RAVE: Daily Burn

So for anyone who has been intimately involved in my life these past few months, you know how nutty things have been.

Between the craziness and the stress that comes along with all that, I've been a hot mess when it comes to taking care of myself.

For me, when I get stressed, I tend to not eat - the opposite of most people - so I dropped a bunch of weight that I really didn't have to lose (read: bunch = 5 pounds. When you're just over 5 foot tall that counts as a bunch, right?)

Needless to say, once I felt like things started to calm down a bit, I found that my hand was constantly shoving food into my mouth - glorious, fattening food that I hadn't tasted in months. It was delightful, till I started seeing the numbers on the scale get a little higher than I like.

The worst part was that I wasn't healthy. Taking a page from the book of my diabetic fiance, I decided to start logging my food intake.

I tested out a couple online food logs, one that a friend of mine had blogged about using during her successful 20 pound weight loss drop. But it was mostly just about food. I like to be active as well, and wanted to capture that in the same location.

So I checked out Daily Burn. Now granted, I've only been using it for a couple weeks, but already it's come in incredibly handy.

In fact, when we went to the nutritionist earlier this week, she wasn't aware of the app, but when we were trying to recall what we ate for dinner the night before, I was able to get out my iPhone and read back not only what we ate, but the nutrition of what was consumed and how long we exercised that evening as well. She loved it, and decided to add it to her list of resources to share with all her diabetic patients. Good stuff right there! I love when I can help out, especially with fun techie options like this.

One thing that I really love about Daily Burn is that there's a free iPhone app available. So, even if I'm not near my computer (which we all know is rare, but I do always have my iPhone handy) I can log my food and/or exercise before I forget.

Along with that, it also has a Food Scanner app. When I discovered this, I was immediately sold. For $4.99 in iTunes, you can get the Food Scanner app that, when you hold it up to a bar code on your food package, will automatically give you the nutrition info and allow you to add it to your log. It syncs right with the Daily Burn app (even though they are separate on the screen). What an amazing time saver. Coming from someone who doesn't like to pay for apps, I must say it's totally worth the $5.

This is cool: when it comes to tracking nutrition, if there are things you eat regularly, you can save those as your favorite foods so that you're not going back to previous days and having to select them, or having to re-search and enter every time. This program is all about convenience...which is great for those of us who already have enough things in life that eat up time.

Another feature that I really like is that you can track your sleep. Some people might not think too much of this, but I like to see my sleep patterns, as I've had bouts of time where I just don't sleep all that well. Combined with all the nutrition and exercise info, it lets me see if maybe it has to do with having a heavy meal before bed, or not exercising enough or maybe it's that darn stress again.

And of course, like any good online log, it lets you track your weight on a daily basis down to the tenth of a pound. For someone like me who fluctuates a couple pounds every day and doesn't have significant weight loss goals this is fabulous. For those who are looking to lose weight, it's a really nice feature because on your homepage, which is referred to as the Locker Room, the weight loss chart is right there, front and center, so you can see your progress over time.

Though, if weight loss isn't your #1 goal, then you can switch up the progress charts on the front page of your locker room so that your goal stays front and center.

Daily Burn is free for the basics that I listed above. If you want to purchase the Pro version for $75/year, you get a lot more stuff:

• Advanced Nutrition Tracking
• Advanced Body Tracking
• Pro Training Plans
• Advanced iPhone Features
• Unlimited Favorite Foods and Favorite Exercises
• Meal Planner
• Integration with iCal (another convenience factor I'm all for!)
• Grocery list
• Advanced Progress Reports

If you're really looking to make progress in weight loss, health, nutrition, exercise - any or all of the previous - I'd definitely recommend the Pro version. Though I've never used it, I can only imagine that it's extremely helpful in ensuring you reach your goals.

I'd love to be able to check it out, see what the Pro version is all about. Heck, if I had a chance, I'd even video blog about it :). So if any of y'all out there have it, let me know so I can take a look-see.

Needless to say, I'm a huge fan of this online food log for a number of reasons. I definitely recommend it if you're looking for a way to track your daily activities and eating habits. Even if you're not looking to lose weight, it's a great way to keep yourself in check when it comes to your health.

