Reading Reviews- November 2013

     I want to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Eat, give thanks and then eat some more!  I got back into reading this month, but could not really get into anything I did read. Then I found Margaret Atwood's post-apocalyptic trilogy and fell in love with reading all over again!  Here they are November reads:

Elizabeth the Queen by Sally Bedel Smith

     This is the story of Elizabeth II- the currently reigning queen of Britain.  The queen is known for being a rather private and reserved person, but this book attempts to show another side.  I found the  first few chapters interesting.  Once she becomes queen it is all business and ceremony.  I definitely don't want to be queen, just a member of the royal family living off the money.

Verdict:  According to my Kindle, I only made read 15% of this book.

Third World America by Arianna Huffington

     This is a heavy dose of reality and the author has facts and personal stories to back-up the current state of things in America.  None of this information is new or surprising but the collection of it all in one place is well- depressing.  I almost stopped reading it, but the last chapter promised a summary of "what we could do about it."  Everything in this book is pretty much why I don't watch the news.

Verdict:  I didn't like it, but it is all true. So if you need a summary of how badly things are going, this is a great resource. Sigh....

How to Blog for Profit Without Selling Your Soul by Ruth Soukup

     Don't worry I am not trying to monetize, but I am interested in the topic of blogging in general.  I found this book to be very big picture with not a lot of details on how to actually do what the author recommends.

Verdict: Definitely not worth $4.99.  Thankfully, I got to read it for free through my Amazon Prime membership.

The End of San Francisco by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore

     This book got a lot of praise for being a deeply personal memoir and pushing the boundaries of gender identity.  Okay I will give it that.  The writing style is pretty unbearable and disjointed. This is my absolute least favorite kind of story- where the content or theme is somehow suppose to trump the author's actual ability to write.  I just don't get "art."

Verdict: To steal a quote from Despicable Me  "This is literature?"

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

     First book I really got into, in a loooong time.  I started reading it and couldn't stop. It is (another) story about a post-apocalyptic future, but  is still very original.  Told through one character's point of view, the author does a great job keeping you interested and in suspense on how it came to be.

Verdict: This book is part of a trilogy and I look forward to continuing the story.

The Year of the Flood by Margaret Atwood

     This is the second book of Atwood's post apocalyptic story and it is told from different character's point of view.  I found the first half of the book kinda boring, but then the time lines from the first and second book overlap and the dots start to connect.

Verdict: Can't wait to start book 3.  I am on the waiting list at the library, so it might be next month.

  

An Apple a Day by Emma Woolf

     I have never understood anorexia, but after reading this memoir I feel more enlightened.  I still don't understand not eating. If I miss a meal it is a minor crisis and reading this book made me feel very hungry.  But the author did a really honest and sincere job of sharing her experience.  The author points out that most woman have hang-ups about food and that is what helped me to empathize.

Verdict: Highly recommend. This is really written and relatable.

Teatime for Firefly by Shona Patel

     This started off being very interesting but I got less and less interested as the story progressed. It is very well-written in that the author creates a captivating scene. I just didn't see what the purpose of the story was?  Towards the end it kind just drags on.

Verdict: It is just a nice story. Nothing more, nothing less.

A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki

 

     This was a story within a story within a story! This was truly a work of art- an amazing story, beautifully told. It has one of those endings that makes you think.  It was the first audio book I borrowed from the library and the author read it herself.  I really would suggest the audio book, as the author has a very lyrical style.of writing. 

Verdict: This is literature at its best!

Is It Worth It? Skin Care Edition

 
   In today's post, I am going to talk about some skin care products I have been using on my face.  With the cold weather approaching my skin has been in a full revolt.  My main problems are dark spots (as my summer color fades) and dryness, so I decided to try some new products this past month. Here is what worked and what didn't.

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

     This is a heavy duty exfoliate facial cleanser.  My skin is flaking off and this stuff definitely seems to help.  I notice a clearer and smoother complexion after using it.  I was told to only use this once a week, but I have been using it every other day. It is expensive ($36), but you only need a little bit, so it will last me through the winter months.  With my dry skin, I foresee using this product forever.

Clinque Even Better Clincial Dark Spot Corrector

     This is a serum you apply before moisturizer and it is suppose to lighten dark spots. I have a lot of freckles, but I also have dark pigmentation spots that "age" me.  Initially, I did notice some lightening of the dark spots, but that seems to have stopped. I guess it works until a point, so I won't be getting another one until next year.  It is a good start to repairing the summer sun damage.

Alba Facial Toner

     I have not used a toner before. I could never figure out what they actually do? "Prepare your face for moisturizing"- what does that mean? Still, I got one and gave it a try.  I am still not sure what it is doing? It does get off the last bits of makeup, which is nice.  I will continue to use it, but once I am out I am not sure I will repurchase.  I don't think this is a necessity.

Alba ccCream

     This is marketed to be a 6-in-1 color correcting marvel. It is suppose to be a foundation, sunscreen, moisturizer  and three more things that I don't really care about.  It gives a very nice light foundation coverage.  I hope it has a decent amount of sunscreen.  As for being a moisturizer, it is not enough for my skin. I do need to apply a moisturizer first, but overall I really like this product.  

