Post Birthday Workout

June 20, 2013 by Christine Skari

Hey everyone! Sorry for not posting yesterday, it was my birthday and I had a ton of shenanigans going on and had no time to do anything but celebrate ;). I had some friends over for a kickback and we had a great time getting together and having some good ol’ barbecue and pool time. Kyle was such a sweetheart and got me the most adroable giraffe necklace and some beautiful flowers and a balloon. What a guy!

He tolerates me ;)

After lots of cake and hamburgers, I was in a food coma for most of the morning. Luckily, it wore off and I was able to get myself to the gym! I did a 30 minute elliptical workout that is a pretty standard example of the cardio I do before starting on my weight training! If anyone needs to break up a little sweat, here’s a good one

After my time on the elliptical, I did a lower body workout that included lots of weighted squats, lunges, and deadlifts. A personal trainer who was working the floor stopped by to help me with by squatting form. Such great service! I can feel the soreness already, so I know it was a solid workout!

Back peddlin’ a little to breakfast, I made myself a pretty good egg white omelet with tomatoes, onions, green onions, and Trader Joe’s chicken sausage. Not a bad way to start off the day, if I say so myself.

My day passed by in a blur, but I also played some tennis with Kyle and had breakfast for dinner. The funny thing is, I usually am not too much of a breakfast food person even in the morning. Sometimes you just have to roll with it! I also had some soup to round out my meal ;).

I’ve been in a bit of a rut food-wise lately, and am hoping to get back into cooking. I think the stress of college and finals has turned me off of anything except relaxing and has put cooking on the back burn. I really am looking forward to getting inspired in the kitchen again. If you’ve tried any stellar recipes lately, let me know!

Catch you guys soon!

xoxo Christine

A Bad Run & Chickens

June 17, 2013 by Christine Skari

Hey guys!

I’ve been really enjoying my summer so far. Between my new gym, family, and naps, I’d say it’s been a pretty good start to my vacation!

Here’s what I’ve been up to:

Yesterday, I had plans to meet up with my friend Erin to take a group cardio class. She woke up a little late, though, so we decided to just meet up at the gym to use the machines and after talk over some Starbucks. Since I was out the door when she texted me apologizing for oversleeping, I decided to go on a trail run till she was ready to meet up. In terms of runs, this one was probably the shittiest one of the year.

My times weren’t awful, but my body was hating it. I was running on a semi-sandy trail and there were so many baby hills that by the time I had taken 10 steps I knew it was going to be a tough one. I honestly felt like quitting a quarter of a mile in, but I’m glad I stuck through it. I’ve come to realize that if running were easy, everyone would do it and you’re bound to have a bad run every once in a while. It was a bit discouraging though, I have to admit. However, the view didn’t disappoint!

Since I was sore from the gym the day before, I decided to focus on cardio and not lift. I elliptical-ed for 15 minutes before incline walking for 15 and then using the stair master for 10. Stair master=death.

After the gym, I went to get some coffee with Erin and walked around the Farmer’s Market.

I spent the rest of the day relaxing by the pool and loving life ;).

Today was another good gym day! I have some guest passes to use up, so I took Kyle on a gym date.

My legs are still pretty fatigued from my last couple of workouts, so I just shook them out with 20 minutes on a modified elliptical that replicates a cross country skiiing motion and then hit up the stairmaster for 10 minutes. I hate it, but it’s strangely addicting at the same time. After my cardio, I did some quick arm exercises from an app I have on my phone and called it a day. I’ve decided to start breaking my workouts into days for legs and for arms since I’ve started going everyday. I usually do full body strength exercises, but I have more time and don’t want to overtrain my mooooscles. Anyone have any tips on breaking up workout days or have any good resources for new exercises?

After the gym, we drove over to Kyle’s house to play with his chickens. He has a barn in his backyard where they keep some animals, and most of them are incredibly docile. The chickens actually will peck you and follow you until you pick them up. Love it!

My minion.

