Gotta love eBay. I had to do it in the last 30 seconds, but I was able to win myself a VitaMix for about $200 less than it would have cost to get a new one at retail. I am trying to do much better with healthy eating; it really is the key to feeling better and doing better. One of the ways I can do that is with smoothies and homemade soups.
While regular blenders are ok, they just don't cut it when it comes to making up really good smoothies. The VitaMix is superior because it is able to "rupture the cell walls of raw foods to make the enzymes more bioavailable." In other words, you're going to get the maximum nutrition you can get when you mix up that smoothie. Score!
Today, I decided to make a green smoothie for breakfast. Never made one before? Well VitaMix offers this handy chart to help you choose ingredients:
COLUMN A:
2 cups spinach
1 cup kale
1/2 head of romaine
1 romaine heart
3/4 cup raw broccoli
1 small head of bibb or Boston lettuce
COLUMN B:
1 cup grapes
1 apple
1 orange, peeled
1 cup melon, peeled
1 cup pineapple
1 cup berries
1 banana, peeled
1/2 cup cucumber, peeled or unpeeled
1 kiwi, peeled
1 carrot
1 cup peaches
1 cup mango, peeled
1/2 cup papaya, peeled
2 stalks celery
1 pear
COLUMN C:
1 cup soy milk (plain or vanilla)
1 cup yogurt (plain or flavored)
1 cup fruit juice
1 cup water
DIRECTIONS: Pick 1 from Column A, 2 from Column B, 1 from Column C, and add 1 cup of ice. Blend accordingly.
Now - I can't guarantee that this will work on a regular blender, but for the Vitamix it was no problem. This morning I used 2 cups baby spinach, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 cup frozen peaches, and 1 cup of orange-peach-mango juice. I also added some Chia fiber and a scoop of Amazing Grass Green SuperFood. You don't need those, but they were on sale at my local store and I picked them up yesterday, so I just thought I'd add them.
I forgot to add the ice, but I didn't really need it. The VitaMix blended all of this up to a smooth mixture. I used the tamper a bit to push everything down, but it made quick work of the frozen fruit.
It is most definitely green. Like, baby food strained peas. Actually, it was a little darker than that. So, if you are squeamish about how food LOOKS, this probably isn't for you. The taste was great! I just tasted the fruit and the fruit juice, and probably the lemon/lime flavoring from the SuperFood supplement. Didn't taste any spinach at all. If it wasn't for the color, I wouldn't have known it was there.
I have some kale and some broccoli at home. I think the next smoothie will have kale, and some blueberries. I believe with that chart above you have over 300 options (it's been so long since I did a factorial multiplication - who knew you'd need that as an adult? LOL!).
If you decide to give it a whirl, let me know how it goes.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Out of The Blue
My yoga class has been moved to a 5:30am start instead of a 5:45 start. Which is cool...it just means I really have to get up at 4:30 and not hit the "snooze" button.
One of the reasons I appreciate yoga (among the MANY), is that it does help me focus my mind. On the drive over my mind is constantly going; what I have to do that day, what bills need to be paid, what's going on with so-and-so. When I get to class, that is my "me" time to turn my brain off and focus on my spirit and my body.
We talk about how sometimes thoughts will sneak in, and you have to just acknowledge them and then move on. I've been trying to do that outside of class - if it's what I deem an inopportune time for my mind to be wandering, I acknowledge the thought - maybe jot a note to myself - and then send it on its way.
For some reason, this morning I was thinking about my Dad's funeral. I can't even tell you how my train of thoughts got to that point. I know it was a train of random thoughts that somehow led to me thinking about when my dad's neighbors came to the wake. I can't remember his name, but one neighbor gave me a hug and told me how much they would miss my dad and how everyone in the building really liked him. I just started crying. Now like, burst into ugly sobs crying...but just tears running down my face.
And then, it was over.
I got to yog and went on with class. I guess I was just surprised. My auntie told me that I would probably have some random moments, but I just wasn't expecting it at 5:15am.
