Also!

That is all.

Thank you, Onion. http://store.theonion.com/p-4731-chemical-dependency-mug.aspx

Fall? Hello? Are you there?

It’s a lovely 101 degrees Fahrenheit in Rancho Cucamonga today. And tomorrow? It’s going to be 106. *Ugh!* The first day of October and it’s going to be 106. Guess tomorrow I’m going to be holed up in Starbucks with a pumpkin frap and my laptop. (hehe!)

Hooray for the weekend! At the end of an (extremely!) busy week, I got to spend the entire weekend relaxing with Kurt.

I was late for the gym on Saturday morning (sad!) because I just could not, for the life of me, get going. So I arrived after my class started and instead spent 45 minutes on the treadmill, running. Not a bad trade off if I do say so myself. I ran about 4 miles. *Woot!*

After my gym session, Kurt and  I were off to Kula Revolving Sushi!

I’m probably one of those people who could eat their weight in sushi…

It was sooo good!

It’s now Sunday afternoon, I (finally) got to my kickboxing class this morning and really worked off that stress! Afterwards we ran down to one of our favorite sit-down Chinese restaurants (hey, I’m on an Asian kick) and had Honey Walnut Shrimp (as always!).

Now, time to study for my midterm/lab exam tomorrow morning. I feel a bit more prepared so I’m not as hyper-diligent about studying as I was last week (plus, I’m trying not to freak out again!)

Also, I am dying to go back to Disneyland! I think I’m hooked! They have all the Fall festivities going, and I just love the Haunted Mansion all decked out in Nightmare Before Christmas-style!
I’m very sad that the registration for the Tinkerbell Half Marathon is closed. I might try to make the Princess Half Marathon this year (my first half marathon!), but it’s a pretty steep price at $175.

Time to kick start a new week. Back to eating healthy, studying hard and working out!
Hold on to your hats and get ready for Monday!

Quick Friday Post

I’m posting some quick thoughts for tonight, because it’s been an incredibly long week, and I’m having a hard time believing it’s even Friday night.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking today, about body image and comparisons. I’ve been struggling lately with getting into shape and finding a happy medium with my figure in my late-20’s. It’s one of the reasons I’ve started working out, but not the sole reason; I wanted to become more energetic and outgoing, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I did it for my health. But recently, since I’ve lost a bit of weight and inches off my waist, I’ve been comparing myself to others, which is dangerous thinking. It’s a good thing I caught myself.

Basically, I had to take a second and remind myself: my body type is what it is. I’ve always had an athletic build, I’m 5’9, and I have a solid frame. (Wide shoulders, thick legs, big chest) For example, even at the point where I was deathly ill and had a below-average body mass index, I was still a bit of an hourglass, shape. So now that I’m older and spending more time at the gym, it’s hard to see results when I’m comparing myself to girls who have a thinner frame.

I thought about it last night, and talking about it with Kurt and some other athletic-type friends, I came to some really interesting conclusions:

I’m in the best physical shape I’ve been in since high school, and I’m actually happy with my progress.
I can run for miles and not have pain or over-exert myself.
I have healthy routines to my life that make me feel better about myself.
I can cope better with life’s mishaps and downfalls. (With the help of prayer, of course)
I climbed three flights of stairs down and up this afternoon and was not winded.
I feel solid. My legs feel solid, my back and arms feel solid.
I can do my job and not feel dead tired after the fact.
I’ve never seen the outline of abs on me before. (Hey, they’re forming!)

Sometimes in life, we need to give ourselves little pep-talks to remind us how we can appreciate the things we have. I’m glad I’m able to get into the shape I’m in, and it really makes me happy.
I’m also thankful for having such an amazing boyfriend, Kurt. Things have been rough with work and school lately, and he’s really pulled through for me. I’m proud to have someone so great by my side. I’ve never had such a strong support system (including both of our families), and I really need to express how much I appreciate life right now.

I am truly blessed.

So that’s my 20-minute rant tonight.
Once again, I apologize for the lack of photography (if that’s what you call it.)


P.S. I want a new juicer. Breville Compact Juicer Juice Fountain

Technology Fail Week…

Let’s just say I’m having a technology fail…Meaning I have to have everyone else take pictures for me because my phone and camera decided that it was the perfect week to leave me in Gilligan’s Island mode.

