Life Changers: Boxing

I was nervous to attend my first boxing class.

I’d never punched anything before, except maybe a time sheet at a part-time job.

I'm anti-violence at all costs, so I didn't know how much I'd enjoy hitting a heavy bag. I was also a bit insecure about not knowing how to properly throw a punch.

When I arrived at class, I was relived to see the equal mix of men and women, and was glad that I wasn’t alone in my fight. I initially thought taking boxing classes would be good to add to my fitness routine. I'd read how top supermodels like Gigi Hadid, or Adriana Lima have been using it as their main form of fitness. What I didn't anticipate was the mental clarity I'd receive after every class.

Boxing causes you to confront what you’re hiding. 

It forces you to concentrate, and let out any form of stress, or even surprisingly, joy. I assumed that boxing would be something that is beneficial only I'm feeling angry, or aggressive, instead, I can hit the bag, and think of my goals and aspirations. I can release any anxiousness I have over things I can’t control. By hitting something that doesn't hit back, I am able to let go.

As long as the bag is there, I can fight.

When I box, I look my worst. My curly hair frizzes into a halo from the sweat, and I get splotches on my cheeks from the in-between cardio and weight training. But when I’m done, I leave feeling two inches taller, healthier and more like myself than during any other workout.

I become a bit more of the woman that I imagine myself to be. Someone who is fearless, and in-tune with her body and mind. After I take a shower, I’m more compassionate to my reflection.

I know that I did something good for myself, and it makes all the difference.

This post was sponsored by Clarisonic 

Interview: The Yoga Element

With the holiday season and new year approaching, there is no better time to pause.

Last week I was invited to a yoga, meditation and mindfulness workshop with Cecily Milne from The Yoga Element at The Thompson Hotel in Toronto. It was a three-hour afternoon of practicing yoga, meditation and drinking green juice. I left feeling a sense of calm that I hadn't felt in months.

I interviewed Cecily to get her insight on her craft, and how us mere mortals can learn to quiet our minds. Enjoy!

1. What is The Yoga Element?

The Yoga Element is the result of my passion for movement and well-being. It represents the balance between having a healthy, mobile, pain-free body as well as a deeper sense of awareness in our everyday interactions.

2. How long have you been practicing yoga?

I started practicing yoga in 2003 when I was a university student. For almost a decade, yoga was my main outlet for movement; a couple of years ago, I started incorporating other forms of practice into my life including strength and mobility training. Today, I integrate these other movement modalities into the yoga "asana" practice, reflecting my understanding of what it means to have a "fluent body, fluid mind".

Health Spotlight: That Clean Life

Baked Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal 

I've been following Abigail Keeso for years on Twitter, and recently got in touch with her when I started hearing and reading all about her new health initiative called That Clean Life. My social media feeds were buzzing with people tweeting about her healthy meal plans and recipes.

Keeso is also a registered nurse and her e-books include meal plans, recipes, grocery lists and photos.
I was part of her summer beach body group, and I loved having the itemized grocery lists. Her e-books are easy to follow, and really help people on the go, make quick and fresh meals. They are also affordable, ranging from $7 to $35. She also has a great health blog with tips on everything from exercise, to natural beauty products.

Below is my interview with her. Don't forget to sign up for yourself.

1. When did you decide to start That Clean Life?

The idea originally came about when a friend at work was always interested in what I was eating and asked me to make her a meal plan so she could start eating healthy. While in the process I thought, “Well if I’m designing a meal plan, I might as well share it on my blog”. I created a sign up form and had over 500 people download the plan within the first week. That’s when I knew I was onto something.

2. How do you want people to feel after they join your program?

Excited. So many people associate eating healthy with dieting, aka feeling hungry and deprived. My plans prove to you that it doesn’t have to be this way. My plans have changed lives for the better and that is something worth getting excited about!

3. What advice would you have for people who say they don't have time to start a program like this?

If you really want to change your mind, body and soul - you have to make the time. Yes, it’s a challenge but as the old saying goes, “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got.” Commit to the challenge, follow the plan and get on the path to better health. Life’s too short to feel crappy in your own body.

4. Who or what is your greatest inspiration for living a clean lifestyle?

I’m addicted to feeling great. I’ve come from a place of being sick and tired all the time. When I discovered that what I eat has such a huge impact on how I feel mentally, physically and emotionally I committed to making some serious changes. Looking back and seeing how far I’ve come is what inspires me to continue down this road to That Clean Life.

