for the day.
I...

1. just ate broccoli and home made hummus
2. wish I could make home made broccoli
3. will forget your name the first time I meet you
   
4. will ask you outright what your name is the second time I meet you
   
5. am not ashamed about asking for your name again
   
6. am returning 2 dvd's to amazon this week because they arrived defective- great return procedure
   
7. love my curly hair
8. love your straight hair
9. think people don't talk enough, let's have more conversations with one another
10. danced on the tables at a duelling pianos lounge last weekend-with my business partners (they were up there first!)
    
11. have been described as 'regal'
12. believe that making and keeping human relationships healthy is the meaning of life
13. want to play more volleyball
14. ate a whole bag of Hershey's new Cherry kisses two nights ago
    
15. am afraid of the dark
16. believe that yoga detoxifies
    
17. will be an ex-pat in the future
18. want to take care of you, so let me do it
19. believe you make it hard for others to show they love you by not asking for help
    
20. am grateful
21. think that nutrition largely determines your mental and physical capacity to thrive
    
22. am surprised at how easy it is to find 25 random things about myself
23. wonder how hard it would be to find 25 random things about your partner, or friend
24. daily make mistakes which make me smack myself over the head and laugh
25. am not as smart as I think I am

Meals and Training
515am: 45 min cardio pilates
600am: 1Tsbp raisins to ward off dizziness from low blood sugar
730am: 5egg white omelet with spanish onions, spinach, mushrooms, 1/4c creamy rice, 2T salba, 2T ground flax, 1tsp coconut oil, 2c mate tea
1030: 3 rice cakes, 3/4c 1% cottage cheese, 1 medium ripe tomato open faced sandwiches
12-100pm: step class with weights
130pm: 1.5c vegetable chicken soup, 1/4 apple
430pm: 1.5c raw vegetables w/ 4Tbsp hummus
630pm: (planned) ground turkey salad with 3Tbsp salsa and 1Tbsp sour cream

Trip to Costco tonight to make meals for my husband while I am away in Austin, Texas for the next week. The guy's gotta eat while I'm gone.

Wellsphere: Online Health Community

Wellsphere- check this website out; it's a warehouse for housing articles, blogs and discussions on health topics which range from fitness, recipes, stress management, healthy pregnancy to special diets.

Fresh Today: Meals and Training
So here's what's going on today for me:
700am: egg white, spinach, tomato and red onion omlette, 1/4c creamy rice cereal with splenda and cinnamon, 2T ground flax, 2T salba, 1t coconut oil, 2c mate tea
1030am: chicken breast, brown rice
1200-100pm: 40 min cardio/weight training combo
130pm: 2c homemade vegetable soup, 1/2 apple
330pm: 1c mixed raw vegetables (carrots, broccoli, green pepper), hummus
700pm: (planned) tilapia, steamed vegetables
I dramatically decreased my protein intake today; I found an old picture of myself which I loved. In the foreground of the picture was my tupperware containers filled to the brim with fresh vegetables and in the background, the fridge with the meal plan I was following at that time posted on it. And there I was, skin clear, at my ideal slim weight with a huge smile on my face and in my eyes. So I searched the computer for my meal plan I followed around that time. I'm changing back to something with less protein, and lots more fresh vegetables. Let's see if I can steady my mood swings, clear my skin, and lose my extra weight by going back to a time when I really loved myself and the nutrition plan I followed.
Do you have a picture of yourself you love? How does your self compare to your self in that picture? What about those pictures you have which you hate?

Fresh Saturday

Here is my log for Saturday:
800am: 45 min Dance Cardio
900am: 6 egg white omlette, 1/2 gluten free bagel w/ 1Tbsp light cream cheese
1100am: 90 min Power Yoga
1230pm: 2/3c skim cottage cheese, 1/2 gluten free bagel w/ 1 Tbsp light cream cheese
330pm: 1 small can Ocean's flavoured tuna, 1c raw carrots
600pm: Chicken and vegetable saute at Bambu at Stampede Casino

I treated myself with the bagel and cream cheese today; I can't be too strict on my meal plan because withholding on my cravings is a huge precursor to eating too much of the wrong thing later (binging). So, when I do stray from my meal plan, I document it but partake in gratitude and guiltless enjoyment. Balance is the key so one does not feel deprived or helmed in by their own controls.

Unfortunately, Bambu was the worst Thai restaurant we had ever eaten in. The service was slow, orders missed and late, appetizers came for my friends after their main course. It was greasy and they had only a small selection of their usual menu available. They kindly created a dish for me that was not on the menu (I didn't want noodles or rice) but it did come sauteed in soy sauce. And for celiac's that is not 'a good thing'. Soy sauce contains wheat and therefore, gluten. Not a good option. There is a pub in the casino, 1913 which may be a better pre-game option if you park there for the free parking and walk to the game at the Saddledome.

Off to my Sunday morning burlesquercise class with my good friend. 90 min of sexy fitness- so much fun.