Lush Lip Sugar Scrub

     My lips are following my skin and shedding- not attractive!  I have actually used this lip scrub before and love, love, love it!  It comes in several different "flavors."  My favorite is the mint which I use with their chocolate lip balm. Chocolate minty goodness and soft lips. A girl can ask for nothing more.

Cotton Rounds

     This is more of a skin care accessory- cosmetic grade cotton rounds. I use them with eye make up remover and toner. They are thicker and softer than the square ones I was using. Those square ones were like rubbing tree bark again my face.  I do like them better, but they tend to leave little cotton residue on my face.  When I run out, I will look to see if there is something even fancier.

     Before this, I had really let my skin care slack. Seriously, I was washing my face with bar soap, using coconut oil for moisturizer and going out in the sun without sun screen. For the past month, I have really been making time to take care of my skin and it is finally paying off. Of course, it got worse before it got better.  TLC for skin!

The Kitchen

    I first heard about the The Kitchen a couple of years ago.  A farm-to-fork fine dining experience sounded right up my alley. But the menu is preset and I am a picky eater.  I forgot all about it, until this year.  A co-worker randomly shared her experience with me and then I went to a party catered by a chef from The Kitchen. Oh my!  It was like I had never tasted food before and I knew it was time for me to experience it!

      I had to make reservations 2 months in advance and the menu was still unknown.  Having tasted the chef's talent, I decided I would at least try everything.  Fortunately, the November 2013 menu looked amazing:

first course: A Caesar Salad of Brassicas

Petite Broccoli, Romanesco, Cauliflower, Cured Ebodai & Duck Egg Dressing

second course:  Warm Mussel and Sunchoke Soup with Butter Poached Lobster, Creme Anise & Flowering Herbs

third course (Intermission):  You are invited to explore the kitchen and interact with the chefs.  Various stations were set up and I got to sample sushi, pork sausage, oysters, soft shell shrimp, potato salad and a squash soup.

fourth course: Carnaroli Risotto with Italian White Truffles

fifth course: Roulade of Wagyu Beef, Gratin of Okinawan Sweet Potatoes & Roasted Beets

sixth course: "Sweet Potato PIe"

Sweet Potato Cremeaux, Tahitian Vanilla Sable, Bourbon Marshmallow, Maple Meringue & Buttermilk Gelato

     Everything was very well balance in flavor, the presentation was immaculate and it was a very interactive.  The abundance of squashes really reflected the in-season element. The white truffles in the risotto was a last minute addition,as they were able to acquire a limited amount. The only drawback for me was it lasted 4,5 hours, which was just too long.  But overall, I relished this culinary experience.

Standing Desk Project

      I have been wanting a standing desk for some time now, because sitting all day is killing my lower back.  My cubicle space had a cabinet hanging from ever wall, so elevating a computer monitor was not possible. When a new cubicle space opened up and I saw it had an open wall, I started planning my stand up desk!!!

     Now you can buy a pneumatic sitting/standing workstation for $500, but there are cheaper DIY options. So I started searching the interwebs and came across this YouTube video.  I knew this was the hack I had been looking for: simple, affordable and it used Ikea furniture. Here is the stuff needed from Ikea:

• Lack table 
• 2 Ekby Lerberg Brackets
• Ekby Laiva shelf
• 4 screws

     I told my boss and he seemed very open to the idea, but once he saw the You Tube video he deemed it "jankie".  My dream of a stand-up work station was shut down.  However, I wanted to share this information in hopes someone else can take advantage of it.  If you need convincing siting is bad for your health, read these articles:

http://www.npr.org/2011/04/25/135575490/sitting-all-day-worse-for-you-than-you-might-think

http://lifehacker.com/5879536/how-sitting-all-day-is-damaging-your-body-and-how-you-can-counteract-it

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/sitting-unhealthy/#axzz2iaUlPNe4   

     If anyone else has other suggestions please let me know.  I am not giving up on this yet and neither is my chiropractor.  Where there is a will, there is a way.

Butternut Squash Soup

     I love soup weather!  I threw this recipe together and have been enjoying it as a side dish with dinner.  I used bacon lard to saute the veggies, which gave this soup a nice smokey flavor.  It is thick and hearty.

 

Ingredients:

 

Butternut squash, cubed

Chopped carrots, celery and onions

Vegetable broth

Cooking oil (I used bacon lard)

 

Preparation:

 

• I cheated a little with the veggies and bought pre-cubed butternut squash and mirepoix (chopped carrots, celery and onions) from Trader Joes. 
•  I put the cubed butternut squash on a pan, drizzled with olive oil and baked it for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.
• I sauteed the mirepoix in bacon lard* in a pot for 10 minutes.Then I added the butternut squash, and vegetable broth.  I broth to a boil and then simmered for 40 minutes on the stove.
• I then pureed it in a blender and added salt and pepper to taste.

