Kate Spade speaks to the depths of my colorful soul. I just want it all.

I choose to think of every day as Treat Yo' Self day. "It's the BEST day of the year!"

Perfect. Just what I need to hear before I drag my butt to the gym on this lovely Saturday morning!

Day 2-3: It's all about staying on mission. Doing a few moderate-intensity workouts without losing your stride. Also be sure to include extra stretching for an active recovery.

"Yo, yo, yo, yo baby-pop!" -Push It by Salt-N-Pepa (Workout Anthem of the Day)

Day 1 (back in the gym) was an absolute smash! Not only did I put in 60 minutes (30 minutes on the PRECOR and 30 minutes on the treadmill) of cardio in AM, but I did an AH-mazing Total Body Conditioning class this evening! That's right. Day 1 was a total two-a-day, and I'm going to own it! I feel great right now, but I know that I'm going to really feel it in the morning. You want to know the secret to conquering soreness and fatigue from a tough workout? Stretch, rest, and get moving again! When you have a tough workout, be sure to get in a moderate to lighter workout the very next day. This way, your body can recover during the activity, also known as active recovery. Active recovery enables muscle memory. You have to push through the aches and pains in order to build muscle memory and endurance. For a light to moderate workout after and intense day of training, my go-to cardio is biking at a higher solid pace and resistance for 45 to 60 minutes. But whatever you do, just stay consistent and remember to PUSH IT!

This weekend I hosted my very own episode of Gym Hunters. Something like House Hunters on HGTV. If you haven't seen it, look it up ASAP. It will change your life! I visited three very different gyms here in the Dupont/Adams Morgan neighborhoods on a mission to find a new home gym for myself.

*I'll give away the best part and tell you that I did find a new gym. But let me walk you through the three options before I reveal the one I chose:

1. MINT- "An Urban Retreat" It's a luxury health spa with ample amenities and private spa services. It's location is great,just one short block away. It's also very quaint in size and has a membership cap. This only adds to exclusivity of the gym membership. Members and non-members have access to the spa and pilates studio, so they're definitely warmly welcome new people in their facilities. I thought it was a great facility with adequate workout machines and amenities, but you certainly get what you PAY for. Because I couldn't afford to pay, I knew that I needed to keep looking.

2. VIDA Fitness- "The lifestyle megaplex." VIDA is a cool, fun, all in one place, but to be honest, I felt like I had entered the Globo Gym from the movie Dodge Ball. "We're better than you, and we know it! Ok, maybe I'm exaggerating (a little), but I did get that vibe from the place. Firstly, it's HUGE, 5 or 6 floors. I can't remember because I lost count! This gym has many great features, including 6 different workout studios, a roof top pool, and even a full unisex beauty salon! But that's just it! There were so many extras that my head was spinning after I left. The price was more in-line with my budget, they even offered me some really great "value-added features." However, as a left and walked down the street, I thought, "it all seems like just TOO much really."

3. Washington Sports Club- "Average Joe's gym" (yes another Dodge Ball reference!). When I first walked in, I thought "Ok. Pretty basic." Not really impressed at all. I even had to wait to meet with someone for a tour, which I didn't mind at all but it didn't add to the first impression. However, what did help was my first impression of everyone (an I mean everyone) that I encountered. Everyone is so nice and very laid back, all there for the same reason, to stay fit and have fun. I loved it right away. It genuinely reminded me of the gym I joined while staying in Arlington, VA Energy Fitness. The facilities have all be recently renovated with more square footage, new equipment, and a spa. I was also blown away by their unique fitness classes and small group programs. Even more than that, I was blown away by the sticker price. It's definitely within my budget and plenty of bang for my buck!

So which one do you think I picked? *In my House Hunters host's voice* 1. The Urban Retreat? 2. The Lifestyle Megaplex? or 3. "Average Joe's Gym? ...... I picked #3! Although it was nice to see the other, more luxurious gyms, I'm an Average Joe at heart. And with so many modern amenities at the right price, I had to go with my gut and choose what felt right! Although I haven't been in for a workout yet, I have made a step in the right direction. Remember, when getting back into a workout routine, it's better to go at a slower pace and ease into it than to set all sorts of unrealistic expectations of yourself. For me, tomorrow is the day, and you're going to keep me honest.

"If you've done it before, you can do it again!" -Just one of my many life mantras. I'm so there right now. Actually, I'm tried of being there, down that is. It's definitely time for a change, and there's no where else to go but up! GET BACK ON THE HORSE!

"Homey don't play dat" Happy Halloween!

Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine in Warren, MI, which is just outside of Detroit. Dad (an old-school carnivore) took me here when I visited last week. We both enjoyed the food, a great casual dining experience.


Signature hommos, salsa, and garlic paste. All delicious with BOLD flavor.


Falafel with pickled veggies

What do you do with a week-old eggplant? Bake it! Using Soy milk, Dijon mustard, flour, and bread crumbs, I made a delicious, crispy eggplant dish, with plenty of leftovers (I only used 1 large eggplant).



Pictured above are the coating ingredients: a Soy milk-Dijon mustard liquid, whole-wheat flour, and organic bread crumbs, all in an assembly line...



...and here is my finished product, a crispy eggplant! It's not quite the right color, missing that golden brown finish. However it is crispy with a nice crunch and texture.


This recipe is courtesy of Chez Bettay, the Vegan Gourmet.