One of the reasons I appreciate yoga (among the MANY), is that it does help me focus my mind. On the drive over my mind is constantly going; what I have to do that day, what bills need to be paid, what's going on with so-and-so. When I get to class, that is my "me" time to turn my brain off and focus on my spirit and my body.
We talk about how sometimes thoughts will sneak in, and you have to just acknowledge them and then move on. I've been trying to do that outside of class - if it's what I deem an inopportune time for my mind to be wandering, I acknowledge the thought - maybe jot a note to myself - and then send it on its way.
For some reason, this morning I was thinking about my Dad's funeral. I can't even tell you how my train of thoughts got to that point. I know it was a train of random thoughts that somehow led to me thinking about when my dad's neighbors came to the wake. I can't remember his name, but one neighbor gave me a hug and told me how much they would miss my dad and how everyone in the building really liked him. I just started crying. Now like, burst into ugly sobs crying...but just tears running down my face.
And then, it was over.
I got to yog and went on with class. I guess I was just surprised. My auntie told me that I would probably have some random moments, but I just wasn't expecting it at 5:15am.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Food For Thought
This morning, while I was on the elliptical, I started reading "Yoga For Dummies" - the book I showed in yesterday's blog post. I came across a few passages that I think provide some food for thought, whether you're doing yoga or not, so I thought I'd share.
"Most people are aware of how fast time flies in the 24 hours they're give each day. Yet if you look more closely at how you spend your days, you may find that not everything you do is necessary, and that in idle moments, you may miss the opportunity to recharge yourself or tap into your inner well of joy."
Gosh, if I had a nickel for every time somebody told me they didn't have time to do something. Shoot...if I had a nickel for every time I said that. We make time for the things we want to do. Period. There really is no gray area. When you really make up your mind to do something, you'll get it done!
"...what you get out of any endeavor is only as good as what you put in it. In other words, don't expect health from junk food. Don't expect happiness from miserable attitudes. Don't expect good results from shoddy Yoga practice. Don't expect something from nothing."
So true. No matter what it is in life, very few things happen instantaneously. Especially when it comes to matters of health. What you put in is what you get out. If you eat junk all the time, your digestive system will be jacked up, and I don't need to list all the results of that...you know how you feel. Garbage in, garbage out!
The next time you're feeling down, try focusing on positive thoughts and not dwelling on the negative. And if someone comes into your personal space/time with the negative, gently shoo them away. :)
"Most people tend to be passive in health matters. They wait until something goes wrong, and then rely on a pill or a physician to fix the problem."
I think this is just how we were raised. I don't recall my parents specifically focusing on preventative health. While I've managed to klutz myself into injuries, I haven't had a cold in quite a while. Last year I spent all of January sick with a cold/bronchitis. Once I got that cleared up, and started eating more healthy and working on prevention, I haven't been sick since. I know my EENT doctor is probably wondering where I've been. I haven't had to go in for allergies. I know when it's that time, I need to reduce dairy intake, and take other measures. It seems like such a "duh" idea, but it's really not something I started focusing on until last year.
If there's a health issue that you've been planning to tackle, take it on now. Make small changes and eventually you will get there. If you know your blood pressure was elevated at your last doctor's appointment, what are some things you can do on your own to lower it, before they have to intervene with medication?
That's all I have for now. As I come across more juicy tidbits in the book, I'll be sure to give you my thoughts.
"Most people are aware of how fast time flies in the 24 hours they're give each day. Yet if you look more closely at how you spend your days, you may find that not everything you do is necessary, and that in idle moments, you may miss the opportunity to recharge yourself or tap into your inner well of joy."
Gosh, if I had a nickel for every time somebody told me they didn't have time to do something. Shoot...if I had a nickel for every time I said that. We make time for the things we want to do. Period. There really is no gray area. When you really make up your mind to do something, you'll get it done!
"...what you get out of any endeavor is only as good as what you put in it. In other words, don't expect health from junk food. Don't expect happiness from miserable attitudes. Don't expect good results from shoddy Yoga practice. Don't expect something from nothing."
So true. No matter what it is in life, very few things happen instantaneously. Especially when it comes to matters of health. What you put in is what you get out. If you eat junk all the time, your digestive system will be jacked up, and I don't need to list all the results of that...you know how you feel. Garbage in, garbage out!