All you New Year's Resolutioners out there, this might just be your best tool to help reach your goals. Definitely worth checking out...what do you have to lose.

Check out the Daily Burn here.

Cheers!

-A

Reverb10 - Day 14 Appreciate

With the craziness of this week, it appears I'm a day behind in the ole Reverb10 challenge. The one that's slated for today will make a great (and challenging) vlog, so I'll be getting that together later this evening.

For now, let's catch up on yesterday.

December 14 – Appreciate What’s the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it? (Author: Victoria Klein)

What I don't like about this is that it's requiring me to pick only one thing. Because

there are lots of things that I've come to appreciate this year. But having to choose one was a very easy decision.

In 2010, I've come to appreciate my fiance. We've been together for nearly a year and 1/2 and a lot has happened. We've traveled, skydived, visited with each others family, made new

friends, revisited old friends, moved to a new city and essentially started over...all of this we did together. And because of that we've grown together, and we've grown a life of our own here in Chicago.

(With our friends Tod and John after a skydive)

All the little hiccups and challenges along the way have made what we've built just that much more rewarding. I'm really not sure what I'd do without him. He's been my rock when I've had tough times, and I like to think I've been his.

There's nothing quite like having a partner in life who you can count on to be there for you and support you, and do their best to understand you, even in times where they might be scratching their head a bit. It's not like family where they have to love you because you're family, but it's love that is chosen, they choose to be your family, and I truly appreciate that he's chosen to love me.

The hardest part of this question is what I do to show that appreciation, and I have to admit that it's not enough. I'm not sure I could do enough to show it. But I like to think that I offer the kind of love and support that he needs from me. I'm also a gift giver, I like to get little things every now and again, things that when I see them it just makes me think, "he'd like this."

That's probably not the best answer to the latter part of the question, but it's all I got ;).

So tell me dear readers, what's one thing you've come to appreciate this year?

Cheers!

-A

Reverb10 - Day 12-13

It's almost half way through the month and I'm still going strong with this Reverb10 Challenge - though I do have to admit, I've been slacking on the Reviews as of late...sorry guys.

Today, I'm picking up where I left off and doing two days in 1. Enjoy!

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Day 12

December 12 – Body Integration This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)

I feel very lucky to be able to say that this is something that happens frequently in my life. I have two very special hobbies that allow me to just be...me.

The first is something that I'm sure won't shock anyone: skydiving. Once you exit that door at 14,000 feet and start plummeting to the Earth at over 120 mph, there's really no choice but to be one with mind and body.

And though it may not happen on every jump, when it does, a certain magic seems to happen.

Sometimes it's as if you're not trying at all, just thinking about what you want to do and it does. Those are the types of experiences you look at like, "whoa, the mind is a pretty powerful thing."

In the end, it was likely the hundreds of practice jumps that lead us to our ability to do these 'magical' things in the sky, but at the time, it seems almost spiritual.

The other times in my life where my mind and body are completely integrated is during yoga practice. This can sometimes be difficult, especially in challenging poses where your body is screaming at you and your mind is trying to stay at peace. But it's this practice that really melds your mind and body in one.

I can honestly say that at least 90% of the time, when shavasana comes around (the final pose for relaxation in yoga) my mind and my body are one. It's a beautiful thing.

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Day 13

December 13 – Action When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)

As I've said in nearly every post since day 1, 2010 has been the year of learning for me. Mostly I've learned about myself and the type of life I want to lead. I've learned what's important in life, like family and friends who really care, and having passion for life and learning when not to give up.

I certainly don't see this path of learning to just come to a screeching halt in 2011, but I do see more action taking place.

My next step then, I guess, is taking what life has shown me and making something of it. Building the life that I want in 2011. Getting rid of those things from Day 11 and starting out 2011 on a positive foot. If there's one thing that life has taught me this year, it's that happiness isn't something everyone is entitled to, it's something that you need to define for yourself, and make it happen. You have to work for it.

I guess maybe I should add a #12 to that list - sense of entitlement. I try my best not to fall into that trap that so many in my generation do, because I really do know that you have to work for those things you want in life, and just because I have a degree doesn't mean I'm going to get a corner office after 5 years at the company (not that I ever thought this, but I've seen attitudes from some that truly do have this sense of entitlement).

