Anyone know what an internal cleanse is? Heard of a colonic? Well, before I get into the details, I am going to explain to you why I am getting one....First, let me say with my head held high, I am darn proud to be a VEGAN for so many reasons! I am celebrating this October my first year anniversary!
Lately, I have been feeling more irritable, sluggish, a little bloated first thing in the morning when I get up, getting Really bad anxiety attacks, and not sleeping like I normally do. This has been going on for the past month or so. I believe stress brings on these side effects. I also believe that with eating as clean as I do, even I get backed up and the foods I may be eating could be causing these side effects too. In my opinion, I think I have been eating way too much fruit...Here is an example of a typical day for me: Breakfast: cinnamon raisin ezekiel toast (1 slice) with 1banana some days (2)- and 1.5 tbsp almond butter Snack: Lara bar- made with fruits and nuts Pre-workout: usually 1-2 dates Post workout: a vegan protein shake with 2 cups frozen berries sometimes (3) Dinner: always TONS of veggies & brown rice pasta or quinoa SNACK at night: Goji Berries & pistachios, I don't measure, I just eat until I am satisfied.
SO when I look at this, all I see is fruits and fats (good). When I read an article recently about too much fruits, it turns out YES, you can eat too much and if you do, you suffer from the same side effects that I do! Hmmmm! I immediately switched it up this morning!
Here is what I had today:
Snack: Lara bar- made with fruits and nuts Pre-workout: 1/2 cucumber Post workout: a vegan protein shake with 5 strawberries Dinner: Broccoli & cauliflower over brown rice pasta and tofu SNACK at night: NO SNACK tonight, just green tea.
To be quite honest, I had the best run in about 1 month! I ran 6 miles at a great pace, and didn't stop for 1 second! I felt amazing today. No crahses, no moodyness, no sleepyness at all! Could it be? Could it be the fruit? hmmm...
click and enlarge the photo below to see what foods you should be eating to naturally assist your colon in cleansing and detoxifying itself.
SO anyway, back to my internal cleanse. I decided to get rid of any toxins or waste in my body. I think it will make me feel better. I remember about 8 years ago when Mario & I first started dating, we had gone a few times together. back then, I ate "NORMAL" food and drank alcohol. The first time I had one, I just remember feeling weird having someone poke me in the cooley with this tube that filled my belly with gallons of warm water while they were rubbing my belly and talking about God knows what..... But when I was done and driving home, I felt so light, so fresh, so clean and our from the inside out! It felt great for a few weeks! SO here I am 8 years later in the best shape of my life from the inside out, I want to see how well my body responds this time to the procedure! :O)
I am sure you do realize that our earth is full of toxins! A lot of people don't eat or workout the way they should, or get enough sunlight or sleep!.… The air we breathe isn't as clean as you would like to think nor is the water we drink no matter how much we BELIEVE what we read on these water bottles! Toxins are always finding ways to sneak into our bodies. The colon serves the purpose of eliminating waste and it also re-hydrates the body from inside and if you have wastes sitting in your colon for too long it hydrates your body with the very toxins and waste it should be eliminating. This is called ‘auto-intoxication’.
More about Colonics and Detoxing the body:
Detoxifying the body is an absolutely crucial part of any healthy lifestyle.
The body has many organs that are involved in the process of detoxification. The largest organ being the skin, however, the most important and most appropriate organ in detoxification is the colon, or the large intestine. It has been said that most people have an average of 5-20 pounds of this waste stored inside the lining of the large intestine.
If the large intestine is not eliminating toxic waste effectively you will see a backlog of toxins affecting other organs as an often visible sign of auto-intoxiction. A classic example of displaced toxins affecting other eliminating organs is acne on the skin. Another is halitosis (chronic bad breath). If a persons body is overloaded with toxins for long enough many more serious conditions such as fibromylgia, MS, allergies, chronic fatigue, migraines, yeast infections, obesity and more.
Colon Hydrotherapy (CHT), also known as high enema or colonic irrigation, is a gentle method of internally cleansing your colon of poisons, gas, and accumulated waste matter, without the use of drugs or chemicals. Used in combination with a regimen of proper nutrition and regular exercise, regular colon cleansing can be a powerful tool for breaking unhealthy habits and maintaining optimum health throughout your lifetime.
Colon Hydrotherapy is an ancient health practice. It involves the introduction of water into the large intestine to assist the body in better elimination of toxic wastes. Specialists utilize equipment that allow each client to be completely covered up while lying on his or her back. The abdomen is exposed in order to massage the colon and assist in the elimination process. The equipment introduces water and carries waste away to the sewer so there is no smells or sounds that could normally embarrass a client. The temperature of the water is alternated between warm and cool to stimulate the colon to contract, the water also serves to re-hydrate the old hardened waste in the colon so that it can be eliminated.
I chose Xell Calderer, who is a Certified Colonic Hydrotherapist, Wellness Coach and Certified Yoga Instructor based in the Stamford/Greenwich area who has been passionate about health and wellness for nearly twenty years. internal hygiene If you are in the area, and are thinking about a colonic, Please call her!
I am really excited to meet her and have a wonderful experience! I will be back to blog about my session which is on Monday! AHH! I feel better already knowing that I am going! :O)
I know a lot about nutrition, a WHOLE lot! The one area I am still learning about is the lifestyle of a Vegan, and how to incorporate more nutritious foods in my diet. I am confident I have made the right choice for me as far as becoming a vegan, however, sometimes I question whether or not I am getting enough quality protein. I learn a little more each day and in the past year (coming up in October), I have introduced my palate to a world of new foods, spices and fabulous Vegan recipes.
I recently got advice from a WELL respected super knowledgeable nutritionist who helped me with a question I had which was:
How come I feel so tired when I eat amazing nutrients, workout, get 8 hours of sleep, drink tons of water, take my supplements, etc.....
He asked for an outline of what I eat in a day and he came up with a GREAT answer, which I knew but really didn't know what to do about it. he told me I was lacking protein, and since I am a vegan, I need to pay close attention to making sure I get enough in each day.
More about Protein and what is does in the body:
We all know we need to eat protein, but what exactly is it? Well many foods contain protein even veggies like broccoli, but the best sources are beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes like Mung beans and lentils. Protein builds up, maintains, and replaces the tissues in your body. Since our muscles organs and immune system are mostly made up of protein, it's essential to get a good amount each day.
Our bodies use the protein we eat to make lots of specialized protein molecules that have specific jobs. Your body uses protein to make hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen to every part of your body. Other proteins are used to build cardiac muscle (your heart). If your running, or just sitting, it's protein that is working hard on doing things like moving your legs, moving your lungs, and protecting you from disease.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are simple compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and occasionally sulphur. Amino acids link together to form chains called peptides. A typical protein may contain 500 or more amino acids. Each protein has its own unique number and sequence of amino acids which determines its particular structure and function. When you eat foods that contain protein, the digestive juices in your stomach and intestine go to work. They break down the protein in food into basic units, called amino acids. The amino acids then can be reused to make the proteins your body needs to maintain muscles, bones, blood, and body organs.
There are 22 super important amino acids in protein. Of those 22 amino acids, your body can make 13 of them without you ever thinking about it. Your body can't make the other nine amino acids, but you can get them by eating protein-rich foods. They are called essential amino acids because it's essential that you get them from the foods you eat.
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So back to my question and answer with this amazing nutritionist- He told me that since I plan on staying Vegan, I need to eat foods like Mung beans with rice. Hmmmm, ok. When he told me how amazing they were for me, I wrote it down on my food list and thought wow! I found yet another great source of protein for myself! Hopefully, this will help give me some more energy.
I must say, I have really lean muscles, my hair is super healthy, I have glowing skin, and I am super strong in the gym, so I must not be THAT deficient with my protein intake.. I have abs too...So I KNOW I am not SKINNY, lol! PHEW!
I ended up buying Mung Beans from Whole Foods. They are these little green round pellets. I automatically took almost 2 cups of them dry, added them to my rice cooker with 4 cups of water and within 20 minutes, I have about 5 cooked cups of Mung beans....
Here is some nutrition on Mung Beans
Mung beans are native to hot and humid atmospheres in India, Pakistan and Southeast Asia. Today, they are harvested pretty much everywhere.
Mung beans are LOADED with nutrients,Especially for Vegans, These little beans pack a powerful PROTEIN PUNCH! Mung beans are versatile and can be eaten many ways. You can either eat them with the skin on or off. They are similar to other types of beans in their nutritional breakdown. They are lighter in protein than some other types of beans, however. Generally, mung beans are considered to be a healthy food because they contain no fat, they are very low in sodium, and they’re quite low in cholesterol. They have an average level of calories as compared with other beans.