5. Finish this sentence. That Clean Life is… 
...a life-changing lifestyle.

/ all photo credits attributed to That Clean Life / 

The Sip

Earlier this week, Stef and I wanted to go for post-work drinks, but instead of knocking ourselves over with cocktails, we decided to fuel our bods with smoothies and fresh juice. We checked out Bolt Fresh Bar on Queen West in Toronto. Bolt has plenty of healthy options to choose from, including juices, smoothies, grain bowls and salads. We chose a Greena Colada and Spicy Citrus juice and started the week off on a healthier note. I wore my favourite sweater and scarf from my favourite store, Madewell, and my new cherished J.Crew necklace that I received as a gift over the weekend. Can you believe we still have to wear a scarf at the end of April?

If you're looking for a healthy weeknight option, Bolt is located at 1170 Queen St. West. I mean, who wants to head into the office hungover? Below are the photos that Stef took on our walk back. Enjoy!

New Weekly Mantra - Health = Honesty

There are many "health check-ins" that people can do everyday.

Are you drinking enough water? Are you eating mostly whole foods? Do you lower your intake of sugar? Do you move your body around a few times a week? While all of these tasks are part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle, they don't mean anything if you're not supporting a healthy emotional and mindful state.

No matter how many organic apples you eat, it won't make a difference if you're not getting enough sleep, or piling on stress. 

This week's mantra comes from an interview with Fernanda de la Puente, a nutrition and chef counselor as published on one of my favourite beauty sites, Into the Gloss. The quote focuses on looking at health as a sort of balance, and a reminder to reevaluate elements beyond the scale.

Enjoy! x

"At the end of the day, your health comes down to balance. It’s not only the nutrition of what you’re putting in your mouth, but also the types of personal relationships you’re having. That, too, is a kind of nutrition: who you’re talking to throughout the day and what types of experiences you’re having. We absorb all of that. If you want to be healthy, you have to really be honest with how you’re feeling about yourself and others. You can be eating the most perfect diet, eating only whole foods, you can have it all in the perfect equation, but if you’re not happy with your relationships, you won’t be healthy and you probably won’t have amazing skin or glowing eyes. You are really a reflection of what’s going on inside of you.”

What does it mean to be beach ready?

What does it mean to be beach bod ready?

Before summer hits, women are inundated with images, messages, routines, tricks and trickery on how to get "ready for the beach" also known as - lose weight! tone up! hide body flaws! get a better ass!

Living in Italy for the past couple of weeks has left my body feeling a bit soft. I don't have a scale here and my pants all still fit, but I have a feeling that I've put on a few pounds. 

People often say that talking about the weather is boring; I think talking about weight is equally banal. What person of substance sits around and discusses how she shouldn't have had that piece of cake, or how much she will have to walk in order to burn off a slice of pizza? Isn't it narcissistic to believe that someone besides your mother cares about what you eat?

And yet I do it.

I joke about how much gelato I eat, or how I polished off a large plate of pasta, or how I shouldn't take an Italian pastry with my macchiato. I make these jokes daily and then I realized how ridiculous I sound.

The relationship we have with our body is always a personal one. I believe in living an active lifestyle. I believe in getting your heart rate up. I like what exercise does to my brain. I like the way my mind operates after a workout. I like feeling strong.

But, to enjoy food is to also enjoy life.

To sit with someone and share a meal means to be fully aware of the person in front of you. To not just passively inhale food, but to actively find pleasure in the experience around you. To truly taste food, you need to stop badgering yourself for having it in the first place. Also, I don't believe in depriving yourself while on vacation. To experience the culture of a place, you must let your stomach be your guide.

I took the train with some friends to the beach this past weekend to San Vincenzo in Tuscany. I let the sun wrap around my bare skin. I doused myself in salt water, and floated on the ocean like a upside down seashell. I had two scoops of gelato, in my bikini, while laying on a towel.

And so I realized that all anyone needs to be "beach ready" is as follows:

1. A really hot day
2. Swimwear
3. Sunscreen
4. Book/music
5. Good people

I had all five and never felt better. Post-beach, I returned home to my roommate at 11 p.m. and since I hadn't had dinner, she made pasta for us.