That said, it’s been a pretty awesome week. 
On Tuesday night, I decided I was once again going to go to the gym and try my luck at another 5-mile run. It actually turned into hanging out with some good friends until late night. 
It was a LOT of fun, and it’s always awesome to have a get-together/movie night.

Wednesday was class…that let out at 2:00, and I snuck off to Disneyland immediately after to meet my friend, Chris and his girlfriend, Sara.

It was a BLAST hanging out with these two, and of course there were wacky antics to follow.

(This happens to be what is dubbed “Aladdin’s Magical Bathroom” )
They're also doing a series of zombie pictures, (I won't post it here because it's not my work) which turned out to be pretty impressive!

So that wraps up my week.

I’m working hard to get back into the swing of things, because for some reason or another, things have been slightly off. Hopefully, I can get back into the routine of gym, work and school and make a point of getting back into action.

Last but not least….SHOE ENVY!
I’ve been in the market for a new pair of work shoes (something that can withstand multiple 12-hour shifts) and a new pair of running/workout shoes.
I almost always always go with Asics. Since I was a kid in running club, they have always worked for me and I’ve stuck with them despite the price tag. I've never had a reason to switch, and every time I’ve tried something else, it’s just never worked as well.
I currently am using the Asics Nimbus 14 Running Shoe, that a very patient salesperson at REI helped me pick out about a year ago, and I have lightly used up until the last 4 months. Now that these are broken in, I’d like to go with something along the lines of the same shoe.
I want something colorful.
I came across these babies. (ASICS Women's Gel-Neo33 Running Shoe)


And THESE! (ASICS Women's GEL-Speedstar 6 Running Shoe)
Soooooo bright!!! (I also REALLY like the blue color on Amazon as well.)
I’m also considering something similar from Nike or Reebok, but I’m not quite sure if I want to deviate from my normal brand that works for some pretty colors.



So that’s it for tonight. Hopefully (hopefully!) I’m working tomorrow and not cancelled so I can get things back on track!
And the job hunt continues!
-Hojo

Foiled!

My trainer was off tonight so class was cancelled. I found this out when I got to the gym, so I tried to escape. Unfortunately, the trainers at the check out counter marched me over to a treadmill and said “30 minutes.” I tried to protest, “I have to study!” but it was to no avail. Then I tried to bargain “Fine. 20 minutes.” Nope, 30.
I ended up trying to do my 30-minute interval workout, going 2 minutes walking and 3 minutes running. I quickly got bored and did started doing 2 minutes walking and 8 minutes running (because, you know, I had a LOT of stress to get out!). That worked, and once I found my pattern for running, I stayed on the treadmill for ONE HOUR! (I ran about 5 miles!) I was stoked!

I think I might go back and try this running thing again tomorrow. (Because, you know, not like I have to work or anything)

Lunch today was a BLT from Subway with all the veggies, no cheese on 9-grain bread. I had these Parmesan Herb Sun Chips and holy cow! They were delicious!

<<<<<My new favorite “guilty pleasure”

I’m not normally a “chip” person.

Dinner was a quick weeknight meal. “Veggie” Quesadillas (okay, there was a little chicken in there!)

I used “High Fiber” Tortillas, fajita veggies, mozzerella cheese and about an ounce of chicken each.

These tortillas were actually really good! They were soft and delicious like home-made tortillas. I really enjoyed the texture.

Anyway, so that was my night.

I’m continuing to apply for jobs, just because I need to work (I’m down to one day a week, I got cancelled the entire weekend.) I love what I do, and my job is awesome, just the hours are really starting to get me down, and it might be God’s way of telling me there’s something bigger and better out there. I’m keeping my head up and my options open.

Starting to go over the muscles in class. I’m feeling a bit more optimistic about the rest of the semester, and I’m getting used to the drive.

Last week was a rough week overall, but I think I can get past it and move forward. Because why live life regretting the past, right?

-Hojo

Last Hurrah

In case anyone was wondering, I went the entire week off of my diet. Why? Because I needed a break from everything, and sometimes you can’t be Superwoman and balance it all.