Also a great source of many necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients., I am now wondering where these magical little beans have been my whole life! They provide an excellent source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is necessary for the proper functioning of your intestinal and digestive tracts. Mung Beans are rich in protein; a single serving of mung beans contains about 6 grams of protein. They are a great source of vitamin C, thiamin, vitamin A and many other nutrients as well.
While I was making my family HOMEMADE meatballs and sauce, I decided to give my mung beans a try. I took one cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup mung beans and 1 tbsp olive oil, mixed it up and ate it. Quite filling, I must say. I would next time make a meal out of it, by adding some onions, garlic and some mixed veggies. That was good though and it hit the spot! I officically like Mung beans. I actually like them better than black beans which make me bloated and gassy...
There you have it, another food to try!! Ya never know! you may actually like it and your body will thank you!
A client asked me about the benefits of Hemp protein this morning and why I switched from my regular protein....I blame it on Brendan Brazier for educating me on what an amazing little plant fiber!
I don't know about you, but I go to great lengths to ensure my body is fit and healthy throughout my life. I think once I turned 30, it was like this alarm went off in my head. My desires to go out and live it up diminished. The thought of drinking wine or cocktails with dinner frequently became a thing to do in my 20's ONLY. Eating twice the amount of calories I needed just grossed me out! What happened in my 30's became the foundation for how I will live the rest of my life. Working out became so important to me but not just for physical reasons, but because I can stop heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, inflammation...you get my point. Finding the RIGHT balance between fitness and nutrition started to become super easy too. Am I too health conscious? Nah, I don't think so. I don't think you can EVER be too conscious of your health and the way you FEEL each morning when you wake up to go through your daily life.
Each year I find that I am increasing my preference to consume food and supplements that are natural, from the earth and free from any chemicals or toxins. Once I started to read the Thrive book, I realized that maybe I should expand my horizons and see if my taste buds would like to try Hemp protein powder, hemp oil and hemp seeds. What have I got to lose?
Hemp has sparked the interest of people for so many years because of the benefits it produces and how versatile it is. Years ago, I honestly thought people who consumed this plant (which I thought only of Weed or pot) were weirdos! little did I know I was just being naive and close-minded.
Of course you hear me say this all the time but in order for you to function properly day to day with lasting energy and lean muscle, you diet should have a good mixture of minerals, vitamins, Fatty acids and Amino acids incorporated into your diet.
Brendan Brazier's book has taught me more about Hemp and it's benefits. Hemp is loaded with essential nutrients like calcium, chlorophyll, magnesium, sulphur, phytosterols, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, fiber, histidine, iron, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin and thiamine. Hemp seeds also contain all 10 essential amino acids.
You can find Hemp protein in many different forms, from tablets, powders, syrup and ready made drinks. It can be used as a simple supplement to your current diet, this means you can add all of those essential amino and fatty acids to your diet and ensure your body is working in peak performance. This will give you more energy and a greater drive and focus in your everyday life.
Athletes like Brendan Brazier and people like me who are athletes but not at a professional level, have realized the benefits of hemp protein. Athletes consume protein to assist in repairing muscle structure. Both athletes and bodybuilder along with EVERYDAY people like you & me body are now switching to hemp protein.Here are some reasons why I made the switch...The main reason is that if Brendan Braizer- PROFESSIONAL Iron man- triathlete uses it and gets great benefits from it, so can I! Here are more reasons I switched:
rapid absorption into the body and its ease of use.
it reduces the need to stack the protein with expensive additional amino acids, instead the hemp protein contains everything to absorb the protein and increase growth. Saves you so much money on supplements!
30 grams of hemp protein contains 15 grams of traditional protein, this is estimated to be the maximum amount of protein the body can consume in any single dosage, meaning the body gets the maximum amount of protein available.
Hemp protein powder is hugely versatile.
Hemp protein can be added to juices, smoothies, milk & water.
Hemp powder can also be used for baking at a rate of 25% Hemp Protein to 75% flour, this means all of your foods can be giving you a steady supply of all the benefits of hemp protein throughout the day.
Hemp Protein is 100% natural so you are not adding any non essential ingredients to your body, meaning you getting exactly what Hemp Protein contains.
compare the cost of most protein powders on the market with Hemp protein powder, the difference is significant, because most of you are also buying amino acids, fatty acids, etc... Once you switch to Hemp, your not only benefiting your body, but all your purse or wallet! :O)
Protein as you know is essential in the body to ensure the body functions correctly, Protein is responsible for helping the body repair itself which in turn leaves you healthy & fit. it Protein is also important for hair and skin looking radiant and healthy!
While in the past when I would think of Hemp, I would connect that thought to hippies and peace signs, the truth now as I know it is that hemp actually has a great deal of nutritional value that I believe you should give a shot!
Hemp seeds are becoming if not already, a HUGE trend in Natural food not only for vegetarians and Vegans, but to all kinds of eaters. I believe this is due to the high protein value of the seeds. These seeds contain protein as well as a protein that your body can easily digest. For me that is HUGE because I have struggled with so many belly aches in the past from horrific synthetic proteins on the market today! If only I had know then! Hemp does not cause gas and bloating!
This valuable little seed also contains each of the nine essential amino acids that your body needs in order to function properly! BAM! I know you are getting excited now!11 more amino acids can be found in hemp which can help strengthen the health of the body. High in fatty acids, and fiber, your body will absorb these amazing nutrients right up!
I am definitely going to use hemp over soy in the future! Soy is an excellent source of protein and has many versatile uses, however Hemp has several advantages over soy. In powdered form, Soy is often processed with a solvent which has a negative impact on the environment and it could also be damaging to our own health. Hemp Protein Powder is extracted in a technique called, cold pressing. Absolutely no heat or chemicals are used. This is not only beneficial to the environment it ensures valuable vitamins and minerals are not destroyed and the proteins are not denatured during processing. Hemp grows very easily without the need for herbicides or pesticides. Soy is typically farm using Genetically Modified (GM) techniques.
If you want to strengthen your immune system, and keep your body free from toxins, start using this Fabulous Green Goddess Approved Seed!
In tomorrows blog, I will post some recipes for you!
XO Tina
Good Morning my friends! Can you believe this weather! It has me getting out of bed way too early! I love this Indian Summer! It's going to be 85 here today in NY! LOVING IT! I just may run to my gym again today!
Woke up this morning and prepped a container of the Cereal from my Thrive book. Also got a little container of the Hemp Vanilla milk all ready to go. As soon as I sat down, I got my little breakfast ready and started chowing down! The texture was soft and gooey, yet chunky pieces. It was very dark from the chocolate hemp and the molasses. I'm in love! It's so tasty, so light, LOVE the hemp vanilla milk, and it hits the spot! It has all of the RIGHT ingredients in it without all the JUNK you see on the shelves in the food store! One batch makes about 4 cups of cereal. I measured out one cup this morning. The true test will be how long it tales before my belly starts to growl! :O) Usually I eat a Lara bar at 9:30.
I decided that I will take it day by day with the Thrive book, and just test out all the recipes before I follow the plan religiously. I am enjoying it so far, and I already feel like I have more energy! Eating things like dates before a run, switching my source of protein powder to Hemp, and switching from almond to hemp milk have been great! My body likes these foods. The reaction is better energy and sleep, and one more great thing...I popped up out of bed 20 minutes earlier than normal wake up time!
I weighed in this morning at 110.4lbs
Here is my workout for today:
UBE warm up- 2 minutes forward 2 minutes backwards
2 sets of NO assisted pullups
Low seated cable row
push ups off a bosu
unilateral shoulder press
2 sets- 15 reps moderate weight
Spring is in the air! I wish! I know the dreaded winter is coming soon...UGH BUT! It's beautiful here in NY, almost like it's really spring! I took total advantage of it yesterday! I got home from training my girls around 11:00, cleaned the house, made Mario's lunch, and charged my Ipod. Today was an outside run! I ran from Harrison to Mamaroneck to my Gym- Equinox Fitness. Went inside and did some foam rolling, stretching and my rehab exercises for my right patella. Still feeling great, I ran all the way home. WOW! SO beautiful! I felt great! Total run was 6 miles! :O)
As for the Thrive plan, I didn't follow it today(Tuesday). However, I looked through the book for Wednesdays plan, and I saw the cereal recipe, OMG!!!! After dinner, I decided to make a batch of it and eat it. Here is what is in it:
Since I became a Vegan almost one year ago (this October), one thing I have continuously been searching for are other Vegans....WHO ARE ATHLETES or share a passion for HEALTH and FITNESS as I do. A while back I stumbled upon this Ironman Triathlete, Brendan Brazier on a website somewhere (I forget). Anyway, He is of of the few PROFESSIONAL athletes who eats a diet 100% plant based! WHOAH! I couldn't believe it! How does he do it? What does he do for protein? Not only is he professional ironman triathlete, but also a two-time Candian 50k Ultra Marathon Champion!
