One interview

Last night I got called in and following my new motto for work, "Go when asked," I went. That's 5 days of my part-time job this week!

Gotta do what I can to make some extra money.

This morning, I woke up to interview for a substitute teacher position in the district I currently work for.

We did group interviews, which was difficult especially when questions had few answer choices. Immediately after, I realized I was the only person with a credential and fingerprints already on file. They wanted me today but I declined - I can't have two positions at a time.

Despite that, I still received an e-mail for substitute orientation.

In the end, I decided I love my students too much and it's not actually beneficial for me to leave. Not only is the pay the lowest for subs in the area when we have the highest salary for teachers, but my position has allowed me to connect with teachers and staff much more than any sub position.

Regardless, I achieved my easy peasy January goal of applying for 3 jobs. The total count: no less than 15 jobs applied for.

I napped after work and headed to barre. I then spent an hour walking around Whole Foods while talking to my friend and ended up with a bar of chocolate. On sale of course.

I picked up my mail filled with all my tax forms and ended up eating a Quest bar for dinner and then a bowl of chocolate Fiber One.

Hm, I need to do some grocery shopping. I'm down to tuna and cereal!

WIAW: DIY Nut Butter & New Starts

I haven't purchased Chobani singles in awhile in an effort to save money. Instead, I purchase the giant Fage 0% tubs at Costco. Once in awhile, I treat myself.

What's your favorite Chobani flavor? Surprisingly mine are strawberry-banana, probably because it's 2%, and lemon. Neither of which I would have considered.

I tracked down one of the peanut butters on my "to try" list from West Elm. Big Spoon Roasters is based out of Durham, North Carolina so I had to pick something Southern, peanut pecan butter. I've never ever had pecan butter before and it's fantastic. I can't stop eating it - only 8 ounces in a jar is not enough.

*I have to add Vermont Peanut Butters to my list too. They have such fantastic flavors. Anyone try them before?

My attempt at these pancakes was unsuccessful. Coconut flour makes me so thirsty!

Back to my usual oatmeal protein pancakes...

Monday was a long day and included an early staff development day. I'm now CPR trained! Then I napped for an hour before getting frozen yogurt :) and going to work. Fortunately I left early, which never happens, and rushed myself to power yoga.

By the time I arrived, the line was at least 50 people long. However, most people don't like being in the very front. I do. I was glad I went and got in a good sweat.

On Tuesday, I headed to my orientation for school. I got enrolled in classes that start in March. I'm excited and nervous at the same time - I haven't been in school myself since 2009!

I finally made The Minimalist Baker's Almond Joy Spread. I didn't really measure everything out - just added sea salt, vanilla extract, coconut shreds, and chocolate as I saw fit. Deliciousness. Hm, maybe I can just concoct my own nut butter recipes. Ideas for cool mix-ins?

I'm wiped out from all the activity. Time to eat my late night chocolate Fiber One (yum!), lay in bed and watch "Pretty Little Liars."

P.S. I'm not much into music but heard this song on the radio and love it.

 
Are you still in school? Do you plan on continuing your education in grad school?
If you're not in school, how long has it been?

Book List: Gone Girl

I finished Gone Girl last night and am so sad it's over - I'm in disbelief of the ending!

 
The novel isn't extremely suspenseful because the reader is omnipresent - you know both sides of the story about halfway through. At first, you're siding with the wife and then you side with the husband. Though, honestly I sided with the husband all along.

The book is extremely easy to read and pretty short or at least went by fast. 

Next up, Wild, another highly recommended book.

I vowed to read at least 12 books this year. It's not very much I know, but sometimes I can only muster a book a month. Other times I'll read more than one book per month or I'll read none.

Here are some books I'm interested in for the year:

1. Gone Girl
2. Wild
3. Safe Haven - Once a year, I read a Nicholas Sparks book. My favorite is still The Notebook. I actually want to watch the movie now...
4. Blackberry Winter - The Violets of March is one of the best books I read in 2012.

5. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? - Love Mindy Kaling!