The next time you're feeling down, try focusing on positive thoughts and not dwelling on the negative. And if someone comes into your personal space/time with the negative, gently shoo them away. :)
"Most people tend to be passive in health matters. They wait until something goes wrong, and then rely on a pill or a physician to fix the problem."
I think this is just how we were raised. I don't recall my parents specifically focusing on preventative health. While I've managed to klutz myself into injuries, I haven't had a cold in quite a while. Last year I spent all of January sick with a cold/bronchitis. Once I got that cleared up, and started eating more healthy and working on prevention, I haven't been sick since. I know my EENT doctor is probably wondering where I've been. I haven't had to go in for allergies. I know when it's that time, I need to reduce dairy intake, and take other measures. It seems like such a "duh" idea, but it's really not something I started focusing on until last year.
If there's a health issue that you've been planning to tackle, take it on now. Make small changes and eventually you will get there. If you know your blood pressure was elevated at your last doctor's appointment, what are some things you can do on your own to lower it, before they have to intervene with medication?
That's all I have for now. As I come across more juicy tidbits in the book, I'll be sure to give you my thoughts.
Monday, February 28, 2011
NOOK-ing For Love...
Did I mention that I downloaded the Nook app for my iPad? I've found some $0.99 books and there are a lot under $5.00. I spent a little bit more this weekend and will be perusing the following books over the next few weeks:
I'm just trying to get a better understanding of what I'm doing every morning. ANd I want to start learning the Sanskrit names of the poses we're doing. Yoga fascinates me...I love the challenge of it. Might as well stimulate my mind while I'm getting my body in better shape.
What are you reading?
I'm just trying to get a better understanding of what I'm doing every morning. ANd I want to start learning the Sanskrit names of the poses we're doing. Yoga fascinates me...I love the challenge of it. Might as well stimulate my mind while I'm getting my body in better shape.
What are you reading?
Friday, February 25, 2011
Revolution EGO, baby!
If you're not in the Charlotte area, and/or you don't have natural hair, you're probably wondering, what the heck is she talking about?
I'm talking about none other than Revolution EGO, a new salon that just opened this month, catering to ladies with natural hair. Owned/operated by three beautiful and talented stylists: Tinesha, Kelley and Jessica. I'm not a professional writer, but bear with me as I write up this review. (At least I knew the difference between "bear" and "bare," right?)
LOCATION:The salon is actually located inside of Sola Salons - an old mill building that has been separated into different "suites." Their suite is big enough for the stylists' chairs, the hair dryers, a table and chairs for waiting, and also the sinks and supplies. It's just the right size. I can see why they say, don't roll up in there with your chaps unless they're getting their hair done. There is not room for little Johnny to be acting a fool. And let's face it - sometimes, y'alls kids are only cute to YOU - especially when they get to cutting a fool. Anywho...
Upon my arrival, the salon was full of beautiful ladies getting their hair done. Ladies under the dryer, at the sink, in the chair...but not that "overcrowded-my-stylist-is-2-hours-behind" feeling. And the heat was on! (LOL! That's an inside joke for the ladies.) R & B was being played from one of the iPads and everyone was hard at work. I was offered a glass of wine, and I happily indulged. What claim rep wouldn't take a glass of wine, after dealing with foolery all day at work? Note that there is no outside food or drink allowed in the salon. Some of y'all are just Messy Marvins and they don't have time for critters and what not. Eat before you arrive.
TECHNOLOGY: Speaking of the iPads - as you know, I just purchased one, which I LOVE. Revolution EGO is an Apple Concept salon. They do everything with their iPads and iPhones. I love gadgets, so this is right up my alley. Never used an iPad before? While you're sitting under the dryer, you are free to use one of theirs to browse the net, play games, etc. When it's time to pay, if you pay by debit/credit card, your card will be run through an attachment to the iPad! You sign your signature with your finger (well, as best you can - I'm sure mine looked alien) and it doesn't print a receipt. You can choose to have the receipt emailed to you or sent via text message. Innovating and saving the environment, because they don't have to purchase/use paper. LOVES IT!