Anyhow, point is, 2011 is likely to be a year where I really start taking things into my own hands and making the changes I need to be happy with the life I'm leading. I sat back and let life show me the way this year, it's time for action now.

What changes do you want to see take place in 2011?

Cheers!

-A

Reverb10 - 11 things

The Reverb10 prompt for today is very fitting for 2010. Through all the learning I've done this year, one thing I've come to realize is that there are some things I can do without in my life, and by removing these things, I'm on the path to making my life better.

But I do have to admit that finding 11 things to eliminate in 2011 wasn't an easy task...Sorry, this is a long one today, I got carried away talking about some of these.

So, let's dive right in, shall we?

December 11 – 11 Things What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)

1. Credit Card Debt - this is something I've been chipping away at for a while, and boy would I love to finally get it all paid off this year. Baby steps, and I'm already well on my way :)

2. Ignorance about my health - I started getting better about this in 2010, making regular dentist and eye doctor appointments, but in 2011 it's going to get even better. It's time to be proactive about my health, go to the dermatologist (after all with this fair skin, I really should), find a dentist here in town, you get the point.

3. Toxic people - something I've mentioned before. In my adult life I've been able to get back some positive vibes by letting go of those friends who ended up being rather toxic, in the end. I think it's not so much about getting rid of people in my life as not letting them in in the first place. I need to be a bit more cautious. Not letting people in so quickly, before they have earned my trust. I've always been known to give people the benefit of the doubt until they've proven me otherwise, and I definitely don't want to change that, but I do think it would be wise to be a bit more cautious in the beginning, to save some hurt feelings in the end.

4. Negativity - This goes well with the above, and definitely beyond. Sorta speaks for itself.

5. Clutter - This year I've spend a lot of time living in clutter, mostly because I've been in transition for most of the year. During the week I'm at the office, on the weekends I've spent a lot of time away, either traveling or skydiving or both. That doesn't leave much time for picking up. I made a vow to myself that living in Chicago it would be different. It's better, but still not up to par. I'm just not at my best when I'm living in clutter.

6. Congested Thoughts - This sorta goes along with clutter, only, specific to my thoughts. Most days my brain looks like a congested expressway during rush hour. Sometimes there are lots of thoughts moving at a rapid pace, at other moments it's so jammed up that the thoughts are at a standstill. I've started practicing more yoga and meditation to help clear my mind a bit - definitely going to continue doing so in 2011. I won't be neglecting me quite so much this next year.

7. Procrastination - I'm one of the worst when it comes to procrastinating. This is something I've been known to do both at the office and at home. It's not like I do it on purpose, but there's always something that needs to be done, so as I see it, if my deadline isn't coming up right away then why not do something that needs to be done now and wait for a while to do that big project that's due next week. I'll tell you why, cuz it's a big project and I'm going to end up working late to get it done cuz I put it off. Granted, some of my best work is done that way, but seriously, if I just start early, and try to get it done little by little, it'll be better in the end.

8. Sitcom addiction - so I hate to admit it, but I'm mildly addicted to sitcoms. When new ones come out on Netfix I tend to spend way more time in front of the TV than I'd prefer. Oh and I could forever watch reruns of The Office and Seinfeld...just sayin. Instead, I'd like to read more and learn more, rather than rotting my brain with this stuff and cluttering it up with dumb (albeit funny) show quotes.

9. Excuses - for not cleaning, for not working out, for not cooking and deciding to eat out, for reading instead of folding the laundry...whatever, no more excuses. Maybe I should throw my iPod in and just get this stuff done.

10. Stress - Now I know this is going to be difficult, given that it's kinda something that comes along with being a young professional and trying to make it personally and professionally, but I'm going to to my best to leave work at work and home at home and living simply so finances don't become a stressor. A girl can try, can't she?

11. Distractions - I'd love to eliminate distractions from my life, though I know this one is likely to be even more difficult that removing stress from my life. And, some distractions are welcome. After all, it's distractions that tend to spur change, right? How about we go with unwelcome distractions so I can accomplish all the things I set out to accomplish. Yeah, we'll go with that.

So tell me dear readers, what do you want to remove from your life in 2001?

Cheers!

-A

Reverb10 - Day 10 Wisdom

When I read today's Reverb10 prompt I immidiately thought that it would be a good one to discuss with another video blog.