I also learned that he is the creator of the VEGA line and 100% raw energy bars. WOW! I am in AWE of this guy and I don't even know him personally! After reading about him for a while, trying his Vega- Whole food life optimizer (I am addicted), enjoying his Vega 100% raw energy bars, I decided to take it to the next level, and purchase his book- Thrive: The Vegan Nutrition Guide to Optimal Performance in Sports and Life . I couldn't WAIT to get it! I ordered from Barnes and Noble and within 2 days it was shipped ot my door! YEAH!
This is the one and only nutrition book for Vegan Athletes! It includes a plan that will help you develop a lean body, sharp mind, and everlasting energy, whether you’re a professional athlete or simply looking to boost your physical and mental health. Brendan researched and developed this easy-to-follow program to enhance his performance as an elite endurance athlete. Brendan clearly describes why it’s easier for the body to utilize nutrient-rich foods in their natural state than refined, processed foods and how to choose nutritionally efficient, stress-busting whole foods to maximize energy and health. And because plant-based foods are more environmentally friendly to produce, you’ll also help the planet while improving your personal health.
This book starts out with a foreward from Hugh Jackman! YES! The actor from Wolverine! He says how he incorporated most of Brendan's reicpes and products and started to think differently about food and how he treats his body with nutrition. What he also realized was how to treat his body with respect! He notcied his stress levels decreased, he had more energy and most important, BETTER sleep!
I love how he doesn't count calories! I don't either! I think you become a slave to your food this way! In so many ways this book is just like how I live my life. Lots of preperation because you are eating raw and whole food meals! NOTHING processed! Brendan includes sports drink recipes, energy drinks, smoothies, energy bars, and fabulous meal recipes
I won't spoil it for you, but here are the things the Thrive Diet will do (if you follow it)
***reduce biological age
increase life expectancy
help reduce body fat and mantain lean muscle
increase energy without sugar or caffeine
increase strength and endurance
improve productivity
improve mental clarity
improve sleep quality
reduce sleep requirements
improve resistance to infection
quicken recovery from exercise
reduce or eliminate sugar cravings
increase desire to excel
100% vegan and around 50% raw, making fibrous veggies and fruits the cornerstone of thi diet, with whole grain cooked starches like brown rice and and starchy veggies (like yams and squashes) constituting less than 10% of calories consumed. The main protein sources are nuts, veggies and lentils. No dietary supplements and allergen causing substances like corn, soy, peanuts or gluten. Brendan avoids acid-forming foods. This diet incorporates a lot of nuts, seeds and healthy oils (like hemp oil & coconut oil)
This past weekend, I got my food list from the book and headed out to Whole Foods in Darien CT (which is freaking amazing). I purchased things I never thought I would! I thought I was already eating super amazing, but what I have been lacking is protein. I bought Mung Beans! I bought Adzuki Beans!
In the book there is a meal plan to follow for a few weeks, so I decided to try it out and get all the ingredients for the meals.
On todays plan, breakfast is: wild rice yam pancakes with agave nectar and fruit. I found this recipe super easy to make, because I was prepared, but hard to make into pancakes! I tried my hardest, and ended up with weird shaped pancakes that were runny. I tried to refridgerate them, to harden them up. They are still on the soft side, and quite honestly, I wasn't crazy about the taste, BUT I GET AN "A" for effort- Sorry Brendan. I didn't end up eating them this morning. I had my Ezekiel toast with almond butter and a banana.
Next on the plan for today is an ENERGY BAR- I made the Apple Cinnamon Energy bars. These require no baking! I love that. you mix all ingrdients in a food processor and press into a baking sheet and cut into squares. I put them in the freezer. Last night I made Mario test one, he LOVED THEM! I am excited to try one today inplace of my Lara Bars!
I had the Apple cinnamon energy bar for a snack at work around 9:30, which is usually when I have my Lara bar each day, and within 5 minutes I was starving. Surprising, because the Lara bara hold me over for 2-3 hours...hmmm, could I just be that hungry today?
I am not doing the lunch that is on the plan, but I am doing a smoothie for my post workout- Here it is:
4 tbsp Chocolate hemp protein
8 oz vanilla hemp milk
1/2 cup frozen cherries
1 tbsp chollryphyl
2 tbsp bee pollen
YUMMMMMM!
I was running around all afternoon because we had a family gathering for all the September birthdays at a place called Sam's of Gedney way in White Plains. My parnets have been going there for over 20 years! Since they were up from FLorida we all got together and celebrated!
I had a HUGE arugula salad, and a bowl of rigatonis with broccoli & tomatoes. Not what I noramlly would have eaten, but since I had a crazy workout, ran around all afternoon, and was STARVING, I needed to eat! Tomorrow is a new day!
This weekend was incredible! The weather reminded me of California! Ahhhh! Nicole (my friend) and I went for an amazing run outdoors! Check it out! I was so proud of us!
on Ahh...so as usual, I am seriously working harder and harder on my weaknesses in the gym, including my mental weaknesses at times. Before I left for Cali, I was running EVERYDAY! I mean, hills, sprints, long runs, 2 times a day runs...you catch my drift. Anywho...Once I got to Cali, I ran 3 total mornings and that's it! It felt great to relax the legs, but at the same time I was worried I may get weak in the legs and lose my endurance. So When I got back, my running sneakers were screaming at me from my closet begging me to go for a run! My first day back to running back on August 30th, 2010, I had it in my journal to run 4 miles. Usually 4 miles is NOTHING for me and my legs and endurance, but I couldn't do the whole run without stopping-GRR! What normally would have taken me 37 minutes, took me 56 minutes, because I had to walk a few times during the run. I know what I can do and I have done it for the past year, but for some reason, I am having a hard time getting back into it and going full force.
Here is what I have been doing:
August 30th- 4 mile run/walk...56 minutes
Along with some upper body & abs.
****************************************** August 31st- Warm u p on the ROWER! :O) 500 meters in 2 minutes 20 sec. Rounds: do as many rounds in 5 minutes of:
3 pull ups NON-assisted
5 push ups
7 squats
This will get your heart rate through the roof!
Push superset #1-
incline dbell press
dbell military press
skull crushers 3 sets, 15 reps, 90 sec rest between
Ugh! I have been running now for OVER a year consistently. I started out super slow and worked my way up to running 5-6 times a week. I have been doing awesome and I am happy to report that I am getting faster, stronger and so much leaner! I LOVE IT!
In California, we did sooooo much walking, we biked and well in San Fran, we walked up and down the streets, and if you know anything about San Francisco, you know that these streets are straight up and straight down! With that being said, without running everyday, I managed to keep my legs fit strong and in great shape! I even came back from Cali 2 lbs lighter! Imagine that! :O)
When I came home to get right back into my running routine, I noticed after the first week, my right knee started to act a little funky. At first I thought, ehh, it's nothing...I just need to do a little more foam roller. Well it turned out to really bother me for 3 days where I had to ice it for 40 minutes, 3 times a day, pop 2 advil every 4 hours, elevate it any chance I got, and well, yeah, I had to stop my running! So I missed 1 long run, which mentally CRUSHED me and my EGO!
Runners knee is a common ailment among runners. It usually causes aching pain around the kneecap.Runner's knee isn't really a condition itself. It's a loose term for several specific disorders with different causes.
Some ways you may get Runners knee are:
Overuse. Repeated bending of the knee can irritate the nerves of the kneecap. Overstretched tendons (tendons are the tissues that connect muscles to bones) may also cause the pain of runner's knee.
Direct trauma to the knee, like a fall or blow.
Misalignment. If any of the bones are slightly out of their correct position -- or misaligned -- physical stress won't be evenly distributed through your body. Certain parts of your body may bear too much weight. This can cause pain and damage to the joints. Sometimes, the kneecap itself is slightly out of position.
Problems with the feet. Runner's knee can result from flat feet, also called fallen arches or overpronation. This is a condition in which the impact of a step causes the arches of your foot to collapse, stretching the muscles and tendons.
Runner's knee is also called patellofemoral pain syndrome.
patellofemoral (AKA)Pain around the patella(kneecap).The patella femoral joint is the joint between the femur (thigh bone) and the patella. The biomechanics of this joint are important to consider when explaining patella femoral pain syndrome. The patella sits in a groove on the femur (the trochlear groove). As the knee moves the patella glides across the front of the knee in this shallow groove. The patella moves up and down, tilts and rotates and there are therefore various points of contact between the patella and the femur.
Here are some of my symptoms and symptoms of Runner's Knee:
Pain behind or around the kneecap, especially where the thighbone and the kneecap meet. (I have this)
Pain when you bend the knee -- when walking, squatting, kneeling, running, or even sitting.
Pain that's worse when walking downstairs or downhill.
Swelling.
Popping or grinding sensations in the knee.
