tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-450280203926728952024-03-13T14:44:15.887-05:00The Clothes Make The GirlI'm on a mission to be a superfit, well-fed, dressed-to-kill, glossy-haired, rock-n-roll, tart-tongued detective. <br>These are my stories.Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.comBlogger1391125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-33958469786878308132011-05-08T19:33:00.000-05:002011-05-08T19:33:41.836-05:00This RSS Feed Is Kaput!Seriously. <br />
<br />
Please sign up for my new RSS feed – <span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com/rss-feeds/">you can do that right here</a></b></span>.<br />
<br />
I know you don't want to miss any of my delectable recipes or stories about how a demon pinched my butt at the bottom of the back squat.Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-59885775730327367962011-05-06T10:14:00.000-05:002011-05-06T10:14:02.100-05:00Subscribe To My New RSS Feed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74xdFr-JwTw/TcQPUEvylYI/AAAAAAAAESg/8YaRWORJlyk/s1600/logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-74xdFr-JwTw/TcQPUEvylYI/AAAAAAAAESg/8YaRWORJlyk/s400/logo.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Please sign up for my new RSS feed. It's even easier than snarfing a spoonful of Sunbutter – and just as tasty!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/theclothesmakethegirl"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Just click here to subscribe to the new<br />
RSS for The Clothes Make The Girl.</b></span></a></div>Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-32320851569546766052011-04-26T21:21:00.000-05:002011-04-26T21:21:01.507-05:00My New Site Is Launched!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7yryc9uRzs/Tbd1-tUPmbI/AAAAAAAAESY/mjArV_JSB4Y/s400/theclothesmakethegirl.png" width="367" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The new site is ready – <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">come on over</a>!</b></span></div>Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-85064436491050929012011-04-22T15:44:00.000-05:002011-04-22T15:44:34.434-05:00Something New<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq03SHzF9Hw/TbHoN4R7_wI/AAAAAAAAESE/HVVERf8Xrjo/s1600/new-clipart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eq03SHzF9Hw/TbHoN4R7_wI/AAAAAAAAESE/HVVERf8Xrjo/s200/new-clipart.png" width="198" /></a></div><br />
Dave and I have been working feverishly on a new design for this site. (Actually, Dave's been working feverishly, and I've been keeping him fed with dino-chow, but whavever. My turn at the computer is coming.)<br />
<br />
Besides looking super cute, the new design is going to make it way easier for you to get to the recipes. Plus, I'll have a mailing list so I can send you updates and special super-secret insider info, and I'm building out my list of favorite blogs and other resources so we can all keep working on becoming our own best versions. Fun, right?<br />
<br />
Bear with me while we make the transition to the new site... it might be a little wonky at first, but eventually, it's going to rule.<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend!Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-23535167477207929302011-04-22T13:33:00.000-05:002011-04-22T13:33:58.003-05:00Hell Yeah, Handstands... AGAIN?!?!On Monday, I was all kinds of excited about the <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2011/04/hell-yeah-handstands.html" target="_blank">handstand holds in the WOD</a>. This morning, I was all kinds of groaning about doing a very similar workout – <i>"Wha?! Running and handstand holds again! Did Coach Wes forget we JUST did this on Monday?</i>"<br />
<br />
But between us friends, it's still an ego-inflating thrill to know I can kick up against the wall, so I kinda loved it while I totally hated it. This WOD was Hard. The transition from pushup to handstand to plank was vicious, and after the first round, I could manage only 30 seconds at a time upside down. My noodle arms threatened to drop me on my head.<br />
<br />
Rather than doing this workout for time, our instructions were to keep a steady pace and just get through it, as if there's a way to make pushups, handstand holds, and planks easier if they're performed slower.<br />
