Treadmill & Tunes

I've been reading all of the different resolutions relating to gyms, weight, and healthy living over the blog-sphere. I've noticed a drastic increase of members at the gym, some who have fabulous gym etiquette, and others... not so much. With all that being said, I'm trying to get back into running which means a few times a week an hour or so on the treadmill. Gross.  On the days I'm not running, I'm doing a cardio circuit which you can make pretty killer or tame, and it only lasts an hour or a little over! 

With the right music...that hour actually seems like an hour instead of a month or a year... So I thought I'd share with all of you the back into running treadmill workout and cardio circuit workout I've been doing. (I am not a licensed trainer, this is not advice, nor should it be construed as such, it's just what I've been doing and enjoying) Since every good workout needs good music, I thought I'd share a just a few (like 3-5) of my (current) favorite cardio songs.

Treadmill

Minutes 1-10 walk at 4.3mph at a 30% incline

Minutes 10-50 run 1 min at 6.0mph walk 1 min at 4.3mph (repeat 20x)

Minutes 50-60 walk at 4.3mph at a 30% incline

I think, even with the above picture, Homer could easily out run me!!!

The goal is to eventually switch the minutes 10-50 into longer running sets and shorter walking (eg run 3min walk 1min, etc.) until there is no need for walking aside from warming up and cooling down. 

Cardio Circuit

Minutes 1-15 Stairmaster at a level 8

Minutes 15-25 Elliptical (if there is one that allows you to use your arms use that) at a level 5

Row 1000 meters (this usually takes me around five minutes)

Minutes 30-50 Elliptical at a level 6

Minutes 50-70 Treadmill 4.4mph at a 30 percent incline

Tunes

Coldplay feat. Rihanna "Princess of China"

Nelly "Warrior"

Lady Gaga "Edge of Glory"

Kanye West feat. Pusha T "Runaway"

What are your go-to cardio workouts this month? Any music recommendations that makes a workout fly by?!

Thanks for Reading & Have a great Tuesday!!!

Weekend Recap

It wasn't the most eventful weekend by any means. So this might be a quicker than normal recap... especially since I only took pictures on Saturday.

On Friday, I took a nap after work, grabbed a glass of wine with my dad, made some whole wheat pasta with olive oil, fresh garlic, and Parmesan Reggiano, and watched Hope Floats with my mom. I haven't seen that movie for so long...I forgot parts of it were tear jerkers, and I forgot how much I loved the soundtrack.  

I'm still sore from my circuit workout from Saturday morning... like walking very very slowly and awkwardly sort of sore. I went to the Creighton/Indiana State game on Saturday afternoon with CM, another friend, and his roommate.

After the watching the Jays win, we walked over to the mattress factory (an old mattress factory converted into a bar) for a quick drink...

With CM...I'm really baffled as to why I'm at an odd angle.

After the game (and at the game), I got to spend some time with PM, one of my oldest friends...growing up we had play dates before and after preschool almost everyday, and went to school together through high school. He is living out of the country now doing some incredible art --so seeing him, much less spending time with him, is a rarity. So this was like the best person to run into ever!

JL, the aforementioned roommate, claims to resemble an attractive Jonas brother...thus the need for sunglasses (I made him take the hood down)...since the paparazzi was out. Ha.

Sunday was my favorite day. I watched Napolean Dynamite, grabbed brunch at whole foods, and saw Django Unchained with JL (It was really good, albeit graphic, I thought since it was a Tarantino movie there would be some unexpected twist, and there wasn't)... I ended the day with some of my favorite food group: Mexican. Margaritas and Nachos...the combination clearly means its a great start of the week, or a great end of the week. 

How was your weekend?

Thanks for reading =D

Photo Dump

It's been a busy week. One thing I love about the Holidays is that it is the perfect excuse to get together to eat, drink, and be Merry (that sounded way less dorky in my head, promise). I've had the chance to do all of those things with some of my wonderful friends.

An Annual Holiday Dinner (aka Carbs and Vino Fest)...

This year we did a favorite libation exchange... I was so excited that I got a really nice Pinot Noir...now I just need a good reason to open and enjoy. 

My love for photo shoots has rubbed off on RKW. Now I just need to convince her that photo shoots when we go running are equally as good of an idea.

Semi-Annual Slumber Party with EKH and RKW. 

Twice a year the three of us go to Trader Joes and buy the most unhealthy and delicious food (fried mac and cheese, blue cheese and walnut dip, queso, spin art dip, chocolate covered potato chips, etc.) and each of us provides a yummy cocktail. We watch Lifetime movies (Sexting in Suburbia was our favorite flick this year), talk about boys, and eat and drink our caloric intake for the month. We also light off fireworks...Seriously.

The following night JM was in town, so she, ES, and I went out to one of my favorite restaurants for a low-key, early dinner. Calamari, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Pizza...and of course sangria ;)

A very sweet gentleman saw how much fun we were having and sent us dessert...and  more sangria...which negated the idea of a low-key, or early.

We walked up to a neighborhood bar, where we ran into RKW. Considering she and I both live around 120-140 blocks west of this neighborhood (and because I'm normally geriatric with my bedtime) we were both really surprised and so excited to see each other for the 4th day in a row.

End of the night pic with ES. (I think I was smiling sooooo big because I couldn't wait to go to bed)!

What are your favorite traditions for Holiday get togethers?

TGIF & Thanks for reading :)

EVE Gala

Thought I'd share a quick (picture loaded) NYE Recap.

Especially since I asked you girls (and guys?) what I should wear!

I got ready with one of my girlfriends...which I haven't done for ages. I love getting ready with friends...trying out different outfits, hairstyles and makeup, enjoying a cocktail, listening to music, giggling, and starting the night in the best mood! 