And I ate every last piece. Quietly.

x

Healthy Reading & Spring Running

It's time to shed.

Spring and the onslaught of summer brings a renewed focus on the body and on life. While January may think it's king for health resolutions, I believe the forcible shedding of everything heavy (comfort food, parkas) reflects the health ideal. The body (at least my body) craves lighter fare and increased movement.

I've recently started upon a new running path by the water that drastically has improved my mood on the city that I live in. While Ray Charles may have had Georgia on his mind, most people know that New York is always on my mine. However, through running by the lake, I've discovered a new found appreciation for Toronto and its beauty. I haven't felt better about this city in months.

I enjoy healthy living as much as I enjoy healthy reading. I also have a desire to become a nutritionist one day or a fitness instructor. Dreams be dreams. Until then, below are my favourite health blogs and websites. Enjoy!

Sprouted Kitchen - Husband and wife, Hugh and Sara show the world their spin on whole foods, through stunning photography and decadently healthy recipes. They also have a cookbook and a cult-fan following that will leave you craving unique recipes like Kale and Slivered Brussel Sprout Soba Noodles.

Chalkboard Mag - Chalkboard mag is the online magazine/blog of Pressed Juicery, a juicing company from California. Their blog features tons of daily content including health recipes, recommendations for natural beauty products, superfoods and how to spot toxic ingredients. My favourite posts are from their guest-editors who range from Jamie Oliver to Amanda De Cadenet.

Thug Kitchen - Writing about healthy eating doesn't have to be prim. Thug Kitchen takes the tough love approach through hilarious posts and unadulterated swearing about food. Their latest post for Guacamole states, "Can't cook, then mash motherf****" (Avoid this blog if easily offended)

The Wellness Warrior - Australian writer Jessica Ainscough was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 22. Since then, she reevaluated her life of partying, drinking and drugs and decided to get well. Her blog is mix of nutritional posts (she's a holistic health coach) and inspirational ones. She also writes about how one's mind can affect their overall being. Positive thinking and living plays a large part on this blog, and I quite enjoy it.

Chatelaine.com - Chatelaine has easily become my favourite Canadian magazine for decor, recipes and lifestyle. As I get older, it seems that Chatelaine's re-branding aligns perfectly with my calmer direction in life. Their online page boasts tons of recipes, health tips and interesting recommendations from doctors and nutritionists.

Movement - Not A Model Mantra

While January is the time to make health resolutions, I am in favour of spring.

Good thing this photo is hazy. It's too early
cameras!

I am fooling myself in January. I know that an extra piece of chocolate cake will never show beneath my favourite double knit cardigan and the permanent imprint of my backside in our futon is completely justifiable.

With spring on its way, I am reluctant to tell my body that the protection of our down-filled puffer jacket will soon be torn off for lighter, brighter and clingier materials. It's this season that reminds me that I haven't been keeping up with my active routine. I can point the blame to many factors like an overly busy schedule and a new irrational love for sea salt and pepper chips from my work's treat drawer, but blame is useless.

As per usual, Not A Model doesn't care if your scale is high or low. She cares about health, confidence and a clear mind. I find that when I'm more active, I'm happier and less focused on the "bad things." I also find that I'm more creative. This week's Not A Model mantra sums it up perfectly:

"Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states." Carol Welch

This morning, as per the hazy picture above, I started a new running routine with my friend Nisha. We woke up at 6:30 and hit the foggy city streets. I am also going to try and sign up for a race next month with another friend. I usually prefer to workout alone, but sometimes it's nice to have a friend to keep you motivated. I won't hit the snooze button if I know that someone is waiting for me.

So Not A Model asks, how are you staying active this spring? Write, tweet or Facebook me. I love to hear from you! xx 

The Heart Truth

My grandmother Maria died from a stroke at the age of 57.

My mother was just 25 years old and I was a newborn baby. As I near closer to my 25th birthday, the thought of losing my own mother to heart disease does not seem like a real possibility. When I think of heart problems, I conjure up images of stressed out men in suits clutching their chests like in a dramatic scene from a movie. I don't think about young mothers, warm grandmothers or women at all. Nothing could be further from the truth. Heart disease and stroke is actually the #1 killer of women in Canada.