6. Blood Done Sign My Name - Been meaning to read this for years since it received so much acclaim.
7. Mockingjay - Read the other two and have this on audio. Though I think I'll borrow it from the school library.
8. A Walk in the Woods - I love Bill Bryson.
9. The Yiddish Policemen's Union
10. Almost Moon - I read The Lovely Bones in high school and loved it. I've always wanted to read this one.
11. Midnight - Sister Souljah also wrote The Coldest Winter Ever. I was anticipating this book release but never got around to it.
12. Population 485

What are you reading? 
What books do you want to read?
Have you read any of the books on my list?

MIMM: Sidecar & Greenleaf

The fridge is completely empty (minus condiments and a tub of Greek yogurt). I'm even running out of oat flour for my protein oatmeal pancakes.

On Saturday, I woke up early to knock out my workout and in case my body was going to start churning like it did last night - cramps so bad I had to sit and almost went home, which hasn't happened since high school!

Boot camp to see my favorite "workout buddy," a man whose group I always join when circuit training. We have the same strengths so I can gauge my abilities.

I quickly showered and headed out the door to Kean Coffee for... coffee.

I was also waiting on the Sidecar Doughnut van as were at least 25 other people.

They brought 3 donuts - huckleberry, coffee-flavored, and cinnamon crumb. I went with the cheaper cinnamon crumb made with almond flour for $2, cheaper than than the other two ($3.50!).

I ate a corner and went in search of lunch.

I finally found Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop. I'm wary of salad places but got the most amazing salad and just-okay sweet potato fries, which I half ditched.

Lemongrass chicken salad with local mixed greens, chicken, grilled pineapple, mango, toasted coconut, Thai chili and basil, and a lemongrass lychee vinaigrette on the side

Without the dressing: ~282 calories. Not shabby at all.

Perfect size for lunch before and dinner after work.

The restaurant was gorgeous and has a cute market attached.

Awesome ceiling! ;)

On Sunday morning, I ditched my usual yoga class for a free Hip Hop Hustle class. It had the label of "hardcore" behind it. The hardcore meant 3 rounds of 5 moves for 1 minute each: burpees, jump squats, crab toe touches, walk out to push-up, plank knee-to-elbow in between the routine.

Hip Hop Hustle creator Chalene Johnson 



I just home from staff development day, had lunch, and am now preparing for my scheduled nap time! Then 4 days in a row of my PM job tonight but a few days off after that.


Have you tried a new dance format as an adult? I once took an adult ballet class not knowing that everyone had danced in their youth. Yikes.
Do you schedule naps?

What's For Dinner?: Straight up meals

Breakfast
Favorite oatmeal protein pancakes

Source: sensualappealblog.com via Julie on Pinterest

Lunch/Dinner
Chicken with Trader Joe's salsa verde (idea from Fitnessista and Everyday Paleo) [3-4]

Source: shrinkingkitchen.com via Julie on Pinterest

Scrambled egg whites and avocado
Tuna salad with avocado, celery, & soy jalapeno jack cheese, possibly open-face sandwich
Grilled apple & almond butter sandwich
Shrimp spring rolls, as always
Tuna nori rolls

Snacks
Fiber One chocolate cereal with unsweetened almond milk
Mini peppers with Greek yogurt sauce
Sweet potato
Apple with nut butter

Source: sensualappealblog.com via Julie on Pinterest

I haven't quite budgeted since the beginning of the year and need to get back on track! Stay tuned next week.

I'm almost through with Gone Girl. ~80% through and I love it.

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I'm off to my part-time job for the 3rd day in a row. Hope you'

Healthy Living Survey: Finals Friday!

I decided to share my day (and me) with you in the form of a Healthy Living Survey from Laughter, Strength, Food & Carrots N Cake.

1. What did you eat for breakfast? 
I had egg white oats with melted berries. I made it the night before and stuck it in the microwave this morning.

My co-worker brought bagels and I bought donuts for the students for finals.

2. How much water do you drink a day? 
I wake up because I'm thirsty! I drank 22 ounces before work, drank 22 ounces and a Zevia at work, 2 giant mugs of tea after work, 22 ounces of water at my night job, a mug of homemade hot cocoa with almond milk, and I have a 22 ounce glass of tea waiting for me. So that's 88 ounces of water if you don't count tea.

