Thursday, November 29, 2012

Crunches: It feels good... yeaaahhhhh

I'm sure you've noticed that "cookies" and "coupons" dominate the majority of the my posts so far.  That should speak volumes.

BUT... believe it or not, I actually do workout 5-6 times per week.  Although, you'd never know it by looking at my waistline.  I stick to my usual Pilates Plus classes, and I throw in one or two Barry's Bootcamp classes when I know I desperately need cardio (aka I have rolls when I look in the mirror).  It really is a good mix for my body, but it's good to change it up every so often. #lazyass #iwanttobeskinny #ieattoomuch

Prior to joining Pilates Plus, I used to be an unlimited member at Core Power Yoga (CPY).  It took me awhile to actually try a class because I thought yoga was just stretching and meditation (boring).  These classes are actually pretty intense.  They have a variety of classes, including Yoga Sculpt, which is yoga with weights.  AND the classes are heated so you're sweating all your toxins out.  My favorite classes are Yoga Sculpt and C2, which is a heated Vinyasa flow class.  It's gross to be in the studios when everyone is sweating like crazy, but you feel oh so good after.  Totally worth it... great workout for (wait for the cliche)... your mind, body, and soul. #dontjudge #true

To be an unlimited member, it's actually very affordable.  I was paying the student rate of $99/month.  Thank you, Chapman University for not printing dates on the student ID's. :)  If you're not as fortunate to scheme the student rates, the normal prices aren't too bad either.  They also honor the student rate for seniors (55+). #workthesystem

The only issue I had with CPY was that classes were sooooo crowded.  When everyone is sweating and moving around, it's pretty vomit-worthy when someone accidentally hits your arm with their foot.  Especially if it's a super sweaty dude.  But, the feeling you get after class is again, worth it.  Just try to take classes during non-peak hours.  Evening classes during the week and weekend mornings are usually pretty packed.  I like taking Sunday night class.  It kind of resets your body and gets you ready for that horrible thing called Monday.  Ugh. #crowded #sweaty

OH!  How could I not mention this earlier???  Your first week at CPY is FREEEEEE!!  Unlimited classes, so take advantage of it and see which classes and instructors you like.  It's definitely a nice little perk because what do you have to lose? #freeweek

At times, I definitely miss being a member at CPY, so I'll take a class every so often.  It's a great compliment to any workout regimen... and it feels so good to stretch, relax, recharge, and flow.

See you on the mat... Namaste.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Cookies: Burger Lounge aka Heaven

Ok, I know I said I'd give restaurant suggestions in the OC area... but I was in San Diego this past weekend and I can't not share my love for Burger Lounge.  Burger Lounge is also one of the few reasons I want to live in San Diego... it's that good.

The menu is simple.  You order a burger.  Regular or baby size.  Pick your patty: beef, chicken, veggie (it's like a quinoa and bean mix), or bison.  Being the carnivore that I am, I highly suggest the beef.  It's so freakin amazing and you will thank me for years to come.  The burger comes with a house-made thousand island dressing, onions (fresh or grilled), lettuce and tomato... and that's IT.  The bun that it's served on is delish in every way possible.

PS... I really need to start posting pictures on here because I literally just spent 15 minutes drooling over pictures on their website.  You laugh now, but once you've had this burger, you'll find yourself doing the same.
www.burgerlounge.com

PSS... Clearly, the reunion diet took a little vacay this weekend.  Oops.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Coupons: Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy (and Athleta)

Sorry I'm late to the party with this one, but Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy stores (online only) are offering 30% off your entire purchase!  Annnnd get 20% off your entire Athleta purchase.  ENTIRE purchase, meaning sales items too.  It's their kickstart to the holiday season, I'm assuming.

It's a perfect time to buy gifts... gifts for yourself! ;)  30% is amazing when you're looking for a nice new coat or suit for work.  Banana has supercute jewlery too that you'd never pay full price for, so check those out.

Ok, fine.  It's a great time to buy actual gifts too.  I hate that the best sales are during the holidays when you have to be saving or buying for others' gifts.  #sadface

Promo code is GETSTARTED.  So what are you waiting for???  Get started!! :)

PS... Today is the last day of the amazing deal.  Makes you wonder what they will have in store for Black Friday and Cyber Monday....

Monday, November 12, 2012

Cookies: A Healthy Disguise

Remember I mentioned that my boyfriend has the appetite and metabolism of a child?  Well, he takes full advantage of his crazy metabolism and eats extremely unhealthy things.  For instance, just yesterday his meals consisted of pizza, fried mozzarella, chips and guacamole, and four cheese pasta.  Being a normal person, my metabolism just cannot keep up.  Trust me, I try, since all those things are so delicious, but I need some greens, whole grains, and fruits thrown in there too.

Shockingly, the bf claims to not like anything green (aside from guacamole, obviously) except peas (major EW).  So, I've tried to disguise healthy (well, healthier) items in our dinners.

Orzo.  My new friend.  My pasta-loving bf claims rice as a side dish is not filling enough.  Since I grew up eating rice daily, it is more than filling for me.  Our middle ground?  Orzo.  Technically a pasta, but resembles large grains of rice.  Disguise #1.  AND you can find it made from white flour or whole-grain flour.  Although you may think carbs are our enemy, orzo is actually low in fat and contains protein and fiber.