That said, I’m going to try to get things back in order this week. I’ve been feeling a little down and there comes a time where you just need to pick yourself up and keep going! This week will represent me getting back on the horse I feel off of.

That means, back to your normal scheduled programming, my health and wellness blog.
Tomorrow, I will be starting a 48-hour detox in order to get things back on track. Here is an informative article about how and when to detox.

Tomorrow morning I will head out to the store and pick up my ingredients.
(Also, a great time to reset my sleep schedule!)

Monday is a new day of a new week. I will pass Anatomy!

Anyway….

Today, Kurt and I spent the afternoon “puppysitting” Milani, a friend’s dog who got into a little bit of trouble by eating a piece of asphault. She is post-surgical, so we had to keep an eye on her while her owners were at work.

 

Not that I minded watching a cute puppy roll around all afternoon. ^.^

I also got frozen yogurt out of the deal.

So I’m currently working on my second infinity scarf for the late fall/winter. I found a pretty gray color at Michael’s. I’m hoping to get three or four of them done by December as well as my project blanket I’ve been working on for the past year.

.

There’s my projects! I’m sure I’ll have plenty of time to work on them seeing that I haven’t been working much lately.

Also…COOKIES

Pumpkin Spice Cookies. (Recipe by PeanutButterFingers)

Tonight, for my workout, I’m going to be doing the P90x reps. Found Here.

Goodnight! <3

My Week via Stick Figures

I’m going to admit, it’s been quite a week, and probably not one of my best. I don’t think I’ve felt this tired or sleep-deprived since my LVN class. I’m trying to not let it get to me, but by the time Saturday rolls around, I’m stuck here with an almost-migraine. I don’t have that many pictures to post today, because, really, this week was not a pretty sight. And really, if it weren’t for kickboxing and running (and lots and LOTS of prayer!), I would be a nervous blistering mess. Thank God for balance.

I’m supposed to be working today, but got cancelled (big surprise!).

So instead of posting pictures, I decided to draw a stick-figure comic to express how my week went…

 

I spent the first three days of my week studying up until one or two in the morning…

 

 

 

 

 

So that is how my week went.

But to make the week better, I gave into a craving and bought a pumpkin scone from Starbucks. This was probably the highlight of the week.

Also, the “back up camera” made parallel parking for class SO much easier! (And I didn’t have to pay for parking)
Bam!

Okay, really, it’s the little stuff that makes my day.

Up next: (For you picture-type-people) I gave my camera to my eight-year-old niece as an experiment. It will be interesting to see what she comes up with.

-Hojo

Products I Love

 

I’m going to be honest, today was not an easy day. After three days of sleep-deprivity and studying, I’m pretty pooped. Add a couple hours of traffic and not-doing-so-hot on the test I lost all that sleep for, kind of leaves me a little grouchy.

I’m very thankful for my family and all the support I receive, because, really, it could have been much worse if I didn’t have the amazing people around me that I do. Basically, “Hold your head high, and do better next time.”

That said! I turned my potentially bad day around and decided to create reviews for stuff I love!

When I’m working, I get a lot of “what’s in your bag?” as to what kind of make up I wear, shampoo, nail polish etc. I love trying out new products, especially in different colors, properties and benefits. Unfortunately, I have discovered that I’m severely allergic to scented cosmetics (usually this is a problem with drugstore brands, especially in the foundations and powders). I have also discovered that I’m allergic to certain shampoos and conditioners as well. *sigh*

This has made my cosmetic collection rather difficult and at times frustrating (and pricey!). Sometimes, it’s a matter of picking and choosing what works and what doesn’t.

So I thought I would share what’s in my daily cosmetic bag, and why I find these products so amazing.

First off:

T.N Dickenson’s Astringent:
Witch Hazel:

If I could have any “miracle" product in my armory, it would be Witch Hazel. While the name is kind of scary, it’s an all-natural anti-inflammatory. I’m usually the type of person to have cystic breakouts, and this really helps alleviate that problem. My skin tone has been much more even, especially with my combination oily/dry skin.
I actually discovered witch hazel while working in the hospital. One of the nurses was using it as a remedy, and I was having a pretty bad break out that day. It took off half my make up, but it really made my skin feel better in the middle of a “bad skin day”.