As yesterday was International Women's Day, I had the opportunity to attend the Heart Truth Fashion show in support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. The show was tons of fun and featured many inspirational Canadian women such as Divine Brown, Lisa Ray, Jessi Cruickshank and Shannon Tweed-Simmons (to name a few) who strutted down the runway in a complete "non-model" way. Translation: tons of smiling.

After the show, I had the chance to talk with singer and song writer Divine Brown. I asked her what advice she would give young women today. She said, "Take care of yourself. The healthy choices that you make today will always be on your side. Stay focused and don't be afraid to take chances with your dreams."

After the show, the first thing I did was call my mom. Today, I start thinking about the little changes that I could make to strengthen both my heart and my health.

Below are some snippets from the show. Enjoy 

So I received a letter yesterday...

Dear Not A Model,

This is not easy for me to say but I have to get it out. Things seem to be very different between us. You've been distant and absent lately. At first, I thought it was just a phase but then things got worse. I noticed that you started getting closer with Mrs. Loafa Bread and Mr. Past Abowl and you began choosing them over me.

I hate to admit it, but I miss your lime green running shoes and the smell of your sweat. I miss the music on your I-pod and that baggy sweatshirt that you only wear for the first 15 minutes and toss aside. It's hard for me to watch you throw everything away for a cheap carb.

Sure, I'm grey and hard and tough, but think about all I've done for your body. With me, your clothes fit better and your skin glows. I get emotional thinking about how much I've invested in your heart. Does that mean nothing to you? Word on the mat is that you're getting softer. Call me shallow, but I prefer a strong body to a weak one.  

Rumour has it that you want me back. Well listen here sweetheart, I won't make it easy. It won't be like the old days. It's tough love babe, but trust me, one step and you'll be hooked again. Lace 'em up.

Yours truly,

Tread Mill

Cold and Floozy

"You look green," my father exclaimed to me as I lay lifeless on the couch after a long week of work.

For the record I'm not sick (and I wasn't blessed with a peaches and cream complexion like those little girls in story books) but I'll admit I do look a little run-down.

Staying healthy becomes more of a conscious effort during the winter months. I always look better in the summer without even trying. My skin is soft, my sinuses are clear and the sunshine on my skin only increases the vitamin D that puts a goofy grin on my face.

In the winter it's all about washing your hands, blowing your nose, moisturizing, eating right, getting enough sleep, bundling up and trying to dodge every germ that comes your way like a stuffed up superhero.

Instead of buying a new blush, I decided to bust out my new juicer. I've read some of the benefits of juicing and my mom thought it would be a good idea to invest in one. I started with a simple apple juice for my first one, but I can't wait to start mixing up immune elixirs and vegetable shakes. I'm sure that will keep my energy up and hopefully my immune system healthy during the blistery months ahead.

And while a green complexion may not be coveted, I am smitten with the new key-lime notebook my sister bought me. Each page has a little quote at the bottom and the blank pages leave little to stifle the sweeps of my pen.

Today's quote: "A year from now you will wish you started today."

Not A Model says, "Start the week on a positive, healthy note and bundle up!" xx

Eat That Muffin Top

In university my roommates used to gently tease me about my legs.

"Chicken legs" was my nickname. I was the shortest of the bunch and my gams definitely didn't graze rooftops. Even when I was a little girl, I remember the bandages hanging off my knobby knees and gangly limbs. However, I never paid attention until people pointed them out to me in a negative way.

I began to think, "Maybe my legs are really unattractively skinny." 

Now hear this. A week ago, one of my best friends told me that she requested to her personal trainer (a friend of ours) that she wanted legs just like mine. What?! It can be said that body types can be perceived like art, 'another person's treasure can be another person's trash.' 

Upcoming Fall 2010 fashion has taken a turn to embrace the more "voluptuous" woman. This essentially means embracing large breasts, small waists and wide hips. If you happen to fall into that category you can breathe a sigh of double D relief. If you don't, you can head to your nearest lingerie shop.

It can be frustrating for some, yet liberating for others when the 'fashion world' decides to embrace a new form of woman. 

What matters though is health. How do you feel about your body? Are you trying to achieve a certain standard? Why are you trying to attain this look?