The best treatment for Runner's Knee is to REST as much as possible....EVEN if you are like me a crazy obsessed lunatic who worries about missing a run or two...Resting is a must! Runner's Knee usually will heal on its own, and is usually nothing serious....Icing the knee will really help. You should aim to ice for 20-30 minutes or until the pain is gone. I did 40- minutes of icing. I couldn't feel ANYTHING after I was done icing, I think I froze my knee cap! LOL! It worked though! I also used a strap which really helped while I was training in the gym, and also working (training my clients). As soon as I was ready to relax at night, I would pop some Advil and elevate my leg.
A few notes: note on Advil and other anti-inflammatory painkillers, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs), I NEVER took Advil for anything. I NEVER take Tylenol, I don't like any medicine for pain, so I wasn't worried about these side effects, but if you regularly take these things, be careful....these drugs can have side effects, like an increased risk of bleeding and ulcers. They should be used only occasionally, unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.
Always make sure before you RUN, you do some DYNAMIC warm ups. When you are done working out or running, you stretch and use the foam roller to keep your IT bands healthy.
Don't rush to get out there and run, or squat or jump or hop! EASE back into your routine slowly! Otherwise your Runner's Knee could get serious and you may have to end up getting surgery!
You know you're okay to run and workout again when you feel no more pain and you get straighten and bend your knee normally.
As I always tell clients who "JUST WANT TO RUN AND NOT TRAIN WITH WEIGHT" There's a lot you can do to prevent runner's knee. You should:
Workout with weights focusing on your Quads. Keeping your muscles strong and limber will help you to be a more efficient injury free runner.
Make sure you are wearing proper sneakers. DON'T wear you everyday sneakers for running and vice versa! Support in your sneakers is HUGE! GO to NIKE in the Westchester Mall (white Plains) and tell them I sent you! They are amazing at finding the proper shoe FOR YOU!
If you can, try not to run on the sidewalk. Run on gravel, grass and or the street will be better, or better yet and CLAY track, like the one at Rye High School! It's AWESOME!
Well, my knee started bothering me on a Friday.....Last Friday...By Monday I was running again, and I was fine, because I took all the right steps in order for the pain to go away...and a few prayers to the big man upstairs (GOD).
XO
I hope you are treating your knees with respect!
While at the Farmer's Market in San Francisco, I was reading a sheet of paper that had all the fruits and veggies listed and what month they were in season. Since we have been eating so much zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, kale collard greens, broccoli and cauliflower, I dedcided it is time to switch things up and try something different. I have always like Brussel Sprouts, but Mario & Tyler do not. SO I mentioned it to Mario, and he said, "sure, let's try it, why not". I went to Whole Foods and food these BEAUTIFUL little look-a-likes to cabbage. They are a teeny bit smaller than a golf ball, firm, and bright green and white. They were beauties! I grabbed a whole bunch! I figured that just boiling them would be boring. I knew how much my family LOVEs roasted veggies so I decided I would roast them, along with fresh garlic and red onions. This recipe is super easy, super nutritious and very tasty along with a side of Turkey Meatloaf, or what I had as a side was quinoa and Lentils! YUM!
Directions... ..Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. ...Line a baking sheet with Parchment or aluminum foil. ....Drizzle some REALLY good Olive oil on the sheet. .....On a cutting board, chop the brussel sprouts in half and lay them down white side up .......dice 1/2 a red onion and place on the baking sheet .........mince 4 cloves of garlic- we like a lot! ..........drizzle more olive oil on top of the veggies ...........Sprinkle some sea salt & fresh cracked pepper .............Cook at 400 degrees for 35 minutes or until it reaches your desired crunchiness
Brussels Sprouts were named after the capital of Belgium where it is thought that they were first cultivated. They are also one of the few vegetables to have originated in northern Europe.
Brussels sprouts look like miniature heads of cabbage. They are similar to cabbage in taste, but they are slightly milder in flavor and denser in texture. Brussels sprouts and cabbage are members of the cruciferous vegetable family.
These vegetables contain significant amounts of the antioxidants vitamin C and beta-carotene (vitamin A), and nitrogen compounds called indoles which may reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Brussels sprouts are a good source of vegetable protein, because 31% of the calories come from protein. Do remember though that it is an incomplete source of protein and should be complemented with whole grain foods during the course of the day.
Most Brussels sprouts are grown in California. They are available all year round, but their peak-growing season is in autumn through early spring.
Choose firm compact sprouts that are bright green in color. Fresh Brussels sprouts should be displayed chilled. If they are kept at room temperature, their leaves will turn yellow quickly. Yellow or wilted leaves are signs of age or mishandling. Old sprouts also have a strong, cabbage-like odor. It is best to choose sprouts individually from bulk displays rather than pint or quart tubs. Choose small, firm, compact sprouts with unblemished leaves. Select sprouts that are similar in size. This will allow them to cook more evenly. Avoid sprouts that are puffy or soft.
Do not wash or trim sprouts before storing them, but yellow or wilted outer leaves may be remove. If you have purchased sprouts that have been packaged in a cellophane-covered container, take off wrapping, examine them, remove any that are in bad condition, return them to container, re-cover with cellophane, and refrigerate. If the sprouts are not fresh, return them to the store. Place loose sprouts in perforated plastic bag. Fresh sprouts will keep for 3–5 days.
Remove any yellow or wilted outer leaves. Trim stem ends. Be careful not to trim stems flush with the bottoms, or the outer leaves will fall off during cooking. Cut a shallow "x" in the base with a small, sharp knife. This will allow the heat to penetrate the solid core so that it cooks as quickly as the leave.
Make Brussels Sprouts Part of Your 5 A Day Plan
Blanched Brussels sprouts are a great addition to salads, as snacks, or as part of vegetable trays. Brussels sprouts have a hearty flavor and tend to go better with flavorful foods such as beef, sharp cheeses, or with stronger seasoned foods. They also make a tasty addition to soups, stews, and casseroles.
This has taken me a whole week to do this blog! Sorry!
We just got back form our fabulous vacation in California! OH my! I honestly thought I wouldn't like it as much as I like Scottsdale Arizona (lived there), but quite honestly, I FREAKING LOVE CALIFORNIA! ALL OF IT! I could write for hours why, but let me go ahead and fill this blog with our fantastic memories of a fun filled, romantic, adventurous and relaxing getaway.
We started in San Diego- and stayed at the Hotel Del Coranado. This place was BEAUTIFUL!
Built in 1888, this classic beachfront respite has long been heralded as one of America’s most beautiful beach resorts. A pronouncement underscored by its designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
this was the back of Hotel on the beach!
As soon as we checked into our room, we changed into our swim suits, headed to the outdoor restaurant, and had a delicious lunch while looking onto the beach filled with families, surfers, sun goddesses and more. While eating I happened to notice lots of fighter Jets going over us, along with helicopters, and private jets. When I asked Mario about this he had told me that It's home to the North Island U. S. Naval Air Station and the U. S. Navy SEALS center! I almost DIED! I had HOPED to see some Navy Seals in training on the beach.! I loved hearing the planes go over us all day and all night.
Our little toes
Mario & I finally got our feet in the sand to relax and enjoy each other with NO distractions, stress, or work! AHH!
my baby!
one of the fighter planes!
It warms my heart to watch my husband relax after working so hard day in and day out. Yes, I work hard too, but this man does it ALL! I am so proud of him!
So The first night I decided I would get up early and go for a nice run along the beach...I wasn't going to miss out on this experience! Duh! I was in a BEAUTIFUL PLACE right on the beach! So I started running around 7:00am...to my surprise, so was everyone else! While running, i happened to glace to my left, and OMG! the FREAKING NAVY SEALS were training on the beach! I got the goosebumps! Their Base was about 1 mile away from our hotel, so I ran right to the base gate, and turned around and ran back. I ran past our hotel in the other direction and to my surprise, ANOTHER group of Navy Seals on the beach! I was so excited to tell Mario!
So as we were sitting outside eating breakfast, the Seals (about 50) all got together IN FRONT OF THE HOTEL, to do their CHANT in front of us...I got up from my table and RAN to the beach to watch them...as I was filled with goosebumps and tears of pride for these men & WOMEN who fight for our country! This tops my list of the best things about my vacation!
Here is a little peak at what goes down RIGHT at our hotel!
More about San Diego here:
So sad to leave San Diego and eh-hum, the Navy Seals, it was time to explore some more of what Cali has in store for us.We were on our way to Lajolla & Newport Beach.
So while we were in San Diego on the beach, Mario mistakenly kicked sand in my NEW camera. It was destroyed! I was so upset and didn't know what to do. Well, I had to get some disposable cameras. I wasn't happy about it, so while in La Jolla, we found a camera shop and I got a GREAT new camera, that takes super awesome pics!
