I wonder what happens when I watch Pretty Little Liars.

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This week, both Jezebel and MSN posted about a new study that suggests that the books you read can lead to lasting changes in your life — but not in the way you think. Apparently, ...READ MORE]]>

I wonder what happens when I watch Pretty Little Liars.

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This week, both Jezebel and MSN posted about a new study that suggests that the books you read can lead to lasting changes in your life — but not in the way you think. Apparently, when people relate to main characters in books, they live vicariously through them and can often shift their thoughts and actions to match that of the main character in the novel. The research believes that this can often have a positive impact on our lives. For example, if you find yourself relating to Katniss from The Hunger Games, you’ll try to be more brave and adventurous. Books affect our brains differently than movies because when you watch a movie, you’re a spectator, but when you read, you’re experiencing the action through your own mind.

Pretty cool, right?

It got me thinking back to when I was a kid, and the sorts of characters I identified with and wanted to be like. Did you ever read Just As Long As We’re Together or Here’s To You, Rachel Robinson, by Judy Blume? I was obsessed with Rachel — she was a perfect student, had a ridiculously clean room and was a talented, disciplined musician (which appealed to my clarinet-playing heart). I also loved me some Elizabeth Wakefield and wanted to be as studious and writerly as she was. The Babysitter’s Club inspired a variety of changes: eating healthfully like Dawn, being quiet like Mary Ann, and trying to be as sophisticated as Stacey (when I visited NYC in March, I insisted on going to The Plaza Hotel becaust I knew Stacey had been there).

As an adult, I’m not sure if there are book characters I try and emulate as much as there are characters that haunt me. I’m haunted by Gatsby and his endless lists of self-improvement (maybe that has influenced me)  and boundless desire to be loved in The Great Gatsby and by the right behavior of Atticus and the spunky attitude of Scout in To Kill A Mockingbird. I came to Anne Of Green Gables later in life and absolutely adore Anne Shirley and her spirited behavior. The feel of other books like She’s Come Undone and Little Bee have stuck with me. And to the chagrin of many, I consider Eat, Pray, Love a book that changed my life because I related so well to Elizabeth’s Gilbert’s feelings (no judgment).

I want to know: what books stick with you? What characters captured your heart and mind as a kid? What books will you never forget? I’d love to reminisce or add them to my list of must-read books.

via Sunset Magazine

Have I mentioned that I’m not really eating dairy anymore? I haven’t? It’s not because I don’t enjoy praising chocolate almond milk in my coffee (delish!), it’s totally because if we ever have a brunch date, I want to be able to eat cheese in ...READ MORE]]>

via Sunset Magazine

Have I mentioned that I’m not really eating dairy anymore? I haven’t? It’s not because I don’t enjoy praising chocolate almond milk in my coffee (delish!), it’s totally because if we ever have a brunch date, I want to be able to eat cheese in front of you without you wondering what I’m doing. I’m sensitive that way. Now that I’ve significantly reduced the amount of dairy I eat, two of my favorite summer treats are out: ice cream and frozen yogurt. Dude, I know. No one is more sad than I am. One of the best parts of summer is fro-yo, outside, with friends.

This summer, I’ve decided to embrace the popsicle. Sure, some of them are made with dairy, but I plan on having a batch of sugar-free, all-fruit deliciousness in my freezer at all times. What evokes the essence of summer more than slurping a popsicle and trying not to let the juice run down your arms? Simply seeing a rocket pop makes me feel nine years old again, and this summer, I’m determined to recreate that. I’ve purchased the cheapy molds from Target, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have my eye on this fancy business, which freezes pops instantly. Amazing.

I’ve been doing copious amounts of recipe hunting, so I thought I’d share the wealth and try and inspire a few fellow popsicle makers:

• This article refers to itself as the mother of all popsicle round-ups and it really, really is. There’s something for everyone here, including some boozy popsicles and a cereal and milk pop!
• Avocado popsicles? I’m not sure. One of my favorite bloggers, Joanna from A Cup Of Jo, shares her recipes.
• A few recipes from Sarah Von over at Yes and Yes.
• Pina Colada Pops (made creamy with coconut milk! Mmmm!)
• All-natural popsicle recipes.