It is easy to bash and critique your body. Everyone has areas they don't like. It may even be easier to scrutinize other people, models or celebrities. When I look at my legs, I've learned to love them. I'm proud of them. Sure they're skinny and short in length, but they also have tone and muscle from running. Beyond aesthetics, I appreciate that my legs take me places.

I was involved in a car accident last week. It was pretty traumatic but thankfully everyone was okay. I did sprain my neck and still have to wear a really attractive neck collar, but the experience taught me two things:

1. Things could always be worse
2. My neck is really important. Every other simple task feels challenging when one part of your body is out of whack.

Therefore, try and be grateful for every inch of your body. Fuel it well. Work it. Understand it. Accept it. Once you do, there is nothing anyone can say that will make you love it less.

Now that's always in-style.

[photo cred Stefania Sgambelluri]

Free Yoga? Yes please!

It's no secret that I love yoga.

I've blogged about it, tweeted about it and preached about it to anyone who will listen. My good friend Kelly who is also a fellow blogger once said, "Saying you're not flexible enough for yoga is like saying you're too dirty to shower."

So when Kingwest fitness (171 East Liberty Street) approached me to speak about their All You Can Yoga event, I was happy to inform my lovely readers. Located in the bustling Liberty Village in Toronto, the All You Can Yoga program offers anyone and everyone the opportunity to attend free yoga classes, back to back and on multiple days. There is no need to register, just show up!

Dates: June 5-6, July 10-11, August 14-15 (weekends)

Classes are daily at: 10a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., & 3:00 p.m.

By helping with the promotion of this event, I will be a member of the gym for 3 months. So I hope to see you (if you live in the city) at the yoga classes. I'll tweet & blog reminders for the July and August sessions. If you see some girl with lots of hair toppling during toppling tree, yeah that's me.

Project Reality

Let's talk models, body image & backlash.

Although I've proudly declared myself Not A Model, I still admire the beautiful, strong, real models out there who help represent a healthy image for young women. Lately, it seems that there is a lot of talk about diversity on the runways and the pressure for current supermodels to stay afloat in the stiletto infested waters of the fashion industry.

I respect models such as Coco Rocha, who has spoken out about eating disorders and her struggle to model within a strict standard. Also there's Doutzen Kroes, (my favourite Victoria's Secret angel) who has spoken about her refusal to lose her curves. The Fall 2010 Louis Vuitton runway show featured models of all ages, including 46 year old Elle Macpherson.

I'm inspired by people like Ben Barry, of the Ben Barry Agency who started his own modeling agency that "represents models of all ages, sizes, cultures and abilities." He's started a movement towards recognizing and appreciating beauty in its many forms. Healthy bakery owner and blogger Angela Liddon of OhSheGlows has a contest for her readers where she tells people to write "Size Healthy" on the tags of their clothes and submit their photos.

Don't get me wrong, I adore the fashion industry. I love the creativity, the art and the expression that fashion provides for people all over the world. There are tons of talented people behind these models such as photographers, makeup artists and designers. Instead, I criticize a system that idealizes adolescent girls and then chastises the same prodigy when she develops womanly curves. Ahem, I still think you're stunning Gemma Ward.

The reality is that people will age. They change shape; their bodies develop, sag, tighten and mold to the different harmonies and stages of life.

My hope is that young girls will look at magazine editorial spreads and understand that behind that model is a photographer who has a story to tell. A magic (computer) wand gets rid of blemishes, cellulite, lazy eyes and imperfections. If every woman and man can appreciate the art without trying to fit into some standard themselves (or find that replica in their significant others) there may be a shift in the perception of self-esteem and body image of many people. 

I've had my photo professionally taken. I've watched the little tricks of the trade to attain the poreless skin and the soft hazy edges. So I leave you with a photo (same series as my logo) that was taken a few years back as part of Stefania Sgambelluri's photography portfolio.

You see, I would never vacuum wearing high heels and a cocktail dress but it's part of a show, a story and an image. It's definitely not the reality.

I soon hope to talk about my own journey with self esteem and body image.

Until then.. stay healthy & critically aware of the media around you. 

It's About a Little Willpower & A lot of Water

Bring on the goods! 

After a week of giving up sugar, dairy and wheat I'm finally detoxed! I'd like to give Not A Model readers a little run down of my experience. So here it goes:

I found lunches easier than dinner changes. I usually eat healthy foods during the day so my body wasn't in total shock to the additions and subtractions to my lunch bag. My real challenge was in the evening.