La Jolla in Spanish means "The Jewel". It is the Jewel of America's finest city, San Diego.
La Jolla is 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. It has wonderful beaches. La Jolla is known to be one of the most affluent communities in the United States, it has a down to earth feel due to the beautiful natural scenery and the helpfulness of its residents. In addition to fine restaurants, beautiful beaches, hotels and art galleries, La Jolla is home to renowned institutions, such as the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Stephen Birch Aquarium & Museum. We didn't get to go to either of these fabulous places, due to our time limit-
We were on our way to New Port Beach to see our good friends Ray & Alicia who live there 6 months out of the year! WOW! They took us to their club for lunch- What a breathtaking place! Mario & I truly enjoyed our friends their club and their beautiful home! SOOOO amazing- this California!
test pic with the new camera
Mario & Ray
After lunch we had to get back on the road to go and visit our friends Stacy, Jaro & their little BELLA NYA! Jaro & Mario have been friends for many years going back. Jaro & Mario have kept in touch and have a great long distance friendship. They have a house about 3-5 blocks away from the beach! You can't beat the location! It's amazing!
NYA, Uncle Mario & Jaro
We all went to this Mexican Restaurant close to Stacy & Jaro's house along with Stacy's cousins Kelly & her INCREDIBLY brilliant and adorable daughter Kayla. We had the BEST time with this group of people. SO humble, so down to earth and sooo happy! We didn't want to leave them!
Mario, Stacy, Jaro & Nya
Kayla & Tina- Best buds!
Me & my lovie!
Stacy, Kayla, Jaro, Nya, Mario & kelly
Sunset on the beach!
Sad to leave them, but we had to get on the road and head for Santa Monica...Little did I know this place would STEAL MY HEART!
We stayed at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica , this hotel was GREAT in EVERY WAY!
Our expectations were definitely exceeded here! Our room was FABULOUS with a fabulous view of the pool and the beach. The hotel staff couldn't be more friendly and helpful. The food, I could rant about for days! Everything we ate and drank there was superb! FIG is the hotel restaurant where we would have breakfast everyday. Its the first time I ever had a TOFU scramble! It was amazing! Their menu was great because you could be a hearty eater, a vegetarian or a vegan (like me) and they had something to satisfy each and every person!
tofu scramble
beet juice, blackberries & soy milk
our view from breakfast every morning
every morning Mario would read the NY times
We loved this hotel for so many reasons! It was so close to EVERYTHING! It was right across the street from the beach, a few blocks from the Third Street Promenade, Close to the Santa Monica Pier, and right near the PCH!
The first morning, Mario and I got up and went for breakfast and then off for a nice long walk along the beach....
Here are some of the beautiful and fun things we saw along our walk!
from the beach looking up
see the Santa Monica Pier??
The mountains were so beautiful! They reminded me of Arizona. It was one of the things I loved about living there. Just to drive and be surrounded by Palm trees and mountains! How could anyone NOT love that!
I am super obsessed with Palm trees ever since I lived in AZ! LOVE THEM! They are a sign of BEAUTIFUL warm weather and sunshine! They just do something to me. Every time I would look at one I would smile, and I would feel my whole body relax! Is it a sign???
I had to!
These stairs take you from the beach to the street where our hotel is
We strolled along the Third Street Promenade, which is Downtown and 30 city blocks of retail stores, entertainment and dining. Within blocks of the Promenade are the beach, Palisades Park and Santa Monica Pier.
Gorgeous!
Sonoma Wine Garden restaurant
Between Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Pier, it's , one-of-a-kind place to shop, savor and socialize. Santa Monica Place is a modern shopping and dining destination custom-created for the fashionable and flavorful Santa Monica frame of mind. We LOVED it here! We ate at the Sonoma Wine Garden. From the outside of the restaurant you would think it's a wine bar, come to find they have a delicious menu! I of course HAD to have a glass of champagne! It was sooo tasty! ;o)
After strolling all day on foot, we decided to go back to our room for a snack and some relaxing before dinner. Mario would sit on our deck and read, while I showered and got ready. The sun would beam in our room, You could hear the ocean and also the kids playing in the pool below us! I had relaxing music playing and I just felt like we were in Paradise!
After dinner, we took the car and drove around and found our way to Rodeo Drive...I really didn't get to enjoy it that much because it was dark,...but It was nice to see it. I know for sure, we will be going there during the day....:O)
remember River Phoenix died outside of The Viper Room?
The next morning we get up and walk to the Starbucks for our coffee, and decided to stroll around the third street promenade, because we really LOVED it! We stumbled upon a HUGE Farmer's Market! For more than 20 years, the Farmers’ Market in Downtown Santa Monica has been bringing customers a wide selection of California-grown produce. Every week of the year, two Certified Farmers' Markets sell a variety of top-quality, fresh, seasonal produce from the familiar to the exotic! This place was RIGHT UP MY ALLEY! Mario had to pick my jaw up from the floor! It is ANY Vegetarian or Vegans favorite place to be!
Do you see the size of this avocado!?
BEANS BEANS and MORE BEANS!
We just envisioned living here and coming to the market every week for the FRESHEST produce, beans, nuts etc! At this very moment I wanted to pack my things in NY and live here in Santa Monica!
ZUCCHINI GALORE!
Some sort of exotic fruit!
The BEST nuts EVER! Pistachios!
Here you see a pistachio tree! I NEVER saw one! The guy who was selling all these nuts grows them right on his farm! Can you imagine! I had to buy a bag to taste the difference, and well, while I thought Whole Foods was the place to get the freshest of the fresh, Whole Foods couldn't hold a candle to this place. Everything we looked at was GIANT, bright, vibrant and so delish!
The biggest artichokes EVER!
Mario & I were cracking up at the size of these artichokes! They must have weighed about 2lbs each! They look like pom poms! Green ones! It was a bummer we were in a hotel room and not a condo or something, so we could buy all the veggies we love and cook them right up! The only things we could buy were fruit & nuts. :O(
SO after leaving the Farmer's Market, we decided to hop in the Mustang and head over to the UCLA Campus! I was so excited to it, but Mario was even more excited to show me!
WOW!
UCLA
I want to be a student here!
I couldn't get over how pristine this campus was! I totally wish I were a freshman going to this school this year! Ahh, if I only I could go back...I would LOVE to be a part of such a great school, and what about walking to each class and having to look at the scenery here everyday! These kids have the LIFE!
So I was making a little video tape of the campus for Tyler, and we actually got to see the girls soccer team, so I started to video it. This adorable little blond with a sweet voice told me that we were not allowed to make videos of the practices, that it is against the school rules. So I apologized and shut the video camera, but asked if she would take a picture with me for my son, so she did! She was super sweet and sooo nice to do that for us!
Kerry UCLA Girls Soccer Team Manager & Tina
GRRRRR!
A little history of the bear: "In 1984, "The Bruin," a gift from the UCLA Alumni Association, was unveiled before a crowd of nearly 1,000 alumni celebrating the association's first half-century. Measuring 10 feet long, 6 feet wide, 3 feet across and weighing more than 2 tons, the statue was billed at that time as the largest bear sculpture in the United States. It reminds me of Mario at the end of the day! Just kidding honey! XO
In 1948, Former UCLA coach, John Wooden created the Pyramid of Success. This building block of philosophy is his basis for basketball and life. I think EVERY school should have this poster hung up where every student can read it EVERYDAY!
PYRAMID OF SUCCESS
After shopping in the Campus store for some gifts, it was time to head to Rodeo Drive for some lunch, and sight-seeing!
Just pretty flowers at our table!
love it!
When you go up these stairs, there are more shops, and places to eat. The place was so clean, so pretty and NOT crowded at all!
This reminded us of ROMA!
For Tyler, we took this
Are you KIDDING ME!
The entrance for RALPH LAUREN!
While eating lunch, we would just people watch, and check out all the really fancy cars that would park right out front! It was really amazing to see all different types of people and cars.
Playing with my new camera!
my babe!
SO the next day we decide to BEACH it up! It was a Sunday, and of course the sun was shinning and it was just so beautiful out! I was DYING to see Malibu so off we went to Malibu Beach. We drove the PCH to get there! What a drive! All you see is water to your left and mountains filled with beautiful homes to your right! More in love I fell!
From our car...I was getting picture crazy! I won't share ALL my photos, because you will be here FOREVER! These are the great ones!
Can you see the water in the pic? It's a little bit darker than the sky! AHH!
We are here! This sign was posted at the beach, I thought it was the cutest thing! The beach was so cool! They had BEDS outside on bamboo frames, they had chair under a bamboo roof, or chairs you could rent with an umbrella...We just got the chairs and umbrella, but I thought it was such a great idea, and wondered why they don't do this at all beaches!