Great crowd, food, and drinks tonight at Bread & Brew in Dupont. Check out the menu below:









THE MENU
▪ Vegan Tamales (real deal- steamed in corn husks!)
▪ Shredded "pork" Taco salads – in the big tortilla shell
▪ Nachos
▪ Taquitos
▪ Quesadillas

DRINKS
▪ 100% Agave Margaritas
▪ Watermelon Margaritas
▪ Organic white wine sangria
▪ Kumquat Mojitos

Café Gratitude. Recently, the LA Times reported on this Vegan, Raw spot that serves you warm and fuzzies along with their signature dishes. It's a fundamental concept. Everyone pays homage and respect to every one, creature, and being.

Visited Philly this weekend and ate at Kamal's inside the Reading Terminal market. I even got a chance to speak with the man himself, really cool! I had the Falafel and Grape Leaves. What a great Vegan option in the middle of a sea of meat, dairy, and seafood?! I personally think this is one of the better falafels that I have ever had, but Yelp reviewers tend to think otherwise, only giving it 2.5 out of 5 stars. Kamal's signature is to top the falafel with hot sauce. Unconventional? Yes. Delicious heat and great seasoning? Yes, YES! I rest my case.

Brad's Raw Chips. These Raw, Vegan chips proclaim to be the 'World's Healthiest Chip,' and they taste good! Tried some yesterday, and I was pleasantly surprised by their great flavor and crunch.

KindKreme, a gourmet, Raw, Vegan, organic Ice Kremery. According to my cousin Nate in LA, this place appeals to all types of frozen treat enthusiasts. It's a a must try in Echo Park!

My grandfather, 80-years young, outside of Ben's Chili Bowl, a historic DC landmark, located in the heart of the revitalized U street community. He was thrilled to finally try their famous chili and original half-smoke. I was thrilled to learn that they serve an amazing Vegan/Vegetarian chili. I love this photo.

I'm trying to budget my weekly food and grocery bills better. This article from VegNews Saavy Vegan is a great read with helpful tips to get the most value from your trip to the grocery store. Moral of the story: PLAN AHEAD.

Thai Basil Tofu Lettuce Cups. This recipe is courtesy of Jeff Mauro who is currently competing to be the next Food Network Star. Minus the fish sauce, this dish is totally Vegan. For a carnivore, Italian from Chicago, I'm impressed with Jeff's recipe, the fact that he took such a great risk, and managed to WOW the judges with the best dish of the day. I plan to make this one asap.

Ingredients
2 red bell peppers, diced
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 shallots, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons grated ginger
4 packages extra-firm tofu, pressed on a wire rack for at least 1 hour and up to 24
1 tablespoon Asian hot sauce, such as Sriracha
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 1/2 cups Thai basil, chopped
Salt
1/2 cup Thai basil, cut in chiffonade
2 cups cashews, roughly chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions
3 heads green leaf lettuce, cleaned and trimmed
Plum sauce, for serving

This time last year Chef Chloe shocked the judges and competition on Food Network's Cupcake Wars with this winning Vegan recipe, a Raspberry Tiramisu Cupcake.

V-Note, an organic wine bar and Vegan bistro, located in NYC. Of course.

...we all scream for VEGAN ice cream!

Enjoy a Vegan Ice Cream tour in L.A.



Video courtesy of VegNews.com

Two years and counting

Today marks my two-year Vegan-niverssary! *types with enthusiasm* My parents still think that it's just a phase. My friends swear I only do it to be difficult. I hope they all figure it out soon. I AM VEGAN (no doubt about it :)

LOVE Solange's look here. So natural. So BOLD.
Photo courtesy of InStyle.com

English Springer Spaniel ... I want one!

"Vegetarian food is so boring. Pasta. Soy. You know what's a BAD pizza topping? Broccoli!" -Lisa Simpson ... She just broke my little Vegan heart :( ... Season 22 Episode 19 The Real Housewives of Fat Tony (13:40)

Here's to all the Maids of Honor. Work it!

"My Dove moment." Yum.

POW! The leather Bradshaw sandal in Venetian Navy.

Babganoush-Hummus Pasta- featured yesterday on Rachel Ray 30-minute meals. I might have to prepare this myself...after I start eating heavy carbs again :/

Two weeks until I reach my expiration date at the George Washington University

"I used to be obese. Once you've conquered obesity, everything else is easy" -DeAngelo Vickers (Will Ferrell) #TheOffice

Courtesy of Oyster.com, a new kind of hotel review website

Picnic for the Planet. "Celebrate Earth Day with good food and great people"

Show the Earth some love today.

"Busboys and Poets is a green-driven company and is proud to have taken several steps to become more eco-conscious. We have adopted principles, policies and practices that improve the quality of life for our customers, our employees and our surrounding community."

Checkout their green initiatives. Happy Earth Day!

taking it as it comes...bending but not breaking

Run this Town

Photo finish. Clock time 1:34:07. Chip time 1:27:21. Pace 8:45.

Protein Kick

Getting my protein up! According to the University of Maryland Medical System Protein Calculator, I should be getting a minimum of 82g of protein in my diet daily ?! At first I tried to do it by consuming more protein-enriched food such as nuts, beans and soy yogurt, but there just isn't enough hours in the day and plus my system just can't handle all that. Seemed hopeless until I found this! It's a soy protein powder at GNC, and so far real good! No random side-effects, aftertastes, or system overload. Good stuff.

Half-marathoner

Completed my first half-marathon this year!


Sweet victory...ran 13.1 miles through Disney's Magic Kingdom in 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 6 seconds.


And I met Mickey!!!

Vegan Comfort Food ?

Yes! There is such a thing according to Yahoo! Green. Find 5 Vegan Comfort Food Recipes here. (Pictured above is the Sheperd's Pie, which calls for tofu, tempeh, seitan, or mushrooms as the protein of the dish)