If you know of any delicious popsicle resources, please, leave them in the comments — I’d love to give them a try!

A few weeks ago, I was having dinner with a friend and I told her (probably in too much detail!) about my current health plans and goals: the way I’m eating, how often I’m working out, etc. After listening patiently, she asked how she could be of help and support ...READ MORE]]>

A few weeks ago, I was having dinner with a friend and I told her (probably in too much detail!) about my current health plans and goals: the way I’m eating, how often I’m working out, etc. After listening patiently, she asked how she could be of help and support on this journey.

It got me thinking. Time and time again, I’ve read things about how the attitudes and actions of the people around you can really make or break your weight loss, and while I’m still at the start of my journey, I tend to agree. So many people in my life have been encouraging and helpful as I’ve pursued my goals, and I know that those acts of kindness have made all the difference.

Here are my tips, many of which are just examples of things people have done for me:

• Don’t make it about food. When you get together, try to do something else besides eat. Grab coffee (most people working towards healthier habits can indulge in an iced coffee or tea—hold the pastries!), go for a walk or just hang out at home. Our society focuses so much on food, but really, there are plenty of ways to hang out that don’t involve going to dinner or drinks.
• Be sensitive to restaurant selections. While most restaurants have healthy options available, or are reasonably able to accomodate, try to select places with lots of choices. My favorites include steakhouses (they usually have amazing chicken, fish and veggie stuff), seasonal “farm to table” restaurants, sushi or salad places. I love Mexican food, Chinese food and Italian food, but the choices there are nearly impossible. Plus, who wants to say no to enchiladas, chow mein or pasta? Not me. If you’re planning an outing, ask them to suggest places that work for them.
• Compliment them…privately. I love hearing that friends can see a difference in my body, but I love it more when it’s said discreetly, as opposed to in front of a huge group of people—especially when some people are unfamiliar. Compliments are NEVER bad, but timing is everything.
• Also? No backhanded compliments. A well-meaning person recently told me how excited they were that I was going to lose weight “because I looked amazing about six years ago.” Um. I know that their heart was in the right place, and they’re right—I weighed less then! But it’s easy to take that to mean “You look like crap now.” Again: sensitivity. Also, avoid ridiculous statements. I think the meanest nice thing someone said to me once was that “I was too pretty to stay fat.” Not cool. Just think.
• Keep your food comments to yourself. Someone I know likes to comment regularly on what I eat for lunch—that it’s a “full meal” (we eat lunch really early at my school and lots of people snack) or that it’s “rabbit food.” What that individual doesn’t realize is that I’m eating five small meals a day, and a specified number of calories and OH MY GOD, THIS IS BORING, which is why I don’t talk about it. Keep your comments out of other people’s food. Similarly, even when you know a friend is trying to lose weight, don’t ask them why they’re eating something that might be considered a treat. There’s a chance that they’ve worked out extra hard to have that ice cream, or hey: maybe they just need a treat. Mind your own business.
• Don’t take it personally, and don’t tempt. If a friend says “no” to a drink/your homemade cupcakes/more bread, then respect that. Remember: it’s not about you. Trust me, when I say no to a drink, it’s likely I want three of them, and saying no to dessert just feels wrong. But right now, it’s my life, and I certainly don’t need to feel sad about saying no and worry about you being sad, too. Also? Don’t tempt. Don’t be the person who offers bread a million times and describes it’s heavenly texture, or asks for a second spoon at dessert “just in case.” Respect the food boundaries of others.
• Don’t allow “fat talk” or negative self talk of any sort. Two of my friends recently very candidly told me they wished I would be nicer to myself about my body and my choices. Another friend stopped me as I berated the size of my thighs and said, “Hey, stop it—that’s my friend you’re talking about.” When I posted on Twitter that my race time was slow, a friend texted me to say STOP SAYING YOU WERE SLOW—YOU DID IT. I know that I need an occasional mental check to stop my own negative thoughts. Gently remind your friends to be nice to themselves—whether they’re trying to be healthier or not.
• Cheer them on. I’ve been overwhelmed and delighted at the support I’ve received when it comes to running, especially from people for whom a 5K is a warm up. I was bombarded with good luck emails and texts from friends on the day of my first race, and it meant the world to me. You may be a thousand times skinnier, more athletic or healthier than they are, but meet them where they’re at. It means a lot.