We then went to another friend's house for some champagne and heavy appetizers prior to the YAP (young art patrons) EVE gala.

I was so excited about the venue for the gala, partially  because of my love for Chihuly--and his huge installments on either end of the hall, and partially because the entire building is just breathtaking. You can't really see it (bad iPhone picture), but the entry was lined with the new Fiat line which was such a fun touch. 

With PCS at her house prior to heading to the Joslyn...We took this picture and sent it as a  "happy new year" picture to our twin nephews <3. Then with EN, a law school friend--who clearly shares a love for all things sparkly--at the party!!!

My Kiss at Midnight....None other than a teddy bear. MWAH.

Ready to ring in 2013 with noisemakers, confetti, and a toast...

and of course the obligatory end of the night picture.

How was your NYE & Thanks for reading!!!

Wednesday's Wish List

To say I'm confused on the day of the week would be an understatement. I spent of  yesterday under the impression that it was Sunday. I even made plans yesterday with a girlfriend to go to a Monday Night class at Lifetime, tonight... and I may have complained about how far away Friday is (such a long week ahead). With all of that being said: Happy Wednesday (&  Happy 2013). Today I'm posting about a few things on my wish list. (Yes, I did say I'm going on a budget when writing about my resolutions, so it's kinda like blog window shopping...or something).

This ("Sculpted Mums") Shower Curtain From Anthropologie. I think I created a monster when I started perusing their "home" site... (I may pull a Carrie Bradshaw, like the time she registered for Manolos--and start randomly registering myself for all of these goodies!!! (only kidding, but she may have been on to something)).

This Jewelry Box, also from Anthro. (I wasn't kidding when I said I created a monster). I have so many different trinket boxes, bowls, and boxes inside boxes, that currently hold most of my jewelry. Not only do I love the look of this jewelry box, but I think it would put my jewelry into more of a one stop shop, and most likely make it much more organized.

These David Yurman Earrings. Simply stunning.

This Heated Eyelash Curler... Well, actually any heated lash curler. My lashes are not one of my strong points...so I'm dying to try one of these, especially since I've heard so many positive reviews from the blog world in regards to these!

This ("Soho Tufted") Sofa from Restoration Hardware. I'm not sure why, but lately I've been in love with tufted pieces (headboards, chairs, etc.). I'd like to think this sofa would be the perfect addition to my dream home.

This Nha Khanh "Noir Timeless Love" dress, which I first spotted on Pinterest, then on Rent the Runway...so this could be more of a reality than a wish--however I need (1) somewhere fabulous to wear it; and (2) to work on my resolution of being healthier before I even consider renting it.

So these couple things are just a glimpse of what I'm wishing for today (I'm also wishing for today to feel less like a Monday)... As always, thanks for reading!

What's on your Wednesday wishlist?

Ringing It In

Happy 2013!!!

As silly or trite as this may sound, I am so excited to see what this year brings. I truly believe that it is going to be my best year as of yet... I cannot wait to see all the exciting things this year is going to hold for me, and everyone that I love.

Resolutions are not my forte. I love making them, and sticking to them for a short while but then it becomes so easy to fall of the wagon...or decide that I'm over what I resolved to do.  With that being said, there are a handful of resolutions life changes, I hope to accomplish this coming year:

*Graduate Law School (May)
*Pass the Bar Exam (July 30-31)
*Get a "big kid" Job
*Run a Half Marathon with my sister-in-law (September)
*Get into and Stick to a Workout Routine (losing weight would be fabulous as well...but don't tell anyone)
*Get on a budget
*Move into my own place
*Do something fearless
*Volunteer More
*Grow out my nails
*Go Abroad
*Blog on a regular basis
*Learn to Dance
*Get a reality show (ha! but seriously)
*Treat everyone how I want to be treated

...and that's that! What are you "resolving" to do this year?

Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year!!!

Confessional Friday

I'm linking up with the stunning and fashionable Leslie over at A Blonde Ambition today for a Confessional Friday Post! I haven't done one of these for awhile, and I feel like my thoughts are kinda a mish mash today, so I figured this was a good way to sort them out... without confusing me (or you) too much :) TGIF

1) I've turned into a lightweight. I had a Holiday Dinner/Favorite Drink Exchange with a group of girlfriends last night...had one huge glass of Sangria, and had to give myself a pep talk to get out of bed this morning and then had to give myself even more of a rousing version of the same talk ("Okay Emily...it's Friday, your headache will go away...you can get a big coffee on the way to work...you probably don't look as awful as you feel...") to get out of the shower.

2) I feel lost without my favorite TV shows. When it's cold outside it's one of my favorite things to curl up with a blanket and watch the latest episodes, and covet the wardrobes of my favorite characters (Olivia Pope, Serena VanDerWoodsen). No Scandal, Grey's Anatomy, New Girl, Nashville, Glee, Smash, etc. Until Mid January/February.

3) I am over the cold and snow. And (as my mom reminded me when I was complaining about the temperatures) winter started a little over a week ago. Awesome. 

4) I worked retail on Christmas Eve (lately I've been in the back doing online orders and pretending that I'm an elf (because that's normal)...but I was on the floor that day). I have to confess that Christmas Eve Shoppers are my most favorite of the Holiday Shopper Crowd--they're happy, they buy gift cards (or the entire outfits I suggest), and they seem to be in the spirit of the season.  (I also think this picture could be on awkward (work) family photos).

5) I have no idea what to wear for NYE. I'm going to a nice (dressy) event, and I can't decide if I should wear one of the million handful black dresses I already have, or if I should buy a new dress...and if I do should it be short or long...or should I wear a colored dress..or should I do "rent the runway?" Any help/thoughts/suggestions would be fabulous.

TGIF & Thanks For Reading.

oxo