Weekend Spotlight: Fiesta Asia

As another weekend comes to a close, all I can say is that it was a real beauty.  The temperatures outside were absolutely delightful.  You know what that means?  Outdoor activity!  Fortunately, this weekend was Fiesta Asia, a street fair and festival celebrating the diversity of Asian culture.  Awesome!  It wasn't a huge fair, which was a positive because it made navigating so much easier.  It was an all day extravaganza and I got to see belly dance from the Middle East, martial arts, and a parade of nations.  I also got to try some delicious food, as no street fair is complete without it.  I chose Thai cuisine and had Drunken Noodles, a Shrimp Roll, and some Thai Iced Tea.  Um...so delish! 

Anyway, why just describe it to you when I can show you?  Keep in mind the following:

1) This is my first video (I haven't done video editing in close to 2 years) using not very advanced editing tools. 

2) The volume during the audio portion is LOUD.  My bad, guys! But you've been warned :-)

Enjoy!

It's Friday!!!

For many people (myself included), Friday just brings utter joy.  Even when I worked on weekends, Monday-Thursday were always the most hectic days.  I love Fridays because it signifies a more relaxed atmosphere (people don't look so stressed), office workers often can embrace casual dress and it's just all around awesome.  In honor of Friday, here are a few feel good jams that keep my spirits high and my smile bright:

Bon Jovi- It's My Life

Jill Scott- Golden 

"I'm taking back my freedom!"

Marc Anthony- Vivir mi vida

"Voy a reír, voy a bailar
vivir mi vida la la la la
voy a reír, voy a gozar..."

Krosfyah- Pump Me Up

Soca classic jam!

Happy Friday!  Have a great weekend :-)

Happy30: You Better Work!

What's up world!  Happy Wednesday!  It's the middle of the week and I'm feeling amped.  In the past few posts, I've lamented how I've been off my fitness and nutrition game.  However, the lamenting is over because I'm back!  Even if you go off course, don't let moments of bad habits turn into a lifetime.  Just get back on course! 

To aid me in this effort, I needed to add something new.  How about a new challenge?  One of the ladies I follow on Instagram, the beautiful and positively awesome Thara Natalie, recently completed a 24-day abs and core challenge.  It comprises crunches, leg raises, and planks, all of which I can handle.  I'm on day 3 and it's going well.  In fact, I've been so tempted to do more than the quantities but I want to try this plan as is.  #GetTonedwithThara!  Today my schedule finally allowed me to get back to my cardio classes, so today's blend was Zumba.  Though I've been doing Zumba regularly for quite some time, every instructor is different and brings a different flavor.  Some take it more international, some go heavier on the salsa, others on the reggaeton and I love it all!  This instructor (this was my first time in her class) Either the way, my hips were shaking and my body glistening and we heard several times "you better work!"  Indeed, I did!  "And I'm feeling good...so good!"

Choreo routine set to "Work" by Ciara

Speaking of work... doing solid choreography is one of my ultimate dreams.  I love dance so much! Ciara is one of the top female dancers in the game today (check her official music video here) and this group definitely WORKED!

Happy30: Day 4

It's Friday!!!!  So I'll keep this brief.  Ever meet people who just seem to radiate positive energy?  Well, I have!  This person always managing to maintain a joyful demeanor even when they have a million things happening. Graduate study, a family, work--can you say multitasker?  But somehow through all of the stress or challenges that those things individually or collectively can bring, this person doesn't lose their light-hearted, energetic and fun nature.  So awesome and inspirational!  No matter what we have to balance in life, it can be done and doesn't have to be horrible!  I want to do more than just appreciate what I have, I want to just enjoy my circumstances.  It's a journey that will have ups and downs but the goal is a cheerful disposition throughout it all.  After all, the energy you put out is what you get back in return, so which vibes do you want?  I am team positive all the way!

Happy Friday...xoxo

Happy30: Day 3

It's Thursday!!!  Almost the end of the work week and I am excited.  Sometimes you just have those weeks where you're ready for the weekend break.  Maybe that's every week for some people.  Haha.  Anyway, today's happy dose came in the form of retail therapy and ice cream.  I went shopping and it was awesome.  I'm not a marathon shopper like I used to be, no I pace myself to about 1-2 stores per shopping trip.  I mainly got summer dresses (j'adore dresses!), some cute spring tops, and lovely accessories.  I still want to get a few more items/looks to rock this season but this was a good start.  This trip was successful and happiness-inducing for the following:

1. I'm down a couple sizes, indicating that work does pay off (at least at this particular department store, lol)
2. It was not crowded
3. They were playing awesome pop tunes (Rihanna- Pon de Replay and the like)
4. They were playing the most beautiful and romantic ballad of 2013/2014 and other customers were singing.  I love when  people get lost in the moment and sing!  Which song?  Of course, "All of Me" by John Legend!  That song is so beautiful.  How wonderful to be in love like that!  It's going to be the date/wedding song of 2014. 

 

"All of Me" by John Legend

love, love, LOVE this song :-)

To end the afternoon, I treated myself to ice cream!  Fitness wise, that's absolutely not a part of my nutrition plan but you've gotta treat yourself sometimes!  The All Lovin' No Oven signature creation at Coldstone Creamery is on point and this staff is always so friendly and high energy.  Plus it was a fundraiser day, so a good treat and a good deed!

Today was a good day :-)  Can't wait to rock the new looks!