Monthly Archives: November 2013

PALM SPRINGS DIET CHALLENGES

Leave a reply
Nothing tests your willpower like a weekend away. I have been doing so good with my diet and I have not splurged at all since I began in July. I am here in Palm Springs and I am proud to say I am sticking as much as possible to my healthy habits. The only difference this weekend is that I may be eating more sodium than my body is used to. 

We left Los Angeles today at noon, and I started my day off with a think thin protein bar and a cup of coffee. When we arrived my husband wanted to stop at this cute diner called Ruby’s and he wanted burgers. They had a menu called de-liteful and there was a low calorie, low fat turkey burger on the menu. I had it with a side salad and vinegar and I splurged on a few french fries. I also had a few sips of diet coke but drank tons of water.

For dinner we went to The Fisherman’s Market and I chose charbroiled swordfish with rice pilaf and broccoli. I splurged a little on coleslaw and tartar but I passed on the fried seafood platter that my husband chose. All in all my first day away was a little off my own program but I think I did pretty well. We did a lot of walking  around town.

Tomorrow I will make healthy choices but at the same time try to enjoy my weekend. We are going to have birthday cake, a few bites will not hurt me. I am trying so hard to stay away from food that is over the top in calories and fat, and this definitely is a challenge.

Monday I am hitting the diet and workouts/yoga hardcore. I have improved and I am definitely making progress but as I sit here in this desert oasis I reflect on the fact I have such a long way to go. 

I just have to take one day at a time.
Namaste’
Rose

Low calorie, low fat turkey burger on wheat bun

WORKOUT, YOGA, REFLECT, REPEAT

Leave a reply
Good Thursday Morning to all and a very Happy Birthday to my husband James. I owe so much to him, and everything I have evolved to be is because of his influence. We are two adventurers of life, never knowing what destination we will call home. I love living life like it is a big adventure. Happy Happy Birthday Jamesy!!

We are Palm Springs bound tomorrow, so I will take lots of photos and share them. I am so excited to have a get-a-way, and I look forward to eating healthy yet delicious. I did promise my husband James I would eat some Birthday cake, even though he wants to me indulge more with him but I am not giving in. My first real cheat day is Thanksgiving. My healthy lifestyle does not slow down for weekend get-a-ways. That does not mean I will not enjoy myself, but within reason and with healthy and delicious choices.

James and Rose 1998 at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio

Yesterday was my workout with Mike, and it is now getting harder. He actually said he has never seen me sweat like that. No complaints though, I know when things start to get too easy or simple it is so important to climb to the next level even if the challenge makes you feel like you are right back to being a beginner. We did the circuit machines and the TRX, and I planked on my arms with the TRX in my legs. I thought I was so good at planking, and then a new challenged fed me humble pie, it was so so hard. We ran, and we keep running more and more each time and I think I may be improving. I still struggle with my breath but I think it may be getting a little better.

I love the park at that time of night, it is dark but the whole park is illuminated my lights. People are there doing their own personal workouts or practicing softball. There is the distraction of dogs everywhere. As we were running my eyes caught this beautiful black lab leap mid air for a softball. Right there was inspiration, grace in motion from a canine. There is a feeling of camaraderie, that spirit envelops the air you breathe and you almost feel like you are a kid playing outside after hours. I am so grateful for Mike, not only does he take the time to train, motivate and teach me, but working out with him is just plain fun with lots of laughter and it never feels like a chore. 

I love feeling like a kid again, and I believe since I have moved here to Southern California I have truly become the epitome’ of a Californian. I wonder if a lot of the New Yorker in me is fading. I am a true outdoor girl now. I am making progress and that makes me very happy indeed. Life is always evolving, and it is never ever to late to learn something new and be a better version of yourself. I will continue to always have this zest for life no matter how old I get. I love life, living, and the people and animals that make it so worthwhile.

Tonight I am just doing some cardio after work than getting ready for our weekend trip, and hanging out with that cats and James. 
Wishing everyone a beautiful Thursday of love and light.
Namaste’
Rose




INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE

1 Reply
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/11/05/oldest-female-runner-in-nyc-marathon-reportedly-dies-one-day-after-race/
Good evening to all.
I love it when I find inspiration in unusual places. Today I spoke to the bus driver on the way home, and it was one of the best conversations I have had with someone in a long time.He was originally from D.C. and has fallen in love with California. He told me he believes I am now a California girl. I have assimilated to life here on the sunny side of the country. I am even planning to do a 5k in March with two of my wonderful managers from Seasons 52. That means I need to take my running serious from here on out.

Then my husband told me a story, such an inspirational story that truly makes me believe in destiny and fate. A woman had a dream of running in the NYC Marathon, and she made her dream come true at the age of 86. The next day she passed away, she did what she was meant to do the last day of her blessed life.

I love stories of people making dreams reality. Just what I need as I shake off this head cold and work even harder in the direction of my dreams. Today the lovely young lady that works at CVS told me she just lost nine pounds, and that I inspired her to begin her own weight loss journey. We are all here for each other, making our dreams come true looking for inspiration, and sharing the inspiration we gain with others as we go along our way.


Off for now, I wish everyone love and light and sweet dreams.
Namaste’
Rose

MOTIVATION MIND MONOPOLY

Leave a reply


Humans, we are not perfect. We strive for perfection, and as soon as we start to feel like we have something wrapped up in a big red bow we get knocked down to our knees and are fed humble pie, or in my case we start craving the pie.