As we were leaving, we heard something running behind us, and noticed that a chicken had followed us out. We have no idea how it got out of the numerous gates, but that chicky-poo was bent on following us like a deep fryer was after it. Kyle scooped the little rascal up and walked him back down to the barn. Sorry!

That’s my man right there. Kyle the Chicken Whisperer

We went to a Vietnamese restaurant (obviously) to grab some lunch. I got the chicken rice plate and an iced coffee to split. It’s been a chicken-filled day.

My plans for the rest of the evening include baking some cookies for the love bug and going over to his place to cuddle and watch some movies.

Words to live by!

Have a great one!

xoxo Christine

New Kicks

June 15, 2013 by Christine Skari

Ahhh it’s so nice to be home for the summer and have plenty of time to relax!

My sister and I (we both go to the same college) moved out yesterday and have a glorious amount of time to do whatever our hearts desire ;).

Sistas from the same mista

I HAD to go workout because… my new babies arrived!!! I’m a lover of all things obnoxious, so these shoes are right up my alley. They fit perfectly and are so so so cute! I almost don’t want to wear them and just put up a shrine to honor them instead.

I joined a nearby gym call Equinox and the amenities there are so friggin’ amazing. The cost for membership is sky high, but I got a pretty good deal overall. I get two free personal training sessions which I’m looking forward to! It’s always good to change up your routine a bit.

At the gym I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and alternated the resistance from 12 to 15 every 5 minutes. By the end I was a sweaty mess (my shoes still looked great, though ;)). They have refrigerated lavender scented wet towels along with the normal dry ones. Heaven. After my cardio sesh I hit up the weights and did a hodgepodge of full body exercises.

When I got home I proceeded to shower and then take a wonderful nap. I woke up feeling like a slug, but in a good way. Bliss. I unpacked a few of my last items and then made some Thai Tea to have on hand! That stuff is crack and I’m so glad that I learned how to make it myself.

Dinner was at my Obachan’s house (Japanese grandma) and was delicious as always!

Tonight is scary movie night with my sister and tomorrow I’ll be going to a full body workout class with an old friend! I hope all of you had a wonderful Saturday :).

xoxo Christine

New Kicks

June 15, 2013 by Christine Skari

Ahhh it’s so nice to be home for the summer and have plenty of time to relax!

My sister and I (we both go to the same college) moved out yesterday and have a glorious amount of time to do whatever our hearts desire ;).

Sistas from the same mista

Dinner was at my Obachan’s house (Japanese grandma) and was delicious as always!

Tonight is scary movie night with my sister and tomorrow I’ll be going to a full body workout class with an old friend! I hope all of you had a wonderful Saturday :).

xoxo Christine

I’m Back!

June 14, 2013 by Christine Skari

Hey guys! Sorry to have been gone for the week. I had a TON of finals and they were all pretty killer and, as much as I missed it, I didn’t have any time to blog. It feels so good to be back though!

I honestly haven’t been up to much, just studying like a maniac, drinking copious amounts of coffee, and not getting nearly enough sleep. But, I’m free now!!! Expect a new post everyday ;).

Another thing I’ve missed is exercise. My workouts go down the poop-hole when I get stressed out, and I’m looking forward to having the summer to concentrate on my health! I was able to get one run in, though, which was an AWESOME way to help me to relax. I felt a million times better after it, even if it was short!

short and sweet!

I guess it goes along with my Type A personality, but I LOVE making lists. SO here is my list of thing I’d like to accomplish this summer:

I know the Norwegian one seems a bit random, but I want to get back to my roots. I’m a weird mix of half Norwegian and half Japanese and was born in Norway. Norwegian was my first language, but I’ve forgotten most of it which is a huge bummer to me since I love languages. I still can understand a good amount of it though, but it’s time to get started on refreshing it before I forget even more.

As for the new craft goal, I’m open to suggestions! I think metal pressing would be really cool. I’m in love with the site Etsy and have always been drawn to their handmade and custom jewelry.

That’s it for now! Can’t wait to take some time to catch up with all y’all!

xoxo Christine