<br />
Um, yeah. My pushups, holds, and plank have one speed. It's called pain.<br />
<blockquote><b>WOD</b><br />
<i>4 rounds:</i><br />
400m run @ 80%<br />
10 Russian step-ups/leg<br />
10 pushups<br />
1:00 handstand hold<br />
:30 plank<br />
<br />
<b>Skills</b><br />
<i>5 sets:</i><br />
4-6 split squats @ 3010, 15# dumbbells</blockquote>Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-67694236475895580612011-04-22T13:23:00.002-05:002011-04-22T13:27:00.829-05:00Friday Flashback: Growing Old Is Not For SissiesI've been blogging here since 2008, and – if I do say so myself – there's some good stuff in my archive that you might have missed. On Fridays, I'm going to take you on a Friday Flashback and point you to some good stuff from the checkered past of The Clothes Make The Girl.<br />
<br />
<hr /><b> Friday Flashback: Growing Old Is Not For Sissies</b><br />
<br />
Oh, friends! My birthday is next week so I'm a little preoccupied by the ideas of how I can fight the unsavory bits of my climbing digits while I also gracefully accept the inevitability (and gift) of aging. I'm also working on how to celebrate another year of me-ness with gusto but not gluten.<br />
<br />
This entry, originally posted on August 21, 2008, is a love letter to healthy living and the beautiful people featured in the books <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Growing-Old-Not-Sissies-Portraits/dp/0876540582?ie=UTF8&tag=roltheboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Growing Old Is Not For Sissies: Portraits of Senior Athletes</a>. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13EB5MH6pYo/TbHG38K0S2I/AAAAAAAAER8/hFndu4dhQb4/s1600/5ace228348a0e34c47018110.L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13EB5MH6pYo/TbHG38K0S2I/AAAAAAAAER8/hFndu4dhQb4/s320/5ace228348a0e34c47018110.L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POOFMr5boW8/TbHHDBBHnuI/AAAAAAAAESA/VV9EWYEpvaA/s1600/Growing-Old-Is-Not-for-Sissies-II-9780876544785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POOFMr5boW8/TbHHDBBHnuI/AAAAAAAAESA/VV9EWYEpvaA/s320/Growing-Old-Is-Not-for-Sissies-II-9780876544785.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here's a snippet from my post:<br />
<blockquote><i>The books feature photos of senior athletes along with descriptions of their lives. I fell in love with them (the books and the people within) in my twenties, then lost my fitness focus, got chubby, moved from houseboat to apartment... and the books got left behind somewhere.</i><br />
<br />
<i>On our anniversary on July 7, Dave presented me with a copy of the first book, and it seemed particularly apt, given the state of our cat Sesame (17-years-old, stick-skinny, fragile as tissue paper, and ornery as ever) and our upwardly trending ages. </i></blockquote><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2008/08/growing-old-is-not-for-sissies.html" target="_blank">Flashback to the whole post here:<br />
Growing Old Is Not For Sissies</a></b></span>Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-29127507891585937932011-04-21T12:02:00.001-05:002011-04-21T12:04:10.580-05:00Must Be The Kicks!I had a totally super-awesome so hard-so fun workout this morning. Must be the new kicks my mom sent me.<br />
<br />
Dig my new Inov-8 F-Lite 230s. This is what they look like in person – pink & yellow!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JobO8QsOawI/TbBhlBeT6MI/AAAAAAAAER0/a6pY9e437D4/s1600/1283956-p-2x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JobO8QsOawI/TbBhlBeT6MI/AAAAAAAAER0/a6pY9e437D4/s320/1283956-p-2x.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And this is how they look in my kitchen, with overhead lighting and my pale, pale legs. Do you like how my legs and the floor tiles are practically the same color?! Looks like someone needs to slap on some low-dose sunscreen and enjoy a little Vitamin D time, no?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fTXqHQt5H8/TbBhy7Sw6EI/AAAAAAAAER4/Bu7HpnDjzjg/s1600/kicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fTXqHQt5H8/TbBhy7Sw6EI/AAAAAAAAER4/Bu7HpnDjzjg/s320/kicks.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>Anyway, those pale legs did some hard work this morning. Check it!<br />
<blockquote><b>WOD</b><br />
<i>4 rounds:</i><br />
1:00 row @ 90% effort<br />