There was a lot of sea weed, and some of it was so funky looking! Kinda looked like a greenish yellow balloons filled with water!
This picture reminded me of Sorrento! The sky, the mountains and the water! When we got there, around 10am is was so peaceful and quit, but within an hour, the place was PACKED with families!
There is my husband....No one loves the ocean more than him! He craves being in the water and looks forward to it each summer! I love love watching him, he's like a little boy! He begged me to go in, but I get grossed out except for in Bermuda where I can see my feet! I am afraid to step on something slimy!
This seaweed was sooo weird!
Loved my suit this year! Trina Turk, for those of you who asked me....She makes the most flattering suits!
Here is a little peak at the bamboo tops over the beds. These are great for moms with little babies! The sun is completely off of you!
Yea, see? I tried! it was cold, and i felt something slimy, so NOPE I am NOT going in!
Me & my amazing husband! We had a great day! Talked with great people saw two famous people...Mariel Hemingway was there, and she is quite beautiful! And someone else, but we forgot what hit show she was on, she was someones mom.....GRR!.
We ate lunch at Dukes, which was RIGHT ON THE BEACH, literally, your table is in the sand under tents! The coolest thing! It was an hour-2 hour wait for lunch, but sooo worth it! I had an enormous veggie burger and salad, that was out of this world! Mario's Jumbo shrimp were Quite delicious he said!
Ahhh! What a great relaxing day! We stayed for about 5 hours, I looked at Mario and myself, and realized we had ENOUGH sun, we were both RED! We didn't even realize it since there was such an amazing breeze!We just chilled out for the rest of the afternoon... But MONDAY morning OH MAN! We decided to rent bikes, sounds relaxing right? A nice little bike ride on the beach sightseeing and just enjoying and taking it all in...HA!
We started our bike ride at 10am in Santa Monica right on the beach- where there is a path. We rode to Venice beach, which was cool there was an outdoor skateboarding rink for the kids and adults to do all kinds of tricks! It was actually really cool!
Then we get to VENICE BEACH out door gym! I was so amazed that I finally got to see this! Honestly, I thought we would see all kinds of people working out outside, bodybuilder, figure girls...But I guess it was early, because as you can see in the pics, hardly anyone was there....
And back on the road for the remainder of our bike trip! During this bike ride, we covered Santa Monica, Venice beach, Marina Del Rey, El Porto Beach, and our final stop- Manhattan Beach!
It ended up being a 16.8 mile ride THERE and a 16.8 mile ride BACK!
This was BEFORE I knew we would be on these bikes ALLLLLLL DAY! Now don't get me wrong! I LOVE moving, I love excerpt and I love being fit and running, but this was way longer than I expected!
When we got to Mahnattan beach, I was SO dehydrated, burnt, and my legs are shaken uncontrollably! Mario just looked at me and couldn't understand why ME- a runner would have a hard time biking! he doesn't understand how different workouts and cardio uses different muscles! GRR! So Manhattan Beach was amazing! We locked up our bikes and walked up hill into town were we stumbled upon this GREAT little spot on the top of the hill- at this little GEM- The Ocean View Cafe . I had a GREAT big enormous salad and a veggie wrap! SO YUMMY! SO well deserved after that FREAKING bike ride! We sat outside and really all you could see was the sky & the water! Insane!
Well, guess what! We stuffed our bellys and NOW it was time to head back...At one point I wanted to cry! I couldn't get back fast enough! At one point Mario was so hot he dropped his bike and ran into the ocean, I honestly would have done the same, but no swim suit! GRR!
SUn was going down and this is about 7pm, we had showered, relaxed and a MUCH needed FEAST was ahead of us! LOL! I needed a freaking glass or PROSECCO after that ride!
As you can tell by our pics, we got LOTS of sun on our ride, and I must tell you, we both wore sunblock! There was NOT a cloud in the sky, NO humidity, no trees for shade, so you couldn't feel the burn from the sun!
YUP! I got my glass of Prosecco! I sucked it down in about a minute!
SO pretty the pier was at night!
What an experience! I thought driving down the Amalfi Coast was beautiful..... this twisting, cliff-hugging, 123-mile route along the central California coast takes about five hours to complete if you are just cruising. Designated an All-American Road—among the nation's most scenic—the drive encompasses both the Big Sur Coast Highway and the San Luis Obispo North Coast Byway.
The route starts in Monterey, visits the art colony of Carmel, and threads through Big Sur, where mountains plunge into the Pacific. Farther south, the landscape mellows to oak-studded hills as the road passes Hearst Castle on its way to Morro Bay. We didn't stop and I did try to take a pic of the sign, but Mario was driving a little too fast! In places, the road has narrow shoulders and sharp drop-offs. This route can be tricky for RVs or other oversize vehicles. I couldn't believe how many motorcyclists there were...During the day it's fine, but these daredevils were flying around these sharp turns at night!
Can we talk about the ride along the PCH, where I freaked out because we saw ZEBRAS! OMG! I couldn't believe, we couldn't believe our eyes! They were so beautiful! We jumped out of the car camera and all, and ran to the fence, and they were about a 1/2 mile up...so I zoomed in and snapped away!
Here you can't really see them, but there are Sea Lions! they are so fat and lazy! So cool to see them as well! Mario met a new friend- the bird next to him.
The little squirrels would come out from under these logs and shrubs, come right up to you and basically ask for food! Mario ran to the car and grabbed almonds and as I put my hand down, this little guy came right up to me! So cute!
Join California Route 1 in Monterey The town served as California's capital under Spanish, Mexican, and American flags, and by the early 1900s boasted an important sardine industry. Surviving sites include the Royal Presidio Chapel, Monterey State Historic Park, Custom House, Casa Soberanes, Larkin House, and other adobe buildings, as well as touristy Fisherman's Wharf and Cannery Row, home of the celebrated Monterey Bay Aquarium. It was really beautiful over here!
After driving through Carmel Highlands, where impressive houses perch on granite cliffs above the sea, you reach the start of Big Sur, which extends 90 miles south to San Simeon. On this fcoastline, redwood groves reach the sky, the Santa Lucia Range plunges into the sea, and waves crash into the ragged rocks.
Route 1, opened in 1937, climbs higher than 1,000 feet above the sea.From Soberanes Point watch for sea otters, which are protected under California state law.
The road reaches the town of San Simeon. We drove right past the INFAMOUS Hearst Castle, which begun in 1919 by newspaperman William Randolph Hearst. Perched in the Santa Lucia Range, the 127-acre estate features the 115-room main house and guesthouses, which mix classical and Mediterranean Revival styles, using European architectural elements, antiques, and artwork collected by Hearst.We didn't stop, or go in, because we were on a mission to get to where we needed go go, and we were hungry!
We came upon this inn- The Ragged Point inn, which is half way between Los Angeles & San Francisco. This magical area, which was once part of the huge Hearst Ranch, immediately found a place in their hearts. We stopped here to stretch our legs, view some more of the breathtaking views, and relax for a moment! SOOOO peaceful, quiet and stunning!
Back on the road, can you imagine this! It all looks like a back drop! It looked so perfect, so fake!
Here we are, just loving this road trip, loving our vacation, loving each other! What more could we ask for? I'll tell you what...We started to get hungry, I was starting to get a little nauseous from the curvy turns, and I could see Mario's eyes starting to get glassy, so we found this place called Ventanna Inn and Spa.
In the mountains above the sea is this place of extraordinary beauty, a magnificent Central Coast California resort. In Spanish, Ventana means window, and no more fitting name could be chosen for this Big Sur resort. Ventana Inn & Spa is a window to the dramatic vistas of the Pacific ocean, along with the green and gold flowered hills of the rugged Big Sur Coast.
Sitting on a hillside overlooking the Pacific coastline, Ventana Inn is a luxurious Big Sur resort offering the ultimate in accommodations for those seeking a romantic getaway, luxurious escape or a relaxing vacation. While we didn't want to empty out our life savings to spend the NIGHT, we did have a FABULOUS dinner outdoors, looking in one direction at the ocean, only to turn our heads and stair at the mountains that started out green and brown, ended up bright red as the sun went down..... Located on 243 acres in the heart of Big Sur. This place is to DIE for...If you "GOT IT LIKE THAT" or you want to impress someone, well just go right here! ventana inn
Um, yeah, BRIGHT RED!
This was all ROSEMARY! An enormous Rosemary garden! The smell was one I will always remember!
see the light house?
From Carmel drive 3.5 miles south to Point Lobos State Reserve , a 550-acre park encompassing coves, headlands, meadows, tide pools, and the nation's first undersea ecological reserve, covering an additional 750 acres with kelp forests 70 feet high.
Ahh, and FINALLY, we arrive in Monterey Bay at the Portola Hotel . What a great hotel. I was just happy to get in the shower, and then a comfy big bed!We sure were POOPED from all the driving!