Motivation, it sometimes comes and goes. I have to admit I am at a bit of a standstill mentally regarding motivation as of the last week.  I have not cheated, but I think about it as the holiday season approaches.  I know I have come a long way but sometimes I feel like I have made zero progress. It is if I am walking a crooked line in a maze where I almost feel I am back at square one. That is what it feels when your motivation starts to falter, you feel like you have been walking in circles without a destination.

Logically I know that I have made progress but my mind is playing motivation monopoly with my thoughts. I need to take a hard look at the reality of the situation. Just today a homeless man I see all the time yelled out to me that the weight loss looks good on me. 

So, I need to pick myself up and dust off the mental debris that is weighing me down. I am determined but I am definitely not perfect. I have a long journey ahead of me, and I am not even half way there. Time to meditate, breathe and find my center.

Tomorrow I will work out and/or take a yoga class at Yogaworks. I need to push myself harder now, because now is when I need to regroup and rediscover my flagging motivation and why I began this project in the first place. To lose weight, get healthy, be fit and strong like I was when I danced, and to help others along the way. To enter my 47th year the best that I can be; in mind, body, and spirit.

Maybe I should not be so tough on myself. 
I guess I am just human.
But I will not give up, ever.
Poison inside of my skull,

Seeps into my busy mind;
The ache does not dull,
On my ideas it dines.
Eating all of my thoughts,
Gnawing away at my muse;
I lost, but still fought,

Give up, I shall refuse.….
Namaste’
Rose

MONDAY AGAIN

Leave a reply
Good Monday Morning to all, yes it is Monday again. We changed the clocks back this weekend so it is lighter earlier, which I really like in the morning. It makes it much easier to wake up when the sun is up as well.  I took a photo last night to try to update my 20 pound loss from July. I originally took my before photos at CVS in July, and I took a few more there this weekend but I cannot find my camera charger so I will upload those photos as soon as possible. This photo is blurry and my husband was more interested in football. I also posted a photo taken a week ago at Griffith Park.  You can see the difference, even though I feel it is a bit subtle.

I am working on my 20 pound charity, to do done when I hit the 25 pound mark. I feel now I need to kick everything up a notch, and work harder. This will not be easy with the Holidays approaching but I need to get to my 47th Birthday on track with all of my goals. December 21st is approaching fast. Thanksgiving will be a cheat day for me, my first in months. 

Wishing everyone a beautiful Autumn Day.
Love and Light
Namaste’

July 2013



July 2013
November 2013
Last week of October 2013

HEALTHY AND EASY VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP

Leave a reply
My Mother in Law Julie Bailey used to make us the best homemade Vegetable Beef Soup. When I would visit on a cold January day she would whip up this one pot wonder, and serve it with some warmed crusty Italian bread. Comfort food at it’s finest. My recipe is inspired by my dear Mother in Law, but with a healthy My Change For A Ten twist, with the help of Trader Joe’s here in West Hollywood CA.

I am just a little obsessed with Trader Joe’s, particularly my neighborhood Trader Joe’s. The staff is the best you will ever find anywhere, always there to help and say hello to you by name. It makes me feel like I live in this little idyllic town. When my cat passed away last January one of the amazing staff members gave me a Dragon Plant, which means healing. I actually look forward to reading the famous Flyer, it is so witty and I have to admit I buy into the cute advertisements.

This recipe is so easy and delicious. I skip the warmed loaf of bread but that would be a delicious addition to this one pot meal.

~You will need~

Three tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
One Mirepoix mix of Chopped celery, carrots, and onions
One package diced onions, garlic, and shallots
6 diced red skin potatoes
One small package of extra lean stew meat
Trader Joe’s frozen organic foursome
1 large can diced tomatoes
Half package Crimini mushrooms
1 beef broth carton
1 low sodium vegetable broth carton
Basil, sea salt, ground pepper to taste
A dash of crushed red pepper (optional for heat)

Add olive oil to large pot and turn on flame to medium
Saute’ shallots, onions, and garlic
Add Mirepoix mix or diced celery, additional diced onions, and diced carrots
After the vegetables cook for a few minutes and become transparent
Add cubes of meat, chopped into smaller pieces
Brown meat
Add 1 can tomatoes
Half packet Crimini Mushrooms
1 package organic foursome or frozen vegetable packet
6 diced raw red skin potatoes
1 carton low sodium vegetable broth
1 carton beef broth

Mix thoroughly and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes to one hour.
Let cool a little and enjoy with oyster crackers, which are not high calorie if you watch your portion.
This soup is so easy.

I absolutely loved this soup, it is a new autumn staple in our home.
I always listen to Big Band music when I cook, especially The Andrew Sisters. I can almost imagine I am cooking dinner for my honey in a small but cozy flat in Manhattan or Los Angeles in the 1940’s.

After all, a little Rum and Coca Cola never hurt anyone.


MAHALO

Leave a reply
Gina, Mom, and Rose



ALOHA
In 1997 my sister Gina and I made my Mother very happy for her birthday, and in October of that year the three of us went to Hawaii. This started a love affair with the music, and the group Hapa. 

Me in 1997 with our tour guide “Cousin Larry” Mahalo



Now here I am working on this blog, and I have always wanted to learn Hula Dance. I am adding this to my fitness bucket list. I found a school here in Silverlake CA. They teach classes and sometimes offer performing opportunities. The music makes me breathless and I would love to learn this ancient way of expressing your body.

In the meantime I am going to have a private outdoor yoga lesson with Nicole and learn to do the sun salutations timed to Hapa and Hawaiian music. I want to learn it and memorize it so I can practice my yoga to the mesmerizing and inspiring music in the lovely California sun.

Mahalo
Love and Light
Keep dreaming, keep looking for inspiration, it is everywhere. In the wind, in the sun, and in the trees.
Rose