1:00 single-leg jump rope<br />
:30 lunges<br />
:90 active rest<br />
1:00 burpees @ 90% effort<br />
1:00 double-unders or singles<br />
:30 American kb swings, 16 kg</blockquote>We recorded our meters rowed and # of burpees:<br />
<b>Round 1:</b> 269m, 18 burpees<br />
<b>Round 2:</b> 264m, 19 burpees<br />
<b>Round 3: </b>248m, 18 burpees<br />
<b>Round 4:</b> 263m, 18 burpees<br />
<br />
<b>Our final score was the average:</b><br />
261m row, 18 burpees<br />
<br />
I managed a few bouts of 10 or so unbroken double-unders during the first two rounds, but my double-under skill rapidly faded as I grew more fatigued. But how 'bout those burpee numbers! Pretty nice, right?<br />
<br />
It was sweatastical!<br />
<br />
And the new shoes performed beautifully. Thanks, Mom!Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-36477590054560542792011-04-20T16:03:00.002-05:002011-04-20T16:07:17.526-05:00Strength Training Tuesday - 04/20/11 (On Wednesday!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6lAyVZoLWE/TZIpOg0o-bI/AAAAAAAAEPk/WgtlUN5kfXY/s1600/strength.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6lAyVZoLWE/TZIpOg0o-bI/AAAAAAAAEPk/WgtlUN5kfXY/s400/strength.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In my quest for lean superhero-ness, I tackle the Strength Training Workout posted by <a href="http://www.crossfitaustin.com/about/trainers/" target="_blank">Coach Wes</a> every Tuesday at <a href="http://www.crossfitaustin.com/" target="_blank">CrossFit Austin</a>.<br />
<br />
<hr /><br />
<b>Wednesday, April 20, 2011 – Strength WOD</b><br />
<blockquote>5X 1 press + 2 push press (heavier than last week) - 70# 75# 80# 85# (fail; 3 push press) 80#<br />
<br />
4X2 back squat @ 85-90% max - 135#<br />
<br />
5X2 deadlift @ 75-80% max - 155#<br />
<i>plus...</i> 1-2 negative chinups, hold @ top for 2, lower for 5, between each set of squats and deadlifts</blockquote><b>Five cool things about this workout:</b><br />
1. I'm having trouble getting past 80# on my press – my third week in a row to fail at 85# – which means when I finally get the 85#, it's going to even sweeter<br />
<br />
2. There was only one other person at the gym during my workout, and <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2011/04/its-not-coatrack-strength-training.html" target="_blank">unlike the coatrack guy</a> from a few weeks ago, he was a heavy lifter. Beyond a few grunts directed at the bar (not me!), he didn't say anything, but we totally understood each other.<br />
<br />
3. I felt like about a million bucks hoisting the 45# plates on to the barbell. Is there anything more satisfying than that clink?!<br />
<br />
4. The chinups made me sweaty and huffy-puffy.<br />
<br />
5. I ate a pile of ground beef and kale, sauteed in coconut oil with a scrambled egg for breakfast.Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-73862745609774969782011-04-19T17:17:00.001-05:002011-04-19T17:17:04.890-05:00I Think It's Poison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiZ2kH5MuEE/Ta4J2CNxf0I/AAAAAAAAERw/n28geZJgsH0/s1600/no-sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiZ2kH5MuEE/Ta4J2CNxf0I/AAAAAAAAERw/n28geZJgsH0/s400/no-sugar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm a little late getting to this, so you may have seen it already: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all" target="_blank">a compelling article in the NYTimes called "Is Sugar Toxic?"</a><br />
<br />
I won't try to summarize it here – much better if you go read it yourself. But here's a tasty quote:<br />
<blockquote><i>It’s one thing to suggest, as most nutritionists will, that a healthful diet includes more fruits and vegetables... It’s entirely different to claim that one particularly cherished aspect of our diet might not just be an unhealthful indulgence but actually be toxic, that when you bake your children a birthday cake or give them lemonade on a hot summer day, you may be doing them more harm than good, despite all the love that goes with it.</i></blockquote><b>Crazy factoid I learned: </b>Did you know that a few decades ago, high-fructose corn syrup was portrayed as healthier than white sugar?!<br />
<br />
<b>Scary factoid I learned: </b>By the 2000s, Americans were consuming about 90 lbs. of sugar per person per year. That's also when one in three Americans was obese, and 14 million were diabetic.<br />