Another thing I love is that you can make your reservations online. The link is on their website. I am on the phone all day at my job...I'm all about anything I can do on the computer vs. having to pick up the phone and call. Lazy. I know. Whatever! I made my appointment online and received appointment reminders via email.
THE APPOINTMENT: Back to the salon. I made my appointment with Tinesha to get my locs groomed. Why did I pick her? Well, long ago, in a far, far away land, I used to, uh, fraternize with this dude. He wore coils in his hair and Tinesha used to do them. In fact, once he offered to pay for me to have a visit with her. Still new to the natural game, I didn't have a clue and I never did take him up on that offer. My loss! You'll be ok with any of the ladies taking care of your 'do, though.
Tinesha shampooed my hair with a sulfate-free shampoo from the Jane Carter line. I know this because she took the time to explain everything to me, and showed me the products before she put them in my hair/on my scalp. I love that. Some salons just put you in the chair, spin you away from the mirror, and go to town. At the end you feel like, what just happened? Not the case at RevolutionEGO.
I don't know what kind of super-bionic fingers/hands she has, but it seemed like she was finished with my re-twist in no time! I was under the dryer with my iPad, surfing the net, and thoroughly entertained by the musical stylings of Kelley. Service AND entertainment, man.
THE END RESULT:
(Photos courtesy of RevolutionEGO)
And there you have it, sports fans! There's my hair. Check out their fan page on Facebook if you want to see more client photos. Also, you should "like" their page for yummy surprises like, 5% off your service of $40 or more if you "check in" to the salon on Facebook. I'm all about FourSquare, but specials like this will entice me to check in on Facebook from now on.
I give the salon 5 out of 5 stars. And really, I expected nothing less. The appointment met, and sometimes exceeded, my expectations. Last night, my brother posted on my Facebook wall: "Looking good sis. I see you got blessed hands in your head."
He's right!
I'm talking about none other than Revolution EGO, a new salon that just opened this month, catering to ladies with natural hair. Owned/operated by three beautiful and talented stylists: Tinesha, Kelley and Jessica. I'm not a professional writer, but bear with me as I write up this review. (At least I knew the difference between "bear" and "bare," right?)
LOCATION:The salon is actually located inside of Sola Salons - an old mill building that has been separated into different "suites." Their suite is big enough for the stylists' chairs, the hair dryers, a table and chairs for waiting, and also the sinks and supplies. It's just the right size. I can see why they say, don't roll up in there with your chaps unless they're getting their hair done. There is not room for little Johnny to be acting a fool. And let's face it - sometimes, y'alls kids are only cute to YOU - especially when they get to cutting a fool. Anywho...
Upon my arrival, the salon was full of beautiful ladies getting their hair done. Ladies under the dryer, at the sink, in the chair...but not that "overcrowded-my-stylist-is-2-hours-behind" feeling. And the heat was on! (LOL! That's an inside joke for the ladies.) R & B was being played from one of the iPads and everyone was hard at work. I was offered a glass of wine, and I happily indulged. What claim rep wouldn't take a glass of wine, after dealing with foolery all day at work? Note that there is no outside food or drink allowed in the salon. Some of y'all are just Messy Marvins and they don't have time for critters and what not. Eat before you arrive.
TECHNOLOGY: Speaking of the iPads - as you know, I just purchased one, which I LOVE. Revolution EGO is an Apple Concept salon. They do everything with their iPads and iPhones. I love gadgets, so this is right up my alley. Never used an iPad before? While you're sitting under the dryer, you are free to use one of theirs to browse the net, play games, etc. When it's time to pay, if you pay by debit/credit card, your card will be run through an attachment to the iPad! You sign your signature with your finger (well, as best you can - I'm sure mine looked alien) and it doesn't print a receipt. You can choose to have the receipt emailed to you or sent via text message. Innovating and saving the environment, because they don't have to purchase/use paper. LOVES IT!
Another thing I love is that you can make your reservations online. The link is on their website. I am on the phone all day at my job...I'm all about anything I can do on the computer vs. having to pick up the phone and call. Lazy. I know. Whatever! I made my appointment online and received appointment reminders via email.