It’s available at the grocery store. I found it at Albertson’s and Ralph’s, but it really took some looking for! (I spent about twenty minutes looking for this stuff!) It’s usually stuffed away on a bottom shelf with the toners in a dark corner. But I say, it works!

 

 Clinique:
“Even Better SPF 15”

I’ve always been a fan of Clinique, especially since it’s unscented and formulated for sensitive skin.

I tried the “Even Better” line when it first came out, and I have to say, I’ve been hooked. It has helped minimize my acne scars and dark spots, and eventually, I’ve needed less and less. One bottle runs about $25 at Sephora, but this little bottle lasts a long time! It’s really worth it’s value! (Plus it’s SPF 15! Awesome!)

 

 

 Urban Decay:
“Eyeshadow Ammo Shadow Box”

While I’m not crazy about make-up that has “cutesy” packaging, I bit the “bullet” (see the pun?) and shelled out (again! I’m on a role!) the $48 for this eyeshadow palette after sitting in Ulta for an hour trying to decide between the blue and the green (both $20). I wasn’t quite ready to purchase the Naked Palette (although after this, I might have to!) But I was quite impressed with the variety of color I received with this little box of eyeshadow. I especially love the white and the cranberry colors, colors I normally wouldn’t buy, but was able to try because of this palette. Also, Ulta’s customer service in Upland was top-notch. I bought this three months ago (hence the stock photo) and I still remember how nice and helpful the ladies at the counter were! Kudos!

 Bare Escentuals:
 Bare Minerals Blush in '”Hint”

Also at Ulta. I love this stuff because, again, the hypoallergenic properties, and a little goes a long way! (Note, I’ve had the brush forever) which gives you an idea of how well they hold up, if you’re considering the brush (highly recommended!).

 

 

 Revlon:
”Color Stay” Eyeliner (drugstores and Ulta)

This is probably the only “drugstore” product I use, probably because it’s one of the most reliable eyeliners I’ve used. It gets the job done. I’ve tried liquids, semi-liquids, ‘crayon-style”, waterproofs, felt-tips and just about every different type of brush or applicator out there, and this has been my make-up bag staple. It smudges just the tiniest bit, but really, it doesn’t make a huge difference.

I have it in three different colors, black, cranberry and a dark gray.
I just discovered (yesterday, actually) that the cap on the end is a sharpener. Who knew? (durr dur durrrr)

 

 Blinc:
”Kiss Me by Blinc”

Okay, so this mascara was a toss up between this and DiorShow (also a great mascara)
But the waterproofing technology and the ease of removal made this mascara one of my absolute favorites. I love how the little tubes “coat” your eyelashes and make them look a mile long! There were some days where people asked me if my eyelashes were real, or “falsies” (their word, not mine).
One of the things I highly recommend is purchasing the primer along with the mascara. The tubes contain a little bit less than your normal mascara, but with the primer, again, a little goes a long way.
Just a side note: when you put the primer on, and then forget the mascara at home, people will wonder why your eyelashes are “white” or “look weird”.  Especially when you work with the public. True story. @_@

So, there we go, there are some of the products in my bag. I hope you enjoy!

P.S: The great Condo Hunt has begun! 3 months to go!

 

What are some other products you’d like me to review?

I’m thinking about posting some of my pinned-projects soon.
Any specifics that anyone would like me to try? (That don’t involve sharp objects?)

Insomiac Sweet Tooth

Happy Monday everyone!
I can’t believe how fast the weeks are flying by! Especially since my Lab Practicum is on Wednesday! It draws closer!
Anyway, I had a GREAT workout today and I finally passed a physical barrier I wasn’t able to pass before. I felt like I was plateau-ing, and today I pushed myself a little harder and hit that “runner’s high”. I was able to do the whole 75-minute workout with few difficulties. I hope tomorrow will work out the same, given Tuesdays are my toughest workout. (Given, there isn’t any jump-roping).Want to see me fall flat on my face? Hand me a jump rope. I’m not kidding.
I also really really hope my sleep schedule works itself out, given that because I haven’t been sleeping very well (see: lazy-student syndrome.) and I’ve only been working one to two days a week, I’ve been relying on multiple Starbucks runs to keep me awake. No sleep=Coffee=even worse sleep=more coffee…you get the cycle. So I’m hoping to cut back on the caffeine this week.
ALSO, I’ve been craving sweets at night, which have been giving me bad dreams. Eat sweets-up blood sugar, then the middle of the night, blood sugar drops=nightmares. So I’ve remedied this with sugar-free hot cocoa after dinner, with a little bit of almond milk to add creaminess. It hits the spot for my insane chocolate cravings!
Perfect! <3
And if I can’t sleep, my buddy Othello will keep me company.