<br />
<b>Terrifying factoid I learned: </b>Cancer researchers believe the problem with insulin resistance is that it leads to the secretion of more insulin, and insulin (as well as a related hormone known as insulin-like growth factor) promotes tumor growth, i.e., sugar can = cancer.<br />
<br />
One more sobering quote, and I'll leave you to read for yourself:<br />
<blockquote><i>"I have eliminated refined sugar from my diet and eat as little as I possibly can," Thompson</i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> [president of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center]</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><i> told me, “because I believe ultimately it’s something I can do to decrease my risk of cancer.” Cantley </i><span style="font-size: x-small;">[director of the Cancer Center at Harvard Medical School]</span><i> put it this way: "Sugar scares me." </i></blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all" target="_blank">Go read it!</a></span>Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-1883656717459502052011-04-19T13:40:00.001-05:002011-04-19T13:42:48.921-05:00Pretty Like You<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/M6wJl37N9C0" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></center><br />
The woman in the video above it Katie Makkai. She's a poetry slammer, and in this piece, goes to town on the word "pretty." She works herself up into a pretty good – and justified – froth:<br />
<blockquote><i>This is about the self-mutilating circus we have painted ourselves clowns in. About women who will prowl 30 stores in six malls to find the right cocktail dress, but haven't a clue where to find fulfillment or how to wear joy, wandering through life shackled to a shopping bag, beneath those to pretty syllables.</i></blockquote>There have been times in my life – Hell, there are still days now and then – when I've been guilty of blaming <i>internal</i> dissatisfaction on my outside appearance, so that statement really hit home. One of the reasons I'm so enamored with CrossFit, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank">Whole9Life</a>, and that cold, unforgiving barbell is that I think, collectively, they've taught me "how to wear joy." From the inside out.<br />
<br />
Although Katie's monologue is harsh and angry, the wrap up is hopeful and proves that if "pretty" is put in the sentence in the right place, it's not a bad word:<br />
<blockquote><i>The word pretty is unworthy of everything you will be... You will be <b>pretty intelligent, pretty creative, pretty amazing. But you, will never be merely 'pretty.'</b></i></blockquote>I have to admit, I have a ridiculous predilection for J.Lo. going right now... I just can't get enough of her (and her outfits) on American Idol. Ditto for <a href="http://www.sofiavergara.com/" target="_blank">Sofia Vergara from Modern Family</a>.<br />
<br />
They're both so pretty <i>physically</i> it's almost unreal.<br />
<br />
But I watch them because there's more to them than symmetrical faces and flawless physiques.<br />
<br />
As it turns out, Jennifer Lopez gives surprisingly astute advice on Idol, and she's far kinder than I expected. Sofia V. plays the voluptuous Gloria on Modern Family. And yes, she's all kinds of va-va-va-voom – but she also has the comic chops of Lucille Ball and a laugh that shakes the rafters.<br />
<br />
<i><b>THAT</b></i> is really pretty.<br />
<br />
But I'm not pretty like them. <br />
<br />
And I'm also not pretty like you.<br />
<br />
I'm pretty like me.<br />
<br />
Pretty mouthy, pretty tenacious, pretty loving, and pretty tough.<br />
<br />
If I tell you I think you're pretty, which I'm bound to do sometime because <b>you. are. amazingly. pretty</b>. What I mean is: you're pretty amazing. As a human. Inside and out.<br />
<br />
[Thanks to <a href="http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/" target="_blank">Sociological Images</a> for sharing this video today.]Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-5889171037713251102011-04-18T21:04:00.002-05:002011-04-18T21:05:16.354-05:00Hell Yeah, Handstands!Today was the first time I ever did handstand holds in a WOD. And <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2011/04/presses-were-trick.html" target="_blank">I did them in another new spot</a> in the gym: on the lifting platform... with no convenient lines to hint at foot placement and plenty of crash-worthy stuff nearby. But I didn't crash. And I held the hollow position quite nicely, if I do say so myself.<br />