After a long day at school, or a long commute all I want is a little comfort, and I'm not talking about the cuddling kind. I found it very challenging to not succumb to having that little piece of chocolate after dinner or that snack while watching television. 

As for side effects, during the beginning phase of the detox I was a little bit moody. Also, my skin became more sensitive and irritated. I talked to Raya from Diary of a Nutritionista and she told me both of these symptoms were normal for detoxing. The toxins were just coming through my skin (ick) and the moodiness was expected.

All in all, the detox left me feeling lighter. My stomach never looked or felt flatter (do I see a 6 pack forming?) and I was never bloated or felt overly stuffed. I would definitely recommend trying out a detox to give your body a little break. Always check with your physician if you're unsure about anything.

The climax and reward of my hard week? My sister the baker whipped me up a chocolate chip cookie pie. It sounds just as good as it tastes. I only had a sliver, while the rest was gobbled up by family and guests.

I do plan on incorporating some of the tips of the detox in my daily life. I will try to be more conscious of my sugar intake and try not to eat late at night. I'm glad I tried it out. It's all about willpower and testing yourself psychologically in a way.

If you're up for the challenge, try it for yourself. If not grab a fork and eat some pie!

Either way you win.

Let's Detox About It

I have one rule when it comes to indulgence: never deprive yourself while on vacation.

This past week I went on a cruise with my family and totally went wild... food wise of course. While the weather was less than stellar, one of the best things to do on the ship was eat. With giant buffets and mid-afternoon ice cream runs, my glucose levels rose higher than the ocean waves.

So I'm trying out a detox. As aforementioned, Raya's Diary of a Nutritionista blog is a great tool for keeping up with health tips. Raya is a registered nutritionist and she recently started blogging about detoxing. While her detox includes supplements, I'm opting out of that component since I am a first timer.  My detox will include cutting out dairy, wheat and sugar. 

I want to give my body a break from all the junk I've been shoveling into it. I don't believe in crash dieting or scary cleanses as some people I know have tried. I chose Raya's detox because you actually get to eat. Also, I will only be doing a 7 day detox instead of the 10 day she recommends, since I have a big party coming up next weekend.

So far yesterday was Day 1. I had a huge headache last night, which is supposed to be normal. I'm definitely going to miss my daily spoonful of Nutella.

Have you ever tried a detox? Are you interested in one? Maybe you're going on vacation, so in that case happy eating! I'll check in next weekend to let you know how I feel.

Stay healthy!

Glory for Girls

I was delighted when asked to test out Glory for Girls. My desire to find natural products only became a priority for me recently, and I wish someone would have told me about the benefits of healthy products when I was a teenager.

This is why Glory for Girls is such an inspiring beauty line. They feature naturally paraben and sulfate free products for girls at an affordable price. Their formulas are biodegradable, 100% vegan and their packaging comes from recyclable plastics.

Their philosophy:
"Glory for Girls hopes to inspire each and every girl to believe in her unique self and take pride and responsibility for how she looks, how she feels, and how she acts. At work and at play, we follow three guiding principles – be positive, be practical, and be proactive. We apply these in creating products for everyday girls that are fun, fresh, safe and effective." 

My favourite product is the Cherry Lip Balm. The sweet smell of cherries reminds me of my childhood. Also, I enjoy knowing that what goes on my lips isn't laden with preservatives and chemicals.

My sister enjoyed the anti-oxidant filled Coconut Scrub. She liked the pink jojoba beads to slough off her dead skin. The product line also features a natural deodorant and some clarifying products for calming blemishes and impurities. You can also start with the Glory Basics, an everyday essentials starter kit. I've been using the Everyday Body and Face Wash in the shower and its light citrus scent wakes me up.

If you have a special young lady in your life, there is nothing greater than giving the gift of confidence. All products can be purchased online. Glory for Girls will inspire young women to choose products that are good for them and the environment starting from day 1 of their beauty routines. Hopefully these philosophies will stay with them long after they wash their faces or moisturize their lips. 

A germaphobe seeking soft hands- apply within

There is one item that can be found at every mall, school, purse, bank and glove compartment and that is HAND SANITIZER. 