What did I forget? I’d love your tips and stories of support!

Recently, I’ve stumbled upon a few posts by some women I admire that were inspired by this post of Jess at Makeunder My Life. The gist of the post was that there is a lack of transparency in the blogging community at times. It’s easy to look around and to ...READ MORE]]>

Recently, I’ve stumbled upon a few posts by some women I admire that were inspired by this post of Jess at Makeunder My Life. The gist of the post was that there is a lack of transparency in the blogging community at times. It’s easy to look around and to be bombarded by photos of perfect homes and adorable babies, to read about relationships that seem idyllic and jobs that are fulfilling. Personally, I struggle most when I see people lose a ton of weight seemingly quickly, or do incredible fitness-related things with what seems like little effort.

I think that it’s easy to forget that when we read someone’s blog, it’s not the entire story of who they are, or what their life is like. In my own life, there are a ton of big things (my job!) and small things (day-to-day frustrations) that I simply choose not to discuss. I tend to paint a genuine picture of my life, but with some major exclusions. While nothing I share here is disingenuous, I find that people are often surprised—both with me and other bloggers—to find out that what we write online is not the full story of our lives. I like to read blogs because they feel a little bit like peeking into people’s windows and seeing their lives. But when I’m not careful, it’s easy to grow jealous of compare my home/life/relationship/clothing/choices to those of other bloggers. It’s so easy to be distracted by the beauty in the lives of others that we fail to see where it exists in ours. Worse, it can make us feel as if we don’t measure up to what others have going on.

I know that I struggle with finding a balance of positive and honest: I don’t want to write about every little thing that goes wrong in my life, but I also try and present a real picture of my life. What I loved about the posts I linked to above is that there were so many things I found myself nodding along to—things that felt familiar and real and normal. It made me feel so much better.

Inspired by these brave ladies, I’m going to follow Ez from Creature Comforts call to action, and share with you a few things I’m afraid to tell you:

• I struggle a lot with negativity. As in, I can be really, really, really negative. I try my best to be positive, but there are days and situations where I get bogged down, and stuck in patterns of thought that aren’t good at all. I’m working on it. It can be a real struggle for me to see the good things in certain areas of my life sometimes.
• I swear. A lot. I think this always surprises blog friends who meet me for the first time.
• I am a jealous person. I like to be liked, and I have a hard time not being the “favorite.” I also get crazy jealous when I see other people do well.
• I like a clean house, but I can definitely be messy. I hate doing laundry, and I rarely do it.
• I have tremendous anxiety about what is next for me. I have applied to grad school for the fall, but I’m not sure if I want to go. I don’t know what’s next career-wise. I am not sure when I’m going to be 100% ready for kids. I like to have plans and goals and sureness and I really have none of that. It makes me worry.

Phew. That was both liberating and very, very scary.

Now, your turn! Either in the comments or on your own blog, I’d love to know about some things you’re afraid to tell the Internet.

As I wrote last week, my Wednesday run was an absolute nightmare. Thankfully, I had two pretty serious morale boosters. On Friday, I went out and did an easy ...READ MORE]]> Well, I did it! I ran my first race. It was a pretty great experience, and I’m super glad I did it.

As I wrote last week, my Wednesday run was an absolute nightmare. Thankfully, I had two pretty serious morale boosters. On Friday, I went out and did an easy mile and a half run and felt amazing. I definitely felt more confident after having a good run. On Saturday morning, I woke up early to go to yoga and saw this:

Elizabeth dropped these off early in the morning, and they were the BEST surprise ever! I was so excited and touched and it made my morning. I had an amazing yoga class, which totally bolstered my confidence and left for Bri’s house feeling excited and ready.

We met up with Nicole, Amber, Becca and Gretchen for a pre-race dinner. I had whole wheat pasta with meat sauce—I wanted some protein but didn’t want to do white flour the night before a race. It was delicious and the company was lovely. Bri and I headed home and went to bed early.