<blockquote><b>Skills</b><br />
<i>5 sets:</i><br />
2 hip snatch + 1 hang snatch (above the knee)<br />
2:00 rest<br />
<b>My weights: </b>35 - 40 - 40 - 45 - 45 <br />
<br />
<b>WOD</b><br />
<i>4 rounds:</i><br />
400m run<br />
:30 handstand hold<br />
10 db snatch/arm, 20#<br />
<b>My time: </b>16:12</blockquote>Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-80587215982534823052011-04-17T19:35:00.004-05:002011-04-17T20:26:27.717-05:00In Case You Were Wondering...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjRIYf-i25k/TauEQDHC5iI/AAAAAAAAERs/eUGAdZWIPss/s1600/rsz_reminder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qjRIYf-i25k/TauEQDHC5iI/AAAAAAAAERs/eUGAdZWIPss/s320/rsz_reminder.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I didn't intend to ignore most of the good lessons I've learned in the last two years; it just sort of happened. The universe has sent me a smack pack of reminders, and I'm sharing them with you so you don't have to receive a similar gift basket of your own. <br />
<br />
It started last Saturday night with a wedding. The evening was balmy. My husband Dave was looking SO handsome. Romance was in the air... and I had a cocktail in my hand. After dino-chow-friendly BBQ, I had another vodka & soda... and then a giant piece of Italian cream cake. Which I ate like an animal.<br />
<br />
I felt 100% guilt free and enjoyed myself immensely.<br />
<br />
Sunday evening, cuddled on the couch watching Scream 2, gluten-free pizza seemed like the best idea ever. I mentally praised myself for not eating my entire half of the pie.<br />
<br />
And on Tuesday, when we realized our income tax refund was going to four times as much as we'd hoped, we decided to celebrate: Cuban food at the restaurant where we held our wedding dinner. Fried plantains. Yucca. Hunks of crispy pork. Mango-infused rum cocktails. And trés leches cake.<br />
<br />
Friday, one of my best buddies at work was celebrating his last day before jumping ship to a new job. We had a beautiful, decadent meal and cocktails at <a href="http://congressaustin.com/second/" target="_blank">Second Bar + Kitchen</a>. My entree was a sensible and tasty pile of sauteed greens topped with slices of grilled steak – but I had bites of a handful of non-dino-chow appetizers – and my own fork to sample the array of desserts that hit the table (including – oh, my! – a chocolate toffee sticky pudding with bacon ice cream). And then, since I'm telling you the ugly, naked truth, I drank two vodka & sodas at our <a href="http://www.karaokeapocalypse.com/" target="_blank">Karaoke Apocalypse</a> show.<br />
<br />
To cap off the week of hedonism, I snarfed my way through some tortilla chips and salsa on Saturday morning, alongside my healthy, dino-chow approved bowl of caldo de res. And then after a somewhat reasonable BBQ lunch, I ate a bunch of bites of banana pudding with whipped cream.<br />
<br />
That's quite a collection of treats, no?<br />
<br />
Here's the thing... any <i><b>one</b></i> of those meals would have been so OK with me. But instead, looking back on the week, I realized it was almost like a slow-motion binge in between squeaky-clean dino-chow meals.<br />
<br />
I can't help but think: <i>What was I thinking?!</i><br />
<br />
The truth is, I wasn't thinking. I was just chowing.<br />
<br />
I thought I was celebrating, but I forgot that true celebration is accompanied by mindfulness. And that celebratory emotions – joy, love, triumph, <i>woot it's friday!</i> – can and should be separated from food and drink. It's totally appropriate to mark a special occasion with a treat... but it's best when it's done by being fully present and savoring each bite. All of the occasions listed above would have been just as sweet if I'd shown restraint in the food and booze departments.<br />
<br />
I don't feel guilty, and I'm not beating myself up – which is a huge improvement over past behavior.<br />
<br />
But I am realizing that all that "fun" really wasn't such a great idea for me. Around about Thursday morning, I started wondering if my period was coming early because I was so freakin' cranky.<br />
