30 Day Challenge Day # 3

A few days ago I posted about the 30 Day Challenge I'm participating in. The challenge consists of one hour of some kind of exercise/activity every single day for 30 days. Also, no candy or junk food and a diet of mostly fruits and vegetables.

So far it's going well, it's been fairly easy. However, talk to me on day 20 and I might be very cranky. One of my concerns was finding fun activities, because nobody likes to be stuck in the gym. My favorite work-out is Barre, which is a mix of ballet, pilates, and yoga. It's generally very expensive but almost all studios offer a "New Client Special" which is usually just $100 for one month. That's a great deal and you definitely start to become addicted. I personally love Barre3, but there are lots of other barre work-out studios.
I have heard good things about:
The Dailey Method
Pure Barre
The Bar Method
The Booty Barre

I believe each one of these offer a new client special and they also offer DVDs so you can do the work-out at home. I can't wait to try them all!

American Royalty

Just thought I would share this picture of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. They were such a cute couple.

30 Day Challenge

 Photo: iamflashdance.blogspot.com

Summer is almost here. This means bikini time. Every year it's the same thing, I buy a really cute bikini but I never feel confident enough to wear it. Well, this year it's going to be different! 

The picture above is Jessica Alba. AFTER TWO KIDS. Granted, she is a celebrity and probably has the best chefs and trainers in the world. However, I have youth on my side so now is the time to get serious about being in shape.

I recently started a 30 day challenge, the rules are: one hour of activity (pilates, biking, hiking, whatever) everyday for 30 days, no sweets for 30 days (I'm still allowed a piece of dark chocolate here and there. I'm female, it's like a medication), and stick to a diet minimally processed foods. I'm going to be posting meal ideas and tips here for the next 29 days. I'm on a budget and I don't love to work out so I'm going to have to get creative.

Breakfast

This breakfast was super quick to make and very filling. It's two scrambled eggs (I mix with almond milk instead of dairy), a handful of broccoli (mix a bit of olive oil with broccoli so it cooks nicely), a sprinkling of cheese, and some pepper. Also, half of a sourdough english muffin with one tablespoon greek yogurt mixed with one tablespoon blackberry jam. So good!

Escape to Santa Barbara

I had an amazing weekend in Santa Barbara for my boyfriend's birthday. I have been here a few times but this time I found some really amazing hidden gems. We started our weekend at Andersen's Bakery on State Street, a must if you love pastries and champagne. Our bed and breakfast, though a little tough to find at first was well worth the search. The Secret Garden Inn is on Bath Street, just a few blocks from State Street. This place was awesome, I'm so glad I found it. The inn is a collection of little cottages (some of which have hot tubs.) The best part is the food, the owner is French and she cooks a DELICIOUS french breakfast every morning which you can eat on the charming little patio in the garden. She also does a wine and cheese hour in the evening, and leaves out warm brownies and cider after dinner. I will definitely stay there again, the price was really great for everything that's included and it's very private and quiet.

The most exciting part of the trip was when we went to Refugio State Beach, it was literally the most beautiful beach I've ever seen. We ended up watching a pod of wild dolphins frolic at sunset both Friday and Saturday night. It's worth the drive about 25 minutes outside of Santa Barbara.

Lastly, as far as restaurants the two not to be missed are Arigatto Sushi (the best sushi I've ever had) and Bouchon (two words: bread pudding.)

Street Art

Perfect day for kayaking

Refugio State Beach

Refugio beach at sunset

Lunch at 7 Falls

Bouchon Restaurant

(photo: www.lovemysisterscloset.com)