Mini-Cation- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Just take a second to breath in the fresh, pine-laced air. There is frost in the air, but it's a only a short walk up the pine-timber stairway to Vagabond Lodge where a warm welcome awaits. Ken and Lori Chilibeck welcome you to their mountain-side Lodge, channeling the historical Club Vagabond in Switzerland where hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts can gather after their adventures around a warm fire, sipping their cocktail of choice.
Pulling up to our accommodations this weekend, I have to admit being a little intimidated by the red Ferrari parked in the lot, next to the Lincoln Navigator. But those fears were quickly waylaid by a friendly, down to earth welcome from Ken himself. A quick tour of the lodge showcased their impeccable attention to detail, and concern for their guests' comfort. Designed to allow the guests to mingle at their leisure over a game of pool, a cocktail fireside or on the balcony with sweeping alpine views, the concept is incredible. Furs, antique hiking and ski equipment nestled in the common areas are only the beginning of the pieces of art you will encounter around the lodge.
We unpacked our suitcases into the solid oak wardrobe in our suite, sat for a short rest on our window day-bed and changed into our bathings for a dip in the hot tub. Putting our bottle of Reisling into the fridge behind the common bar to chill we headed past the fireplace, pool table and soon-to-be completed sauna to the outdoor hot tub. My aching muscles from training, and partner's sore shoulders from the 2.5hour drive from Calgary appreciated the warmth. Sitting under the stars, facing the mountain slopes it was a true way to begin our weekend of leisure.
Retiring to our queen feather bed for a glass of the aforementioned Riesling, we entirely forgot where we had come from- that busy city somewhere to the east.
The next morning we were served a hot breakfast of fresh scones, peach oatmeal, strawberry pancakes, muesli, eggs etc. The dining area was bright with morning sun, and the other guests were excitedly talking about their outdoor excursions for the day. It was a fun atmosphere to meet couples from Scotland, and one from North Carolina (who inquired if the red car parked out front was ours- choke!). The rest of the weekend was much of the same comradry and comfort.
Must-Do while at Kicking Horse Resort:
Stay at: Vagabond Lodge- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Get your morning java: Bean Bag local, fair trade and organic roasters, downtown Golden.
Lunch at: Whitetooth Bistro with an executive chef with a flair for fresh, local produce and asian influence on 9th Ave (downtown) Golden.
Fresh greens at: Golden Farmer's Market, Saturdays during the summer from 10-2
Health infusion at: Columbia Valley Natural Health Center at 503 9th Avenue North, Golden BC. With the largest selection of organic, bulk spices, beans, flours and other necessities it is a must-stop. I even found the elusive aduki beans for moon cakes in bulk here. I also came away with a great big bag of mate loose tea for the most reasonable price I have ever seen.
Supper or Sunday Brunch at: Atop the mountain at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, in Eagle's Eye Restaurant
Pub fare and tomfoolery at: Local Hero Pub at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

My Birthday Story

As I sit here writing, the above picture is what I see. I can smell my flowers as well, and I'm thankful for such a mild, lovely morning. I just finished my brunch of an egg while omlette with sauteed mushrooms and roasted red peppers with a bowl of creamy rice cereal. Black coffee tied the brunch up nicely. I finished my 10k run just before brunch- and it felt great. I'm back into my healthy routine after an extravagant birthday.

It began with a good old fashioned sleep over with my truest friend, M. She went all out, drinks and appy's the night before my birthday, then stayed overnight with me and we had a wonderful brunch on the patio and mani/pedis and shopping during the day. So lucky to have you my darling!

These are the roses Partner gave to me on my birthday, with a few of the mini-bday cakes I made, and an empty glass of red wine. He took me to the River Cafe for supper that night; I had an Elk carpaccio to start, then the feature duck breast with confit salad rolls and we split the grilled apricot on toasted pound cake with creme fraiche for the sweet. My dinner cocktail was a lemon splash- a nice white wine with fresh made lemonade. Impecable- the entire experience. The Folk Music Festival was on the island, and we got the benefit of the incredible music as we sat on the patio, lazily enjoying dinner as the river flowed around us. Some of the musicians were having drinks behind us- very artsy. What an experience.
We then walked around the island. He had given me a fine, royal purple, 3 tiered designer jewellery box on Wednesday (he can't wait to give me the presents he gets me- inevitable we celebrate Christmas in November because we get so excited) and so I was shocked when he pulled out a little tissue wrapped box. It looked like something that could fit into my new jewellery box- and it was. Just at the spot where he knew my Dad proposed to my mother, and not far from where Partner proposed to me a year and a half-ago, he gave me another wedding band. A beautiful white gold band I can wear when I'm training, baking and cooking without having to worry about bending the diamond setting or getting my other rings scuffed up. I'm so grateful, and so overwhelmed.

Handy Tool

Tired of searching all over the internet for the best recipe? I hate sorting through the hundreds of recipes on recipe collection sites. I like seeing pictures, and reading reviews; much better than a 5-star rating system when only 2 people have rated it (for example) for skewed results. So now, when looking for a recipe I go straight here: http://foodblogsearch.com/ . Food bloggies are very good at stylizing their creations and reviewing not only the finished product, but the process of creating their masterpieces. You can tailor your search for dietary restrictions (great gluten free section).

Choices

Eating out doesn't have to throw off your meal plan. Just make better choices. This website http://www.wellsphere.com/wellternatives.s is a great way to plan how to make a better choice when eating out. Thank you to Everyday Yogini for pointing this website out.