Early yesterday morning, I woke up, had a cup of coffee, a banana and some peanut butter—it’s my current favorite pre-run food. I got dressed in my pre-run outfit and Bri and I headed to meet up with her friends. When we arrived, I realized I had forgotten both my Garmin and my iPod filled with my carefully-constructed workout playlist. I freaked out. I live and die by my playlist, and I knew that without it, this run would SUCK. Thankfully, one of Bri’s friends loaned me her headphones and I was able to use my iPhone to play a similar playlist. I cannot tell you how grateful I was to have music. I also know I’ll never make the same mistake again.

We got close to the race and took a few pictures:

I wore a pretty standard grey tank/black capri/ but threw on a hoodie from my yoga studio, a Team Sparkle skirt and a sparkly Bani Bands headband (all of which match my shoes—not pictured!). It was fun to have a little extra sparkle for this run—it was the Diva Run after all!

We watched the half marathoners go and the lined up in our corrals. I was INSANELY nervous but when it came time to go, I was super excited. I tried to stay in a good mental place and just go slow and steady. I ran the first 1.5 miles without stopping but then had to take a brief walk break. I picked up the pace again until the last half mile when I got a HORRIBLE stitch in my side. It was pretty bad. I slowed to a walk and walked about a quarter of a mile until the cramp went away.

Right before the finish line, you are given a tiara and a feather boa to wear across the finish line. Once I had my tiara and boa, and saw the finish line, I got ridiculously excited and ran pretty hard. I was SO excited! It was fun to hear the announcer yell my name and to cross over, knowing I’d done my first real race.

I grabbed my bagel and grapes from the “cafe” area, was handed a rose and a shirtless man put my medal on me (hahahaha—no really!) and I sat under a tree and enjoyed my snack. I felt surprisingly good and stretched out a bit.

One of the things I heard over and over again from (well-meaning) people was that this was “just a 5K.” I completely recognize that for some people, for most people even, running 3.1 miles is a short distance and no big deal. For me, this race was so much more than a 5K. It has symbolized a huge change in my life, and in me. On a simple level, it’s that I’ve really, really committed this time to getting healthy. But on a deeper level, for me, this has been about changing my belief about myself and what I’m capable of. I used to say that I would never be a runner because I just wasn’t good at it. I’ve believed that I would never be able to get healthy or make real change in myself. But with every training run or yoga class, and especially in crossing the finish line, I’m proving myself wrong.

Next race: June 3! I’m doing the Kaiser Women’s Fitness Festival 5K in downtown Sacramento. My goal is under 40 minutes. I’m pretty sure that with some extra work this month, I can make it happen—I can’t wait to get back out and run this week.

Image by Lisa Congon /// One of my favorite poems by ee cummings

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Happy Friday! I’m super glad it’s the weekend, as always. This week was long and I’m looking forward to seeing it end. I’m also glad to mark another week off my calendar: ...READ MORE]]>

Image by Lisa Congon /// One of my favorite poems by ee cummings

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Happy Friday! I’m super glad it’s the weekend, as always. This week was long and I’m looking forward to seeing it end. I’m also glad to mark another week off my calendar: after today, I only have 14-ish days left in the classroom! Summer is so close I can taste it!

The Internet was full of awesome, as per usual. Let’s check it out together:

Loved this post from Brandy about making your failures epic.

On dressing joyfully. Love this.

Jen from The Trephine continues to write some of the most beautiful posts. She’s a must-read.

Love this simple notebook making technique from Design Love Fest.

One of my favorite posts this week: Personal Growth, from Radical Hateloss.

Simple things and making peace with the in between. Loved this post and could totally relate.

My favorite quote of the week comes from my man, F. Scott Fitzgerald:

“For what it’s worth: it’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit, stop whenever you want. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. And I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I hope you meet people with a different point of view. I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.”

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What are you doing this weekend? Tonight, I get to celebrate one of my favorite people and best friends, LESLIE! It’s her birthday today! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE! Tomorrow afternoon, I’m headed to San Francisco to run my first 5K with Nicole, Amber, Ameena, Becca, Gretchen and Bri! We’ll be having a girly pre-race dinner and then running our respective races! We are then headed into the city for BBQ and I’m hoping some sort of celebratory dessert situation. As I wrote in yesterday’s post, I’m really nervous about the race, so I’m just hoping for the best!

See you guys on Monday!