“Shouldn’t you be studying?”

















Yes, I named him. He is now an entity that sits on my desk.
Otherwise, the Cat says NO to studying.

I should probably go to sleep, huh?

“The bed is SOOOOO comfy!”

Bones are Boring

Said the Orthopedic nurse.

No, really, I’m studying through the bones right now in order to memorize them for my Lab Practicum on Wednesday. (eep!)

I’m actually pretty nervous, because it is a lot of memorization to be done before the end of this week, which makes my life a living nightmare of bones and flashcards. I really feel like the moment I remember all the “tuberosities” and “fossas” of one bone, and go onto the next, I completely forget all the names of the last bone I memorized!

I don’t know how anyone really does this, and I’m freaking out!

Not humerus one bit!!!

*SIGH*

A Public Service Announcement…

I’m a little bored with the pinners that post “secret weight loss!” and a before and after picture. It’s starting to feel like a bad newspaper ad.

Getting into shape is hard work. If it were easy, everyone would do it and everyone would be skinny.
I have a “fitness” board because I need inspiration, but it seems lately half of the “fitness” section on Pinterest is consisting of these lame “see how she did it!” ads. There is no secret to it. Get up off your lazy butt and go!

*Gets off soapbox*

Shoutout to Subscribe!

Hey everyone, I just wanted to take the time to ask that you subscribe to my blog! I added the “Join This Site” button on the left sidebar last night, so if you want to join my page, please do! It would be much appreciated!

Thanks and much love! :D

<3 <3 <3 Holls

Lazy Saturday!

Guess what? Yup, my shift has been cancelled today, my plans to work today have been foiled. Who wants to work on a Saturday anyway? (*tears* boo to less $$$)

So I really really REALLY didn’t want to go to the gym this morning. It was more like: “hey, look, it’s 9am and I’m awake” and then it turned into: “At 10 my gym class starts, but I won’t go because I said I wasn’t going to go” and then it turned into an internal guilt trip “Aw, man, if I don’t go, I’m just going to sit around the house and eat. And sleep.”

Normally, old Holly would be okay with this sort of thing, but new Holly, (the new and improved fitness-freak) shakes her finger and “tsk tsks” at the lazy, fat kid on the inside. So I put on my workout clothes and walked around in them for an hour before I motivated myself to go (after three or four YouTube videos, of course!)

I started off with my “neon pink” watermelon sports drink to get me going.

I’m glad I went. I would have felt really bad if I didn’t go. And now that I’m back from the store and gym and cooking breakfast/lunch, I’m ready for a day of relaxation.

Lunch:

After getting my issue of “Whole Living” yesterday and reading it cover to cover, I dreamed about their “Beet Hash with Eggs” all night long. I was hoping I would get cancelled just because I wanted hash browns and eggs. Is that bad?

I blame you, Whole Living, for messing with the powers that be that lead to me not working today.

Breakfast/Lunch (it was about 1pm by the time I got home to finish this madness) was amazing and totally what I’ve been craving for the past two weeks (but the darned cafeteria doesn’t have hash browns!)

I ate every last bite!!!

It was really good and pretty simple to make, and we had most of the ingredients in our pantry, I just had to run out and get the beets. Once I find the link for the recipe, I will post it here.

I also topped it off with a Pumpkin Spice French press coffee.

My warm pumpkin coffee, and yes, I am aware how HOT it is outside.

My strategy for fall is to FORCE it to be cold by ignoring the heat and pretending it’s cold. Today, I’m going to crochet my scarf and stick my tongue out at the weather.

ALSO:

“Greek-goddess” crazy workout hair.

That is all.

-Hojo.