In the morning, we woke up for breakfast and then our walk around the Fisherman's Wharf. We got to see the beautiful big brown eyes of the most adorable seals! You could hear them barking for miles away! They are very friendly, nosy, fun, but they are shy too! They look like they have a ball with each other out in the water.
see that little head!
The Monterey Peninsula has been called the 'greatest meeting of land, sea and sky' in the world. We were in walking distance of the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, Old Fisherman's Wharf, and Monterey State Beaches, Monterey State Historic Park with its historic adobes and Cannery Row, which was made famous by John Steinbeck.
Santa Rosalia, patron saint of the Italian fisherman who came to Monterey at the beginning of the 20th century.
This statue was erected in 1929 "in memory of the Sicilian fishermen whose labors and pioneering spirit, at the beginning of the 20th Century, created and developed a great sardine industry and whose heritage and culture contributed significantly to the growth of the city and its surrounding area." Santa Rosalia has been adopted as the patron saint of Monterey's Italian fishermen.
ahh! The seals playing in the water
me, thinking about LIVING HERE!
Back in the car again! Now we were off on a 17-Mile Drive to Pebble Beach- Carmel-by-the-Sea.
17-Mile Drive is widely recognized as one of the most scenic drives in the world. The famous coastal landmark runs through Pacific Grove to Pebble Beach, from the dramatic Pacific coastline to the majestic Del Monte Forest. The awe-inspiring vistas and legendary sites can easily fill an entire day with exploration and discovery, although visitors with less time should not miss the opportunity to experience this wondrous journey as well. We were DROOLING at some of the treasures we found along 17-Mile Drive including The Lone Cypress – one of California’s best-known landmarks – Spanish Bay, Cypress Point Lookout and Carmel Bay. You can also see the emerald fairways of The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill and the world-renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links.
SOOTHING TO THE EYE!
As you can see, it wasn't exactly HOT outside! The breeze was unbelievable! As we got deeper into the ride, the sky was filled with dark clouds, as it kind of looked scary! Almost like a SUPER COLD January morning!
view from the 18th hole at a restaurant inside
Back in the car for a 2-hour drive to San Francisco! Our final destination! I am so sad!
Boy I had NO idea, as much as people told us, I guess I didn't listen too well, but SHEESH! The streets what an INCLINE and DECLINE!Also, it was VERY cold...Seeing people with scarves, and winter coats, after we were just on a beach 2 days ago, really threw us for a loop!
We did some sight-seeing of San Fran! What a cool city! very hilly, very clean, very foggy, but the air smells great, the people are great and we were just caught in the moment, we didn't realize how much we walked each day here up and down the hills! Talk about cardio!
Can you imagine? Someones home! They were all so unique, different and one more beautiful then the next!
right about here, my heart rate is around 165!~
Lombard Street is America's crookedest street. The steep, hilly street was created with sharp curves to switchback down the one-way hill past beautiful Victorian mansions. The street is paved with bricks and is an amazing site to see as demonstrated by the photos below.
If not for the byzantine curves, easing out this treacherous slope, people would be killed rolling down.
Some of the classiest and most expensive Real Estate in the city, exists on Lombard Street. This Russian Hill neighborhood, somehow possesses stately mansions, condos and townhouses, even with the endless array of tourists pouring down the street every day. In the spring and through the entire summer, Lombard Street is alive with color, as the chrysanthemums, and other well tended flowers are in full bloom. It is truly an incredible sight.
ALCATRAZ!
We didn't get to actually get on the ferry and go see it up close and personal, But! Here is a little history on this EARY, scary looking place!
Alcatraz Island is 22 acres and reaches 121 feet above sea level. Aside from the few natural rainwater collecting cisterns, the island has no source of fresh water.Deer mice, the only non-feathered residents along with banana slugs and slender salamanders, are believed to have originally arrived on Alcatraz by swimming across the bay.
Despite rumors, no Spanish dungeons ever existed on Alcatraz. Ownership was granted to Julian Workman in1846 by the Mexican Governor Pio Pico under the stipulation that he build a lighthouse. Later that year, John C. Fremont bought the island for $5000. The US government sued for possession in 1848.
Standing 166 feet above the water with a lens manufactured in France and costing over $15,000 to build, Alcatraz’s lighthouse was completed in 1854 and was the West Coast’s first. Two years later, the island’s foghorn was built. In foggy weather, it’s 1,000 pound bell was struck with 30 pound mechanical hammer every ten seconds.The garrison was completed in 1859 when 200 soldiers arrived to defend the port, then the 12th largest urban area in the country. The small rocky outcrop on the west side of the island, known as “Little Alcatraz”, was renamed “Paul Pry Rock” when the Paul Pry, a 330-ton excursion steamer shipwrecked in 1862.
While Alcatraz fired no shots during the Civil War, the island was armed with three 50,000 pound canons and its guns could simultaneously discharge 6,949 pounds of ammunition. Between 1861 and 1865, Alcatraz held a number of Confederate sympathizers, including 39 men who praised the assignation of President LincolnAlcatraz began holding Indian prisoners in1873, who refused to send their children to English only schools. In the wake of the 1906 earthquake, civilian prisoners were transferred to the island until the city’s jails could be rebuilt.When the three-story cellhouse was completed in 1912 it was the world’s largest steel-reinforced concrete structure. It stands to this day.
Al “Scarface” Capone helped inaugurate the new Federal Penitentiary in 1934 as one of its first prisoners. He was nicknamed “the wop with the mop” while on cleaning duty. On clear nights, inmates claimed they could hear the clang of cable cars and light chatter of evening cocktail parties in San Francisco. Despite 14 attempts by 36 prisoners over 29 years, no one ever successfully escaped Alcatraz. A $5 million repair bill, along with a well publicized escape attempt in 1962 lead Attorney General Robert Kennedy to close Alcatraz in 1963. Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1973. It now has over 1.4 million visitors a year. In 2003, work began to restore the historic gardens around Alcatraz that include the once thought extinct Welsh Rose. As Alcatraz is once again free of human residents, many of its wild former inhabitants have returned. Today over 100 different bird species visit the island, including the endangered peregrine falcon and brown pelican.
The Golden Gate Bridge!
We were both actually freezing in these two pics! It was so cloudy and so windy! But as soon as we walked up those streets, we warmed right up, that's for sure!
ahh, doesn't look so bad from here, right? HA!!!!! I decided to wear 4.5 inch heels to dinner this night! WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING! Half way down the hill, I had to get on Mario's back...While he thought it was cute, I was in pain, I was so mad, and didn't even talk to him! All I wanted was to hop on the trolley or in a cab, but NOPE! We walked the whole way! As mad as I was, as soon as we ended up at the restaurant to meet our old friend JOHN who used to live in NY, my bad mood was quickly forgotten! We haven't seen him in about 6 years! We used to work together at Equinox! We got a chance to catch up, and meet his awesome girlfriend Renata.
China Town in San Fran! SO nice!
Renata & John
We got to enjoy a great dinner and enjoy a few laughs! John & Renata toured us around San Fran at night. This was so much fun, as I DID NOT want the night to end! BUT! All good things must come to an end...and it was getting late. Mario & I turn into pumpkins!
me & my babe!
OFF TO NAPA VALLEY! We had to cross over the Golden Gate Bridge. SO awesome! All these experiences thus far, i think really made me grow even more as a person in 12 days! I am serious! :O) Mario again, was driving too fast, so I couldn't get one with my camera, but here is an awesome picture!
We couldn't believe all the miles of vineyards. Being in Napa reminded me of when we were in Tuscany, Italy! Just gorgeous views everywhere. we were in awe of the beauty.
We decided to go to the Robert Mondavi Winery and get a tour. A little more history here...Robert Mondavi, the son of Italian peasants who became the patriarch of the U.S. fine wine trade, died on May 16 at his home in California's Napa Valley. He was 94. His legacy as pioneering vintner, overly generous philanthropist, and member of a talented and immigrant family. He started as a lowly paid "cellar rat" in the 1930s and ended up founding a global wine empire that was sold for more than $1 billion after a bitter takeover battle in 2004—encompassing the changes that have engulfed the wine industry.
Born in 1913, Mondavi spent the early years of his life in Minnesota's Iron Range, where his parents had settled at the turn of the century. His mother ran a boarding house where sometimes 15 or more immigrant miners lived. His father began taking trips to California to buy wine grapes so members of the local Italian-American Club could make their own wine at home during the early years of Prohibition.
Eventually, the Mondavi family moved to the central California town of Lodi, where Robert Mondavi's father built such a successful business as a grape and fruit wholesaler that he was able to send his two sons, Robert, and his younger brother Peter, to Stanford University.