I worked from home today so I thought this would be a good chance to do it, but of course I couldn't find time till the very end of the day. So please, don't mind the glasses and look of exhaustion on my face.

This one was definitely a no brainer for me:

December 10 – Wisdom Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)

RAVE: Trader Joe's Coffee

Okay, so now that I'm living in Chicago and spending way more $$ on commuting each month than I'd like, I've decided to start making my own coffee at home.

When I first considered this, I had seen this Kona coffee at Trader Joe's that I just had to have - and given that it's Trader Joe's, it's rather inexpensive, or so I thought. The coffee I had my eye on was $20. EEH, wrong answer.

So I went with a similar Hawaiian coffee, called 100% Kauai. It's a medium roast, comes in a 13 oz jar of whole beans (which is nice, because freshly ground always tastes better) and it's packaging touts that it's aromatic, earthy and sweet.


And let me just tell you something - I'm so glad that the other stuff was too expensive for my taste, because this is the best coffee ever!

Okay so it's probably really not, but it's the best I've ever made at home. Hands down. When I was in Hawaii 10 years ago, I remember having the best cup of coffee there, while I was in Kona. I've never been to Kauai, but I can only imagine it's just as good - at least, now that I've tried this stuff.

All I need is a little Splenda to make this the perfect cup of coffee. It's so good, I almost missed my train the other day because I didn't want to put it down. It definitely gives me something to look forward to in the mornings. And tomorrow, you can bet that I'll have my morning cup, curled up on the couch with a good book!

So before I call it a day and get back to my favorite cup, let's get a little technical on this review:

-Aromatic - the packaging didn't lie, this coffee smells amazing, especially after grinding up the beans.

-Sweet - normally I use either a couple spoonfulls of Splenda or a packet of Sweet 'n Lo (ew, I know) to make my coffee drinkable. Barely need anything in this, it's got a yummy sweetness of it's own.

-Smooth - the label called it Earthy, I'm not that much of a coffee connoisseur to know what that actually means, but it does have a very smooth taste, nothing that kicks you in the jaw.

-Inexpensive - this is of course a huge plus for me. Got it for$6 I think...compared to the $20 I almost spent on another kind of bean from the same group of islands, which could be better, but for now, my wallet likes this!

Cheers!

-A

Review: Czar Salon and Reverb10

I want to take a minute today to plug a fabulous salon in the Chicagoland area.

When I first moved here - as with anywhere else - I was concerned about finding those services that I had become so accustom to having available, like doctors and salons. Well, let me tell you, I was so thankful when I heard that a friend from high school was working at a local salon.

Czar Salon and Spa in Bolingbrook, IL is an Aveda salon - something I'm generally not a huge fan of due to enough bad experiences in the past - but let me tell you, this place is great. Not only because I get to chat and catch up with Lindsey (which, if you're in the market for a cut and color, I can't recommend her enough) but because they offer some great services. With every cut and color you get a scalp massage that might make you melt right out of the chair.

And last night I found out about this scalp and hair conditioning treatment that comes with a 10 min scalp massage AND an arm and hand massage. I just might have to check this out next time :).

The atmosphere is really chill, even though it's a pretty small salon that can get pretty busy - especially on the weekends - but it's not overwhelming; and coming from someone who doesn't like people that's saying something! I was impressed with the staff there, as well as their full line of makeup and products available.

As with all Aveda salons, it can be a little on the pricey side, but when it comes down to it, isn't it worth it to know that you have someone you can trust with your hair, ladies? Certainly!

Be sure to check out Czar if you're ever in the Bolingbrook or Naperville areas.

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Now, on to today's Reverb10 prompt:

December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)

This one is difficult, mostly because I'm not a partier. Though I do have to say that one social gathering that stuck out in my mind as pretty epic was the last night at the Everglades Boogie (skydiving event) in Florida this January.

It was chilly for Florida, so most of us were dressed in jeans and long sleeves - I even slipped my coat on at one point.

But there was everything from bon fires to raffles to free beer to ice sculptures and chainsaws. It was definitely a great evening. I got to meet so many people in the skydiving world and I came away with some great connections. Plus, it was Florida in January. How can you beat that, right?

Cheers!

-A