3. What is your current favorite workout? 
Boot camp classes and yoga are on rotation. I used to do tons of TurboKick and dabble in BodyPump but love the circuit training and surprise of boot camp. Yoga is its counter.

Kettlebell work is fun!

Some days, like today, it was nothing. I had a strange schedule today and couldn't fit it in. Excuses... :)

4. How many calories do you eat a day? 
I'll be honest. I count. In my head. I stopped using a calorie counter, but I still remember to eat at least 1200 calories a day.

5. What are your favorite healthy snacks? 

• I can't get enough chocolate Fiber One with unsweetened almond milk!
  
• Popcorn for when I want salty and crunchy
• Nut butters by the spoonful
• I'll buy chocolate bars and have a few pieces here and there.

6. What do you usually eat for lunch? 
Salads are typical and it's usually protein (chicken or tuna) with avocado.

Today, I converted my salad into spring rolls. One spring roll had tuna and the other had shrimp, both proteins were leftovers from other meals.

7. What is your favorite body part to strength train? 
I used to hate arms, but now my arms are shaping up and I love to see the muscles when I work out.

8. What is your least favorite body part to strength train? 
Abs. Always has, always will be. My back or hip flexors take the brunt of the work. All those years of having a spare tire and thus, extra skin, make it difficult.

I love accidentally working abs. This usually happens in standing positions for me. Yesterday's wood chops, TRX ripper throws/punches(?), medicine ball side crunches, TRX atomic ab... made me a bit sore today.

9. What are your ‘bad’ food cravings? 
Bread. I don't eat tons of bread so when I do, I get small quantities of high quality bread.

10. Do you take vitamins or supplements? 
I take Alive! multivitamins, Trader Joe's calcium magnesium zinc, BCAAs, and more recently, Trader Joe's pineapple and papaya extract for digestion.

11. How often do you eat out? 
Once a month if that often. I'll go to a nicer restaurant if someone pays. :) Last meal out was last Friday for sushi.

12. Do you eat fast food?
Not at all.

13. Who is your biggest supporter?
My family thinks I'm crazy so I'd have to say myself and my co-worker Rita. Haha.

14. Do you have a gym membership? 
I have 2 and never use one of them. I go to 24 Hour Fitness more often than Gold's even though they have better equipment. I just feel more comfortable.

15. How many hours of sleep do you get a night? 
Last night, I slept 5 hours, woke up, and slept another hour for a total of 6. The night before, I slept 8. Time to make up for it with more sleep!

16. Do you have a ‘cheat’ day? 
Nope. My cheat days may be the days I drink. *See below.

17. Do you drink alcohol? 
I drink at parties so no more than once a month and no less than 3xs each year. I drank a lot when I went on vacation to see friends though.

18. Do you have a workout buddy? 
I can't! I will meet people at the gym but don't workout with anyone. I've tried and I'm much better at being on my own schedule, working out when I feel like it.

19. What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a Healthy Lifestyle? 
The weight loss was great, but I have more confidence and have become a more intelligent and interesting person. It was all there to begin with - now I'm not afraid to show it. I'm worth it - whatever it is - and I'm going for my dreams!

P.S. I have an interview next week with the school district I work with now as a substitute teacher. It's a difficult decision though - while I get paid more, it's not much more and if hours aren't guaranteed... plus there are no benefits.

Okay okay, it's still a call back!

20. What was the last healthy thing you did?
I ate dinner even though I felt super sick (thanks lady problem). Making sure to eat enough is part of recovering!

 

*recycle picture... no berries tonight!

Answer any or all of the survey then link it in the comments!

Thank Your Body Thursday: National Peanut Butter Day!

 

This week, my shins and knee interchangeably sent me a message.

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I finally slept 8 hours last night.

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My dream summed up my life: love my job but miss my friends. So I did what was under my control and I went to see the kids early.

I was sluggish and threw barre out the window. Also, I wanted a specific instructor and she had a sub. Instead, I headed to TRX boot camp class at YuBFit TRX Training Facility.

