Lets Go Fly A Kite ...

The local kite festival was this weekend. The weather breezy windy; perfect for flying a kite. We had friends over for a BBQ this Saturday and missed the festival. Instead went to a local park to fly our last year's 'Made in China' dragon kite that flies like magic every time.

Last week was good ...so good I have to use bullet points.

• RN, who works for me had a baby girl
• A good friend of mine is back to workforce after a long break
• I managed to work out four times last week.
• A nice BBQ in our backyard with friends and we stayed outdoors all night long.

Monday

Run - 20  minutes

Weights

Tuesday

Stepper - 20 minutes(climbed almost 35 floors)

Weights

Wednesday

Rowing - 20 minutes

Weights

Thursday

Oops, I don't know the name of the machine and can't really tell what sport it simulates, may be skiing but I could be wrong. Whatever it was, I worked on it for 20 minutes.

Friday - Voluntarily took a break.

Saturday and Sunday - Procrastinated working out the entire weekend but hope to hit the gym first thing Monday morning.

READ MORE...

Camouflaging Thick Arms

I must have missed the memo on this one, for I can't remember at what point of time, covering up thick arms became official. It was perfectly okay to hit the dance floors exposing thick/flab arms during the late 70s and 80s (PS - this is hearsay info, I am not that old ...yet). Instead of setting unrealistic expectation of looking long and lean at all times, let the weather and your personal style dictate how much you prefer to cover up.

A tank top is not my style but sleeveless reigns supremacy during the long scorching Texas Summer months. Moving on to a few tips, you probably figured out -

• Wearing 3/4th length sleeves works like magic
• To stay away from tank tops
• Be cautious about full sleeves as they don't work to your advantage all the time.

Here are some of my favorites -

• Not comfortable exposing bare arms yet, a sheer or a light weight shirt comes in handy over a tank, lacy camisole or a strap dress. 

• A statement necklace coupled by a stylish neck line can shift the focus from the arms to the neck.

• When wearing sleeveless, pay attention to the size of the arm hole and where the sleeve ends on your shoulders. I avoid over sized armholes and prefer my sleeves to end right where my collar bone ends.

• Cap sleeves can do wonders if you pay a little extra attention to ensure the sleeve covers the thickest part of the arm.

• You can always add on a light weight jacket/cardigan for work and scarves with evening wear.

Again confidence is your best buddy here. It is hard to notice flab when you strut with confidence. You know what, I could have also called this post, 'Thick in Pink'. I have to stop buying more pink dresses.

READ MORE...

Art In The Square, SouthLake Texas

Three words to describe my weekend - 'Art, Music and Outdoors'. Actually that is four but I am sure you get the point. "Art in the Square" is an annual 'Juried' event that takes place in South Lake Texas. Inspiring work of local artists and kids on various mediums like oil, watercolors, wood, jewelery, ceramics and 2d were on display.

These are the work of Trish Biddle. I find her work romantic, fun and feminine; aspects I can well associate with. I went there close to closing time and could not strike a conversation with the talented artist. There were many more featured artists but these are the only ones I clicked, of course with the artist's permission to click.

Band and live music was entertaining and Sunday afternoon was tribute to the Eagles and Sinatra. Need I say anymore?

READ MORE...

Leg Press

Leg Press

The first thing hubby asked me after his week long trip was - "Have you been working out?". I can't tell you how delightful those words sound when used in a sentence like that.

Yes, I have been working out (almost every single day, even if it was just for 20-30 minutes. Its ironical that the most I worked out are on days I had the least help. I have not lost a pound but feel skinny and on top of the world.

Abs Press

These two machines at my local gym are my current favorites. Another workout I hear a lot these days is 'Rebound', one that uses a trampoline. Have you heard or tried it?

Here is a gist of my workout this week. I have all my fingers crossed when I say this - I hope I keep up my working out schedule next week too. Sometimes don't you wish all months were January? There is no lack of motivation to exercise the first month of the year.


Monday
Walk (warm up) - 5 minutes
Run @ 4miles/hr - 20 minutes
Abs press, Leg press & other Weights


Tuesday
Stepper - 20 minutes
Abs press, Leg press & other Weights


Wednesday
Rowing Machine - 15 minutes
Abs press, Leg press & other Weights

Thursday - Skipped workout to attend son's performance at school.


Friday 

Elliptical - 30 minutes with max resistance
Abs press, Leg press & other Weights

Saturday
Walking - 5 minutes (warm up)
Running - 15 minutes
Abs press, Leg press & other Weights

READ MORE...

Dallas Auto Show

This was one of those 60-hour work week. Most days I ate cereal for lunch and the kids ate at their school cafeteria. When I work hard during the week, I tend to party harder during the weekend. One of our good friends stopped by for a BBQ Friday. They are one of those couple who remind you, age is just a number.

We went to the Auto Show this weekend. While the kids had a good time getting in and out of all the cars, I was busy clicking pictures most of the time. I don't have to tell you how much the hubby loved it, do I? 

My husband like the black Bugatti and mine was the relatively affordable Z4. I also liked the Corvette Legends. However I was hoping to see more concept cars but the event turned out to be one huge dealership without the hassle of car dealers.

READ MORE...

Spring Luncheon

Laid back ... should have been the title of this post. Nothing worked as planned. It was my husband's birthday this past weekend and the gift I planned to get him was out of stock. I could have ordered it online. But you can't surprise one who is on top of his accounts. If he sees the name of the shop and the $$$, he would know right away its an ipad2. Shame on me, I totally forgot to reserve the place we were planning to have the Sunday brunch at.

It was the backyard and the weather that came to my rescue. The weather was breezy, temperature in 70s, not too sunny, just perfect for our backyard lunch. Food served in colorful bowls, roses from the backyard, a couple of frozen raspberries in everybody's glass and some candles later, we had the most amazing unplanned outdoor lunch ever.

Happy Birthday Mr M!!!!

READ MORE...

Bruno's Ristorante, Irving Texas

As the kids grow older, the eating out experience gets better, including better table manners and more planned outings. Its not fun when eating out is simply a result of a long stressful day at work or back to back after school activities. I had heard rave reviews of Brunos Ristorante from multiple people at work and finally gave it a try during our Spring break.

The food and customer service are the high features of this place. The restaurant has been in the same place and has the same chef for the past 22 years ... and that speaks volumes about the quality and taste of food served.

My favorite part of the restaurant is its sun room with a good view of the Irving canals. The tiramisu could have been better but over all if you, like me, bored of the giant Italian chains, this place is worth the visit.

Do let me know your favorite mom-pop joint in your city.

READ MORE...