ashleyd /

Confession of a Real Person

 

IMG_3388Sometimes, I think I forget that readers realize I’m a real person. I’m a human being who isn’t perfect, makes mistakes, and licks the icing spoon just like many of my readers. So in order to remind you guys that I’m human, I thought I’d make tonight’s post a fun little confession post.

It vaguely reminds me of truth, dare, double dare, promise or repeat. Anyone else ever play that at childhood sleepovers?

1. I don’t wash my fruit before eating it at least half the time. Maybe I should stick to fruits I peel.

2. As soon as I walk through the door, after a long day of work I want nothing more than to strip off my work clothes and put on old boxers which are an XL and one of Bo’s tshirts.

3. Speaking of t-shirts, I wear Bo’s more than mine because I prefer lounging in L or XL tshirts than S or M.

4. I take things to work with good intentions of running errands during the day. But, that clearly doesn’t work because right now I have the following under my desk:

  • Broken Penguin which needs to be exchanged at Williams-Sonoma (circa Jan 10, 2011)
  • A pair of shoes I bought at Bloomingdales which don’t fit (circa Oct 22, 2010)
  • A pile of books, magazines, etc for my mom (circa this week)
  • A blog prize which was never claimed (circa May 2010)

5. I still haven’t ordered any of my NYC Marathon photos because I can’t figure out which package to order or whether to have them make a plaque. Suggestions?

6. Today, one of my co-workers and readers, called me out at work for eating a mini cupcake that I didn’t take a picture. Just to be clear, I take pictures of my meals, but rarely my snacks. Please believe I do not just eat 3 square meals a day. Would you all like more food pictures?

7. I love that my husband is an amazing cook chef/cook but I wish he’d learn to share the kitchen better. I call it the curse of a New York kitchen. He jumps up and starts cooking and suddenly there is no room. I think I just need to use one side of the counter for sides (me) and one side for mains (him).

8. Sometimes weight gain isn’t all bad. As much as I’d like to lose these pesky 8 pounds, I’m 10x happier and healthier now, both mentally and emotionally, than I was 35 pounds ago.

I thought I looked awesome at this point in my life but I was miserable. I could count my ribs in the picture below and my hair was visibly thinning. Also, there are literal indentions on the side of my face. 🙁 I wasn’t happy and food, even healthy things like avocado or bananas were my enemy.

 

Really? As you can see in this picture my head is an akward size. This isn’t due to bad photography. This is due to my unhappiness and focus on limiting everything in my life.

….not sure where all this came from but it feels good to be out there. I’m sure more will come in the following days.

What is your confession?

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ashleyd /

March Fun and Goals

 

Good morning and happy March! This month is going to be so much fun! I have some great events on the horizon:

  • National Half Marathon weekend with Ali in Washington, DC

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These fun events have me excited for the month but also focused on my health and fitness goals. A few people have asked me what I’m focusing on right now.

My February goals were:

  • PR in the NYRR 4 miler (accomplished!)
  • Cross train at least 2x per week (accomplished!)

My March goals are as follows:

  • Complete the National Half Marathon under 2:15 (reach goal under 2:10)
  • Lose 5 more pounds by focusing on eating less processed food and limiting my beer and wine enjoyment to the weekends
  • Practice yoga at least 1x per week
  • Stay in touch with friends and family

Today’s health and fitness tip relates to goals perfectly!

Fitness tip of the day: Reward yourself! Set mini goals for yourself with rewards for each goal to keep you motivated!

Since I’m in love with everything in the new JCrew catalog, I’ve already chosen a few incentive items. For each goal I achieve this month, I’m able to purchase one! This will keep me from enjoying aimless shopping during the month which saves money and it helps me stay focused. I mean after all, these items are so much better than an extra cookie or glass of wine.

Crisscross dressSilk Blythe blouseSperry Top-Sider® Authentic Original 2-eye metallic boat shoes

What are your goals for the month?

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ashleyd /

Manic Mondays Don’t Have Anything on Me!

Happy Monday! Did you have a case of the Monday’s today?

My day started later than expected as I slept through my morning workout. I felt badly bailing on Sara, my awesome workout buddy, but my hamstrings were still sore and I overdid my yoga yesterday which left my shoulders and abs tired as well. It’s amazing how chaturanga and bow pose work my arms.

Chaturanga

At the office, my day was a manic Monday but I didn’t let this get in the way of my healthy habits. 

I enjoyed this delicious green juice throughout the day, finishing half of it by the end of the day. I’ve emailed a dietician friend, in hopes of understanding whether this bottled juice has the same benefits as fresh juice. I don’t have access to a juicer at work and fresh juices are so expensive at local juice stands. Any tips or thoughts?

IMG_0659 I upped the greens during my lunch as well, trading up my normal small salad for the large size at Pax. But, in order to keep calories in check, I filled it with all veggies and no added goodies like cheese or proteins. Instead, I saved money and brought my leftover grouper. It was delicious and very filling. This salad kept me full all day long!

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When I left the office, at 7:19 it was already dark and cold outside. I was exhausted but knew that if I did some speed training on the treadmill tonight I could be in and out of Equinox in time for The Bachelor!

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Mission accomplished! I completed 3 miles of speed intervals in 27:09! I was entertained by the post game report from the Academy Awards. These were a few of my favorites:

women 2011 Academy Awards Oscars red carpet dress

I didn’t love Scarlett’s hair but I loved her dress and makeup. That color, dahlia, is amazing!

I love dresses that combine sexy with conservative. This plunging neckline and cinched waist are the perfect contrast to the full, puffy skirt.

Speaking of Academy Awards, I have chosen a winner for the Academy Award sized giveaway. Congratulations #57 Annemarie, you are the winner of an amazing prize package!  Please email me your mailing address so I can send it your way!

In other news, today’s health and fitness tip is something we all could use:

Today’s Health & Fitness tip is to take 5 min breaks every hour by looking off into the distance. Your eyes will thank you!

  • Keep the distance of the monitor from your eyes between 16 to 30 inches. Most people find a distance of 20 to 26 inches comfortable.
  • Purchase an anti-glare screen for your work and home computer
  • Increase font size on your computer for easier viewing
  • Just close your eyes for a few minutes when your work requires prolonged data input into the computer.

Question: What is your single favorite yoga move?

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