Fab Five Friday {8/17}

1. It was H's 33rd and my 30th birthday a few days ago (yes, 1 day apart!), and H and I decided to go to Vegas.

We ate at a fabulous off-strip find, Goyemon. They have the freshest sushi and the tastiest non-sushi items we have ever had.

We ate lots of buffets, and I had lots of desserts.

We did some shopping.

I wanted to try this but didn't want to wait in line. Next time...

We took some time at the Bellagio Gardens (pictures via Instagram).

We went to the Bodies Exhibit in Luxor, which I've been wanting to see for years. H was very gracious to stay the whole time even though he was totally grossed out by it.

And most important of all, we met up with H's brother and his wife and also my friends Amy and Michael who drove all the way to Vegas after a camping trip to surprise me for my birthday. I was indeed very surprised!! (Too bad we all forgot to take pictures...)


2. I've been on a smoothie phase for 2-3 weeks now. H used to work at Jamba Juice, so for him to let me make smoothies however I want was a biggie. Yesterday he complimented me on my watermelon+yogurt+banana creation. Score!

3. Went with my friend Karen to my first Pop Physique class. I've done Pilates before but this was more intense and more fun!

(picture via PopSugar)

4. Came across this trailer of Downton Abbey Season 3 - can't wait!

5. I took a weekday off and spent some time with the parents and my nephews. It was tiring...but family time is always good!

Nike's new commercial: Greatness

Ok people. We all know about Nike. They always use well-known athletes to promote their brand, and we love it because we recognize those athletes and associate their greatness with the brand, as successful marketing will have us believe.

Well, now Nike has a new commercial, called Jogger. It features Nathan, a 12-year old obese kid from Ohio, running. Simply running. It is truly inspiring. Take a look.

Last month of Summer

Summer is really the best time to get fit. No matter where you live, the weather is most likely to be comfortable most of the time to be outside. Not to mention, it stays light out longer! As we approach the end of summer, there is definitely still enough time to make the most of it.

* Go outdoors! Whether it be taking a short walk after dinners on weekdays, or going to outdoor concerts on the weekends, being outdoors more can make you instantly feel healthier and help you unconsciously move around more. Try bike riding, walking on the beach, anything you like!

* Eat more fruits! That's right, I am telling you to eat more. Summer is really the best time to get a good variety of fruits reasonably priced: cherries, strawberries, kiwis, peaches, melons. If you are not a fruit eater to begin with, don't let these colorful things intimidate you! Stick to the fruits you know you will like but don't be afraid to try new ones once in a while. Make it a challenge among your family and friends to eat at least two servings of fruit a day. Try fruits with breakfast and as a snack. Be wary of juices and smoothies though as they tend to be high in calories and laden with sugar.

* Eat when you are hungry! As temperature heats up, our appetites actually go down. We can capitalize on this natural phenomenon by reminding ourselves to eat when we are hungry, not when the clock says "meal time." Ask yourself if you are truly hungry, or if you are eating because you are bored, because it is noon-time, etc.