<br />
I actually told a co-worker who was annoying me that I was going to stab him in the face.<br />
<br />
By Friday night, I was feeling pudgy and unattractive – not the right frame of mind when I'm supposed to be the confident, fun-loving hostess of Karaoke Apocalypse.<br />
<br />
Saturday, I was a hormonal wreck, still blaming pre-pre-PMS. Until I reflected on the week and the sugar-alcohol-grain roller coaster ride on which I'd taken myself.<br />
<br />
Here's the thing: physically, I don't feel all that terrible. I didn't have a stomach ache or weird bathroom experiences. I didn't feel <i>really</i> depressed – just a little "off" – and I laughed a fair amount this week, along with the crankies.<br />
<br />
But I didn't feel Good. And I certainly didn't feel Strong. Powerful. Confident. Energized.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I wonder if being all picky-pants about what I eat is worth it. You know how it is... we say "no" to cocktails most of the time. Pass on dessert. Avert our eyes from the brie on the cheese board as we reach for the olives included as garnish.<br />
<br />
Make no mistake, my faith in the power of dino-chow is strong, but even I wonder from time to time if all the fuss is necessary.<br />
<br />
But that's because I've forgotten what the "old normal" felt like. Puffy. Sniffly. Cranky. Lethargic.<br />
<br />
Pretty much the anti-superhero.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed myself quite a bit this week. I also felt crappy quite a bit this week.<br />
<br />
This morning, determined to get back to feeling Good, I went for a run-walk around the lake and had a nice little chat with myself about the difference between "fun" and "happy." Again. Then I came home and got busy in the kitchen. So far today, I've eaten homemade <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-favorite-weekend-breakfast-machacado.html" target="_blank">machacado and eggs</a>, <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2009/07/mango-cream-heaven-in-bowl.html" target="_blank">mango with coconut milk</a>, and <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/deconstructed-hamburger-salad.html" target="_blank">deconstructed hamburger salad</a>.<br />
<br />
That's ever so much better.<br />
<br />
I've been reminded... again... that yes, it's worth it.Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-32554538483228907872011-04-15T11:50:00.001-05:002011-04-15T11:51:32.268-05:00Friday Flashback: I'm Probably Going to Say NoI've been blogging here since 2008, and – if I do say so myself – there's some good stuff in my archive that you might have missed. On Fridays, I'm going to take you on a Friday Flashback and point you to some good stuff from the checkered past of The Clothes Make The Girl.<br />
<br />
<hr /><br />
<b>Friday Flashback: I'm Probably Going to Say No</b><br />
Originally posted on April 18, 2009, this entry was an announcement to my near and dear – and myself – that was about to enter a "get serious" mode about nutrition, workouts, and rest. I needed to get back to my happy place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3VBpFLi1xA/Tah3KAoKieI/AAAAAAAAERU/1UpAXaSYirI/s1600/superhappyfunland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3VBpFLi1xA/Tah3KAoKieI/AAAAAAAAERU/1UpAXaSYirI/s320/superhappyfunland.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><br />
I thrive most naturally and effortlessly when I have periods of "happy" (lots of rest, dino-chow, and training) and "fun" (late night concerts, non-paleo foods, and other assorted adventures). The happy times keep me healthy – the fun times ensure I cut loose and enjoy myself once in a while.<br />
<br />
But there really can be too much of a good (fun) thing. Which is where I was when I wrote this post.<br />
<br />
Here's a snippet:<br />
<blockquote><i>Whenever I loosen the screws on my diet and training, the first few days feel fun and indulgent... and then my attitude and general well-being start a downhill slide.<br />
<br />
I am currently at the bottom of the hill, and I'm ready to get my ass back up to the top.<br />
<br />
Time for "fun" has passed. Time for "happy" is about to begin.<br />