It seems that everyone has embraced squirting their hands with this jelly like substance at all hours. With the flu on everyone's radar this season, no one (myself included) wants to get sick.

But I've come to despise hand sanitizer. It smells awful, like a vodka shot to be exact and it dries up my hands. Don't even bother with scented ones- they have such a strong stench that you will wish you stuck with the vodka.

My solution: CleanWell All-Natural Hand Sanitizer. As my readers know I'm a great fan of natural products and this product doesn't disappoint. This sanitizer is alcohol-free and plant-based and so it won't dry up my hands.  The gobbly goop is also exchanged with an easy to spray formula. Just a few sprays on my hands and I'm germ free, dry and the slight citrus scent is refreshing not over powerful. Best of all I don't have to fan out my palms like an overly excited child.

I purchased mine at Pistachio an eco-friendly gift store that has quickly become one of my new favourite shops. For $6.99 it costs more than your average sanitizer but this one promises 225+ sprays and no headaches.

I much prefer my alcohol in my martini glass anyways.

James Brown said, "GET UP OFFA THAT THING"

Today in the computer lab of my social media class I had an epiphany.

I looked around the room at everyone zoned out at their computer screens. Click. Click. Click. Type. Type. Type. Tweet. Tweet. Tweet. You get the picture.

I then realized that my neck kind of hurt and I was sitting sideways on my chair. I wasn't focused on anything but the screen in front of me. I recapped the past few months and thought of how much time I've spent clicking, refreshing, driving, taking notes, typing, watching and resting on my derrière.


I thought, JC (less offensive than the full version but still wrong, sorry Mom) I'm on the path to an early demise. Here I go being all dramatic again but Women's Health Magazine further confirmed my seemingly ridiculous statement. Scary!

It also feels like a million years ago that I decided to set that fitness challenge. The weather is no longer suitable for dog walking. My schoolwork has piled up beyond words. I'm stressed, tired and the last thing I want to do is get off my chair, couch, stool or recliner. I'd even take going to the dentist- because heck I even get to sit there. 

My reasoning is absurd and my body is actually showing me that it doesn't like me.  My sister dared me to pick up her boyfriend the other night. I refused (both out of embarassment- I mean how awkward is that?) and because I know I couldn't do it. She forced us by saying, "Why are you guys getting so awkward? It's not like I'm asking you to kiss!" Anyways, I tried and didn't even get him off the ground.


So today I came home and decided to face the elephant in my basement...the treadmill. All in all it wasn't so bad. I watched an episode of SATC while doing cardio, lunges, squats, weights and sit ups. 

And guess what? My body feels good. I know tomorrow is gonna hurt. But I say give me pain. I'll try to keep at it and give some updates.

Now back to the academic grind.

If Your Dog is FABULOUS Raise Your Hand, If Not Raise Your Standards

It’s time for a status update on my fitness challenge.

To be honest, I haven’t exactly been meeting or exceeding the expectations I set out for myself.

Cardio? Nope. Strength training? Nope. Hot yoga? Nope. 

So what exactly have I been doing for the past few weeks since I set this tedious goal?

Well for one, walking my dog.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to my dog BAILEY. Or as my sister has named him: Bailey Milo Horton. Ridiculous right?

Bailey is a 6 month old Shihpoo. He enjoys liver treats, biting my favourite shoes (R.I.P black leather bow flats and suede ankle boots) and cuddling with each member of my family. He has a kind temperament and isn’t one of those god awful yapper dogs. Ugh nothing is worse than a yappy dog.

It does help that he is pretty. Oh so pretty.

Lately, the only exercise I’ve been getting is walking Bailey. I bundle up and we set off into the great suburban sidewalks. He sniffs, explores and kisses life on the mouth. I look forward to our walks. After a long stressful day at school and a tiring commute home- the last thing my body should do is sit down in front of a computer or on a couch. Bailey gets my lazy ass on my feet. I can clear my head, breathe some fresh air and see the world through his eyes. Bailey gives me a new perspective on my stresses. After our walk my homework and troublesome woes do not seem that unmanageable.

So I haven’t completely ditched my fitness goal- I’ve just found an alternative method of getting on my feet. I’l let you know how the rest comes along!

Do you have a pet? Do you enjoy fall walks?

Bailey would love to hear your comments!