Before Mondavi graduated from college in 1936—the first member of his family to do so—his father asked him if he might be interested in entering the fine wine business. At that time, in large part because Prohibition had ended only a few years earlier, most U.S. wines were of poor quality and looked down upon as a beverage of southern European immigrants—dismissively called "dago red" and "dago white."
It was against that backdrop that Mondavi began working in the Napa Valley in 1936 and persuaded his family to purchase a derelict winery called Charles Krug in 1943. Robert's father imposed a single condition on his sons: that they work together to build the business.
The brothers worked hard, and by the 1950s the winery was attracting national attention. By resisting the urge to produce sweet wines, which were the top sellers in the 1940s and 1950s, and focusing instead on crisp, dry white wines, the "Mondavi boys"—as they came to be called—were on a roll.
There was a little garden where we waited for our tour guide. HUGE artichokes, beautiful flowers, more rosemary...
Their father died in 1959, and Robert, began taking trips to Europe to study winemaking techniques. It was a time when the U.S. was falling in love with French food and, along with Julia Child, Mondavi became an evangelist for the idea that food and wine were at the heart of the good life.
Long story short, Mondavi started his own winery five miles down the road from Charles Krug the following year, and to a court battle in 1976 that created a decades-long split between Robert, and his younger brother, Peter.
Meanwhile, the Robert Mondavi Winery gained the nickname "Mondavi University" because it was producing some of the country's finest winemakers, including the two who created the winning wines in the famous "Judgment of Paris" tasting of 1976 when French judges chose California wines above their nation's Grand Cru.
Two years later another moment occurred in the world's perception of U.S. wines: The Baron Philippe de Rothschild suggested a joint venture between his wine company and the Robert Mondavi Winery. The result was Opus One, a super-premium priced wine that proved Napa Valley bottles could take their place alongside those from Bordeaux as the world's finest.
Our tour guide gave us some of the grapes to taste... JUICY, tart (which I like) and so delish!
Robert Mondavi believed that the path to a more gracious lifestyle was found in the appreciation of wine, food, and art. Early-on in the winery’s history he chose a path of wine education as the toe-hold for consumers to experience what he meant by gracious living.
If you go back to the Greeks and Romans, they talk about all three - wine, food, and art - as a way of enhancing life. Robert Mondavi
Robert Mondavi Winery led a new wine and food culture that leapfrogged from America's coastal cities to the heartland, emphasizing education and becoming a pioneer in lifestyle marketing. Mondavi staged concerts in the vineyards and, with his second wife, Margrit Biever, hosted a "Great Chefs" program that brought many of the world's culinary stars to California.
As his own father had before him, Mondavi wanted his two sons, Michael and Timothy, to work in the family business. But, in a repetition of the family pattern, the siblings did not always get along with each other or their demanding father.
Robert Mondavi was always "very passionate that he [in California] have the soil, the climate, the grape varieties to make some of the best wines in the world. By God, somebody's going to do it, so we're going to do it."
OLIVE TREES!
Finally we get to sit and taste the wine! I am NOT a wine drinker nor do I know GREAT wine from bad wine, but the experience is one I will remember forever!
Our tour guide is explaining the step in which you take when you drink a glass of wine:
Swirl the wine in your glass. This is to increase the surface area of the wine by spreading it over the inside of the glass allowing them to escape from solution and reach your nose. It also allows some oxygen into the wine, which will help its aromas open up.
Note the wine's viscosity - how slowly it runs back down the side of the glass - while you're swirling. More viscous wines are said to have "legs," and are likely to be more alcoholic. Outside of looking pretty, this has no relation to a wine's quality but may indicate a more full bodied wine.
Sniff the wine. Initially you should hold the glass a few inches from your nose. Then let your nose go into the glass. What do you smell?
Take a sip of wine, but do not swallow yet. Roll the wine around in your mouth exposing it to all of your taste buds. You will only be able to detect sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami (think: meaty or savory). Pay attention to the texture and other tactile sensations such as an apparent sense of weight or body.
Aspirate through the wine: With your lips pursed as if you were to whistle, draw some air into your mouth and exhale through your nose. This liberates the aromas for the wine and allows them to reach your nose where they can be detected. The nose is the only place where you can detect a wine's aromas. However, the enzymes and other compounds in your mouth and saliva alter some of a wine's aromatic compounds. By aspirating through the wine, you are looking for any new aromas liberated by the wine's interaction with the environment of your mouth.
Take another sip of the wine, but this time (especially if you are drinking a red wine) introduce air with it. In other words, slurp the wine (without making a loud slurping noise, of course). Note the subtle differences in flavor and texture.
Note the aftertaste when you swallow. How long does the finish last? Do you like the taste?
Mario started to swish the wine around in his mouth, and all i could think about is that he may stain his pearly whites! I am so silly! I know!
This tour was a lot of fun, very educational because I had NO idea what goes into making wine. Know I have a new found respect for Wine....but still, my taste buds don't like it. We drove around ST. Helena for a few hours just cruising and sightseeing, with the stop down and the sun beating on us. Life is good, I tell ya!
We started to get hungry so we called ahead to this place called GO FISH. I was a little crabby with Mario because I assumed they wouldn't have enough of a veggie selection for me. When we were seated, I immediately saw 25 things I could eat, so my mood quickly shifted from grouchy to pleasant! Our waitress was awesome, the place was gorgeous!
This was my miso soup! Look at the beautiful color! The chunks of tofu were huge, the scallions were so fresh and the mushrooms were delish!
I had NEVER seen purple Basil!
Purple basil is grown for their color. Occasionally breeders will grow varieties that have the purple color. Purple basil is a great addition to your herb garden because not only does it add its wonderful flavor to Italian dishes and tomato-based dishes, it also smells good in plant form and is attractive as well. You can substitute purple basil in any recipe that uses regular basil. Start out with slightly less purple basil than you normally use because the flavor is more intense and you don’t want to overdo it.
This is Cindy Pawlcyn, The owner, who had come out to greet her guests. Mario and I were lucky enough to chat with her about her amazing restaurant, or shall I say ONE of her amaizng restaurants! She also owns Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen and Mustard, all of which INCREDIBLE, we hear!
When I asked the waitress for a salad, MAN did I get a salad...It was so beautiful to the eye, full of colors and gorgeous veggies! I was in heaven!
Mario ordered Fusilli with eggplant, sauce, garlic etc...Doesn't this look amazing??
Off to the Jaccuzi winery!
The Jacuzzi trek to America started in 1907, when Valeriano and Francesco Jacuzzi, the second- and third-born sons of Giovanni and Teresa Jacuzzi, immigrated to Washington to work on the railroad. A warmer climate beckoned and the pair eventually made their way to southern California. Years later, they were joined by four other brothers and eventually all went to work in the aviation industry. Soon they would make American history.To read the rest of the story, click here.
This place was so beautiful and reminded us a lot of some places in Italy! Another fabulous day in Cali and at this point, Mario is pooped, I am pooped, we went back to our hotel, and passed out! (Snore, Snore!)
When we woke up the next day, our last and final day, we went down to the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. We stumbled up on ANOTHER INCREDIBLE Farmer's Market! This Farmer's Market had it all! Roasted chickens, Hamburgers, fruits, veggies, a vean stand, well a few of those, We were overwhelmed!
The color of this rainbow chard was so vibrant, it almost looked like plastic!
Stinging Nettle is one I never heard of, so I am going to search for it here in NY and see what I come up with! It's supposed to be great for you!
Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of an enlarged prostate (called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), for urinary tract infections, for hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or in compresses or creams for treating joint pain, sprains and strains, tendonitis, and insect bites.
Look at the size of this PEACH! SHEESH!
ROUND green zucchini! I have NEVER!
This eggplant was in the shape of a mitten! How fun!
Who doesn't LOVE Sunflowers!
Mario was flipping over the bright colored peppers! SO many peppers! My ULTIMATE favorite! Basil! the smell, the taste! AHHH! ITALIA! What was so nice was to see all the farmers so proud of their produce nuts, etc. They were so friendly and wanted EVERYONE to try their stuff!
I loved the name of this company!
Here are tomatoes from Dirty Girl Produce! SO big and juicy!
Here is where I went BANANAS! I saw this raw vegan stand filled with these SUPER colorful juices and wraps. I ended up getting a TOFU, HUMMUS, Tomato, basil, sprout wrap...Wrapped in ROMAINE LETTUCE! It was out of this world!!!!
This is a shot of the BAY BRIDGE.
I was absolutely FREEZING on this picture, but we love this shot! the sky, the mountains, the water...and ME! :O)
And our last and final shot in Cali! This is the one Mario wanted all along, me, on a Trolley! It was super fun, we had a blast. We relaxed, laughed, bonded even more, saw great friends, met some new ones, and just REALLY LOVED CALIFORNIA!
We will be back there next summer! I hope you enjoyed this post on our experience, vacation and our pics.
XO