THE APPOINTMENT: Back to the salon. I made my appointment with Tinesha to get my locs groomed. Why did I pick her? Well, long ago, in a far, far away land, I used to, uh, fraternize with this dude. He wore coils in his hair and Tinesha used to do them. In fact, once he offered to pay for me to have a visit with her. Still new to the natural game, I didn't have a clue and I never did take him up on that offer. My loss! You'll be ok with any of the ladies taking care of your 'do, though.
Tinesha shampooed my hair with a sulfate-free shampoo from the Jane Carter line. I know this because she took the time to explain everything to me, and showed me the products before she put them in my hair/on my scalp. I love that. Some salons just put you in the chair, spin you away from the mirror, and go to town. At the end you feel like, what just happened? Not the case at RevolutionEGO.
I don't know what kind of super-bionic fingers/hands she has, but it seemed like she was finished with my re-twist in no time! I was under the dryer with my iPad, surfing the net, and thoroughly entertained by the musical stylings of Kelley. Service AND entertainment, man.
THE END RESULT:
(Photos courtesy of RevolutionEGO)
And there you have it, sports fans! There's my hair. Check out their fan page on Facebook if you want to see more client photos. Also, you should "like" their page for yummy surprises like, 5% off your service of $40 or more if you "check in" to the salon on Facebook. I'm all about FourSquare, but specials like this will entice me to check in on Facebook from now on.
I give the salon 5 out of 5 stars. And really, I expected nothing less. The appointment met, and sometimes exceeded, my expectations. Last night, my brother posted on my Facebook wall: "Looking good sis. I see you got blessed hands in your head."
He's right!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Three Things Thursday
And three REALLY RANDOM things, at that. LOL!
And those are my randomly random Three Things. :)
- This morning, I officially kicked TWC to the curb, and ordered ATT's U-Verse. Anyone out there in blog land have their service? I figure it can't be worse than TWC. We'll have to see how the internet stacks up. Road Runner is mighty fast. Of course, when I called to cancel, the rep went into her "we're trying to keep you" speech about how, if I'm further away from ATT's servers, my internet will be slower. OK. Listen. If I wanted to stay, I'd stay. And if you can lower my bill now, why don't you just do that through the year? Jackwagons.
- This evening at 5:30, I get to have my locs groomed by the beautiful and talented Tinesha at RevolutionEGO! I can't tell you how happy I have for the three ladies who opened this shop. It's new to the QC, but the ladies are not. I'll have photos and a review for you tomorrow.
- Still loving my iPad! Been playing "Words With Friends" like it's going out of style. And how about Barista scored 90 points on me with ONE WORD this morning? Da heezy? Clearly, I need to step up my game. LOL!
And those are my randomly random Three Things. :)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Toe-tally Awesome!
Today's installment of the Broke Toe Chronicles:
Today, I decided to try out the elliptical. I need some more cardio in my life. I love yoga, but I need some extra stuff, too. Instead of wearing my sneakers, I wore my sport flops. Like those Ni.ke ones that all the soccer players where. I wore them with socks. It was looking maaaaad country. But, it worked! Right now the broken toe is NOT liking sneakers or any other shoe that is too snug in the toe area.
Now that I know I CAN elliptical with minimal impact on my toe, I plan to add that three times a week, for now. I know I'm supposed to be making sure to pay attention to every day and enjoying the transition, but I really want to get to week six and be able to move the toe without pain.
Today, I decided to try out the elliptical. I need some more cardio in my life. I love yoga, but I need some extra stuff, too. Instead of wearing my sneakers, I wore my sport flops. Like those Ni.ke ones that all the soccer players where. I wore them with socks. It was looking maaaaad country. But, it worked! Right now the broken toe is NOT liking sneakers or any other shoe that is too snug in the toe area.
Now that I know I CAN elliptical with minimal impact on my toe, I plan to add that three times a week, for now. I know I'm supposed to be making sure to pay attention to every day and enjoying the transition, but I really want to get to week six and be able to move the toe without pain.
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