 

     I also thought about adding some coconut milk to make it a little creamier, but wasn't sure how that would go with the bacon flavoring.  Maybe next time. For now, this soup is delicious and freezes well, so I have been enjoying it over the past weeks.

*I bake bacon on a pan and filter the remaining grease. I save this bacon lard for other cooking. It really adds a nice layer of flavor to dishes.

Republic of Tea Reviews

If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; if you are depressed, it will cheer you; if you are excited it will calm you. ~William Ewart Gladstone

     A good tea is such a treat.  I've been finding my taste in tea and giving loose leaf teas a try. I stumbled upon a good selection at Whole Foods.  They actually have them in bulk jars, which I liked, because I was allowed to smell them first. Loose leaf tea is so much more flavorful-sometimes this is good and sometimes this is bad. Here are the 6 varieties I tried:

Silver Rain (white tea)
    

     Grassy with a subtle smokey flavor and, to me, it has a dry finish.  It is low caffeine so perfect if you want to have some tea in the evening without it messing up your sleep.  Also pretty good iced, but because it is such a light flavor you have to brew a substantial amount to have it cold.  I liked it and will continue to drink it.

Lapsang Souchon (black tea)

     I was warned this tea has a very bold flavor. It is smoked over pinewood embers and it pretty much smells like smoke.  The tea is definitely bold.  At first it punches you in the face and then it mellows out into a nice after taste. I don't love it, but I don't hate it.  It kinda reminds me of the flavor profile of a complex beer.

Moroccan Mint (green tea)

     I love mint tea and wanted so desperately to like this one.  I found it bitter and the mint had a fruity, yet medicine-like flavor to it. It also had a long after taste. Multiple brewing seemed to bring out the bitter taste even more.  It was a little better iced, but this is not something I will continue to drink.

Cardamon Cinnamon Herbal Tea

     This is an inviting fragrance that reminds me of the holidays. Since I am not a huge pumpkin fan, this is perfect for me. I enjoyed the pleasant blend of spices and decided to use it as a base for some mulled apple cider.  But the second time I had it, I noticed it had a licorice flavor, which I don't like and couldn't get past.

Chai (black tea with spices)

     I am a huge fan of Chai.  I enjoy it hot and cold.  This Chai was peppery. I mean peppery!! I tried it hot and really had a hard time drinking it.  I added some almond milk, hoping to tame it down. No luck, it contrasted the pepper to make it even more peppery.  I found a chai that I don't like at all.

Yerba Matte (herbal tea)

     I saved the best for last. I LOVE this tea! The description says it all "a deep, sweet, chocolaty infusion." It has a rich, warm delicious body, It taste wonderful by itself or with a splash of almond milk.  The tea leaves can be brewed multiple times and it has some a beautiful mix of purple and yellow in the mix.

     So I was on the search for a good mint and chai tea. I found Zhena's Gypsy Tea in Egyptian Mint and Chocolate Chai.  They aren't loose leaf teas, but they are very good.  I will keep searching for loose leaf versions though.  I am really enjoy tea even more with all the loose leaf varieties.

Crossfit @ 2 Years

      Look at my face. I don't want to pick up that bar, but I am going to. Twice. Then I am going to do the other 3 competition workouts, still feeling the dread.  It is game day and I am not on my game. It doesn't matter, because I am not allowed to give up.  So I  "embrace the suck" and do the best that I can.

 

     I imagined my anniversary blog would be about how much I can lift, or how fast I can run or all the skills I can now do. I am definitely fitter, stronger and faster.  Still somehow, what I have learned this past year can't be measured. At first, I thought I was upping my mental game. But I have done several 5ks, where I had no mental game and still finished in 35 minutes.  There is something else at work here. Something that cuts through all the BS:  This sucks, I suck, I don't feel good, I'm tired, I don't want to do this, why am I doing this, etc.

 

     My most important progress this year has been intangible. The best word I can come up to describe it is- tenacity.  I don't quit, even when I want to quit. I show up, take a deep breath and start. I trust myself, even when fear and doubt creep in and try to sabotage my efforts.  I am confident that if I start, I will find the strength to fight to the finish.   

 

     CrossFit has made me generally better at life.  Doing hard things is empowering and what I experience at CrossFit has carried over into the rest of my life.  I could gush on and on about it, but instead I'll keep it simple: CrossFit makes me a better person.  That's why I am going to keep doing it.

 

“The hardest thing about Crossfit is starting – the second hardest thing is stopping once you’ve started” -http://if-fit.com/crossfit-quotes/

 

      If you are interested, I also did a post on my first 6 months at CrossFit.  Here is a quick exert about where I started from:

"I have no athletic background and have not being doing any kind of regular exercise program for over a year. I am so far out of my comfort zone and am nearly hyperventilating when my class starts. I make it through the next four hours completely bewildered by all the new terminology and ways I am supposed to maneuver my body around a barbell. I manage to not cry, throw-up or pass out- that is something!  I go home and hit up the ibuprofen and promise myself I will stick with this for 3 months, 3 times a week."