We did 3 rounds of 6 exercises for 35(?) seconds each.

• TRX Ripper punches(?) each side
• BOSU push-ups & mountain climbers
• Medicine ball standing side crunch
• Tricep dips & TRX Ripper bicep curls
• TRX atomic abs & lateral jumps
• Medicine ball wood chops each side

Today is National Peanut Butter Day and for once, I don't have peanut butter in the house. I do have Justin's chocolate hazelnut butter & Wilderness Poets' Oregon hazelnut hempspread but neither are peanut butters.

Last night, I had time and made a list of nut butters I want to try.

• Squirrel Brand Creme Brulee Almond Butter
• Reginald's Homemade, particularly AppleSin & Bourbon Pecan
• Big Spoons Roasters Nut Butters, any of them! (sold at West Elm)
  
• Kettle Cashew Butter because I've heard it's the most popular one
• Naturally Nutty Chocolate Cherry Peanut Butter & Vanilla Almond Butter
• Teddie because I've had such success with Canadian peanut butter
• Jem Coconut Cardamon Almond Butter

I've had a lot of nut butters and now I'm making my definitive list of favorites:

7. Of all their peanut butters, I didn't expect to like PB Crave's Razzle Dazzle. Their others ones all sound better but in reality, this is the one. It is extremely sweet and a complete dessert. There are teeny chocolate chips and swirls of chocolate in the mix.

 

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6. My first almond butter: Barney Butter Almond Butter - Smooth and I fell in love. This nut butter is the creamiest almond butter, almost like processed peanut butter, and of course, it's "made with love in California."

 

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5. I discovered Trader Joe's Sunflower Seed Butter most recently. It's the only nut butter I buy at Trader Joe's and much better than the MaraNatha brand sunflower seed butter. It's thick and creamy.

 

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4. Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter is Nutella but better. In a side by side comparison, Justin's is grainier in texture and yummier.

 

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3. Peanut Butter & Company - White Chocolate Wonderful is very sweet. It's my cousin's favorite too.

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2. For some reason, Peanut Butter & Company - The Bee's Knees is more expensive than some of the others. The brand makes sweet nut butters. This one has a nice honey taste that Justin's Honey Peanut/Almond Butter lacks.

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1. After having high hopes for their Honey Almond Butter, I ended up liking Maple Almond Butter more. Justin's Vanilla Almond Butter doesn't sound all that great but boy it's my favorite. I get it when I can afford it. Please don't make it a limited edition!

 

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Favorites from brands:

• MaraNatha Organic Peanut Butter with a Hint of Sea Salt - Crunch
• Wild Squirrel Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter
• Artisana Cacao Bliss, though it's the only one I've had
• Peter Pan Whipped! 

Did you have peanut butter today? What's your favorite peanut butter or nut butter?
How did you thank your body today?

WIAW: New & returning

Best breakfast ever. That's all. :)

That tag #firstworldproblems? I had one. How do I carry my yoga mat on my bike? Answer: rope.

PiYo (Pilates/yoga with plyometrics) was intense. The balance poses killed my shins, which have never been a problem for me. Except my feet are all messed up - my arch is flattening and sure do have some bunions. Anyone else have this problem? After taking the day off to give my shins a breather, knee pain started to occur. :(

Back on topic, I found the new Fiber One cereal. I'm told I eat like an old person, but this is so good and was on sale at our local grocer. Even my little cousin likes it. I've had a bowl with almond milk every night!

Another [rare] snack is the hot bar from Whole Foods. The Newport Beach location always has great options like coconut yams, corn salad, and of course, a bite of mac and cheese. :)

The return of Arctic Zero. I foresee a lot of these in the summer.

I spent the evening making a card and putting together this Valentine's Day care pacakge. I cut out pictures from magazines for the inside, including a hot girl in a bra at the bottom, and drew pictures on the sides of the box (thanks to ideas from Pinterest).

*There's space left so I want to add some more novelty items besides candy and snacks.

Do you have a foot problem that has caused other pain?

What's your favorite breakfast?

Ideas for a rear bike rack?

Favorite snack lately?