As much as I'd love to take credit for this one, I found a great orzo recipe on this cooking blog that I am obsessed with.  It's a 3 cheese orzo and spinach recipe.  Yes, spinach.  Disguise #2.  The bf actually loves this dish... the cheese obviously helps, but I put in less cheese than the recipe actually calls for.  Remember, I have a dress to fit into! ;)

Here's the link to the recipe.  You can serve it as a side dish, or throw in some sort of protein (chicken would probably be best) and serve it as a main dish.  I think asparagus would be great in this as well, but I'll have to work up to that one.  Can't be overly confident in my healthy disguises just yet!
http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/02/three-cheese-orzo-and-spinach/

Friday, November 9, 2012

Coupons: "Bloomingdale's" and "SALE" in the same sentence?!

That's right, my friends.  Bloomingdale's is having a SALE.  To be honest, I've never even purchased anything from Bloomingdale's because I thought "Bloomie's" meant "full price".  And sorry, but I never buy anything at full price.  Well, except for lululemon items.  And chocolate ice cream when I have those cravings.

Anyway, I stumbled across this sale because I have been looking for a cute dress for John's high school reunion.  (Yes, we are that old.)  You know, the girlfriend has to be pretty, in shape, and have good taste in clothes.  Otherwise, I'd probably be at Forever 21 or some Asian store trying on $20 dresses.  Lucky for me, the Bloomingdale's Friends and Family sale is going on until November 12th!  #winning  20% off almost anything in the store, even sale items.  The discount obviously does not apply to the super designers like Prada, Chanel, etc.... but um hi... I'm not dropping $1,000 on a reunion.  I'd hope I don't need that much help in the looks department!  But pretty much anything a normal consumer would buy is 20% off in stores and online.  The promo code is FANDF if you're buying online.

Happy Shopping! :)

Crunches: Current Workout Regimen

I guess I'll start on a high note and tell you about my current workout routine.

I'm lazy.  Every time I join a gym, I am basically donating a monthly fee.  I can't motivate myself to exercise whatsoever.  So, I'm stuck with taking classes.  Unfortunately, that means more $$$ per month, but at least I am putting those dollars to work.

I currently take Pilates group classes.  Pilates in general is expensive, but of course, I have found the most inexpensive way to do it.  I go to Pilates Plus OC, where there are 2 studios: Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.  I love this place.  I always describe it as "Pilates on crack".  Classy, I know.  It's not a traditional reformer... they call it a Megaformer.  Sounds cheesy, but it allows you to work on both the front and back of the machine, creating more exercises to do.  Pilates traditionally focuses on core strength, but I have seen a noticeable difference in my arms and legs as well.  Too bad I eat too much to actually see the difference in my mid-section, so you'll have to take my word for it... my core is strong.

Pilates Plus OC is great for lazy asses like myself.  Why?  1, it's expensive enough to where you want to get your money's worth.  2, there is a 24-hour cancellation policy that is strictly enforced.  If you don't make it to class, you are charged $25.  3, it's low impact, but you see results pretty quickly.  It's not super strenuous, so you don't even really have to be awake for those 6am classes.  The best part is, they offer an unlimited monthly package.  I pay $199/month and I take 5-6 (sometimes 7) classes a week.  This makes classes around $9-$10 each, which you'd never find anywhere else.  The Costa Mesa studio also offers a 10 class package for $150, which is still really inexpensive for Pilates... you just have to take from the good instructors who push you.  My suggestions: Kris, Vanessa, Emily.  Check them out... www.pilatesplusoc.com  #skinny #fatdeal

The only problem with Pilates, is that you need cardio too.  I know, I know... LAME!  So, me being the lazy bum, I have to take cardio classes too.  Barry's Bootcamp was probably the most intimidating thing ever.  It's a mix of interval training on the treadmills and weights for specific body parts depending on the day.  My apartment is literally walking distance from here, but obviously the only thing that brought me in was the Groupon deal.  Duh.  I was super nervous I was going to pass out or worse, have to walk out embarrassed, but I made it through the first class... now, I'm hooked.  It's kind of ridiculous to pay for a workout that you can do on your own, but if you're unmotivated like I am, it's definitely worth it.  You'll feel like you can eat whatever you want because you just torched a bajillion calories.  And trust me, I take advantage of that eating feeling ;)  Their prices are a little steep, but they do offer a student discount and package deals.  Look 'em up... www.barrysbootcamp.com  #skinny #cardio #crazy

Welcome to Cookies, Coupons, and Crunches!

If you are like me, your days are consumed with thoughts of what to make/eat for dinner, when and how you're going to exercise, and how you're going to afford it all.  I am a girl who eats well.  Not right, WELL.  I try to be health conscious every now and then, but let's be honest... it's usually not worth it.  I exercise to stay in shape, not for health reasons.  Duh.  And I'm Asian... so I love coupons, sales, and deals.  Hence, Cookies, Coupons, and Crunches.

Here, I'll share with you tried and true recipes, restaurant suggestions in the Orange County area, great workouts that actually work, and any sales or coupons worth mentioning.

Happy reading....