</i></blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2009/04/i-have-confession-to-make-im-going-to.html" target="_blank">Flashback to the whole post here:<br />
I'm Probably Going to Say No</a></b></span>Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-59410542156465629862011-04-14T11:32:00.003-05:002011-04-14T17:03:25.177-05:00It Didn't Look That HardThe rest periods built into our workouts this morning tricked me into thinking they "wouldn't be that bad."<br />
<br />
HA! Even the warmup was tough!<br />
<br />
We were all drenched in sweat and groaning before we'd even started the Skill work. And the skills felt like a WOD. Which, I guess, made the WOD feel like punishment.<br />
<br />
But A+ to me for using the 24kg kettlebell for swings. I did four of the rounds unbroken!<br />
<br />
And I'm supremely motivated to get a kipping pullup now because the "scaled" version this morning for us non-kippers was a MAX HOLD with our chin over the bar. <i><b>Holy schmoley! </b></i>Made me feel like my noggin was going to pop right off. I kept forgetting to breathe. Mostly 'cause I thought I was dying.<br />
<br />
Just a typical Thursday morning in a CrossFit box.<b><br />
</b><br />
<blockquote><b>Warmup</b><br />
400m run<br />
<i>2 rounds:</i><br />
10/side 1-legged hip extension<br />
10/side torso stretch<br />
Plank --> arm/leg extensions<br />
1-foot hop: up & down, side to side, front and back<br />
High knees<br />
<br />
<b>Skills</b><br />
<i>5 rounds:</i><br />
10 Russian swings, 24kg<br />
rest :30<br />
10 Step-ups/leg<br />
rest :30<br />
Max tuck holds on parallettes<br />
rest :30<br />
<br />
<b>WOD</b><br />
<i>5 rounds:</i><br />
:40 Row @ 70% + :20 rest<br />
:40 DB push press, 20# DBs + :20 rest<br />
Max chinup hold + :20 rest<br />
<br />
<b>My chinup holds: </b><br />
:10 - :10 - :12 - :12 - :11</blockquote>Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-77845856176225737492011-04-12T16:42:00.000-05:002011-04-12T16:42:44.993-05:00Strength Training Tuesday - 04/12/11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6lAyVZoLWE/TZIpOg0o-bI/AAAAAAAAEPk/WgtlUN5kfXY/s1600/strength.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6lAyVZoLWE/TZIpOg0o-bI/AAAAAAAAEPk/WgtlUN5kfXY/s400/strength.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In my quest for lean superhero-ness, I tackle the Strength Training Workout posted by <a href="http://www.crossfitaustin.com/about/trainers/" target="_blank">Coach Wes</a> every Tuesday at <a href="http://www.crossfitaustin.com/" target="_blank">CrossFit Austin</a>.<br />
<br />
<hr /><br />
<b>Tuesday, April 12, 2011 – Strength WOD</b><br />
<blockquote>5X 1 press + 2 push press (heavier than last week) - 70# 75# 80# 80# 85#(fail)<br />
5X2 back squat @ 85% max - 3 sets @ 135#, 2 sets @ 130#<br />
5X2 deadlift @ 75% max - 150#<br />
<i>plus...</i> 2 chest-to-bar negative chin-ups @ 5/5 tempo* between squat and deadlift sets</blockquote><b>Five cool "in-that-really-painful-way" things about this workout:</b><br />
1. I worked to failure on the presses. It's really tough for me to go to failure 'cause I get scared, but I did it today. And man! I fought SO hard to get that 85# up... just couldn't get my head through. But so fun to try!<br />
<br />
2. Coach Tristy said I wasn't getting quite low enough on the back squats, so I sent my ego away and dumped 5 pounds off the bar to focus on technique. My ego and the demon that lives at the bottom of the squat were totally making fun of me, so I kinda sat on them when I got down there.<br />
<br />
3. After all the other barbell shenanigans, those deadlifts were Heavy. But my stripper deadlift style seems to be permanently gone. Rejoice!<br />
<br />
4. I no longer have to (a) remind myself to hook grip or (b) whine about the pain of it. If I'm doing a clean or a deadlift or a snatch, my hook grip is automatic – and I have the funny callusses on both my ring fingers to prove it.<br />
<br />
5. I got to wear my <a href="http://www.fashletics.com/collections/apparel-accesories/products/knee-high-socks-white-teal">Live. Love. Lift. socks</a>. The stripes make my legs look chubby, but I love the sentiment so much, I don't care. Plus, it's hard to see how chubby my legs look when I'm kicking so much ass.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UlRiepgFMis/TaTGg9QvbKI/AAAAAAAAERI/wvaw3yX8lyg/s1600/AAAADL-K6_MAAAAAARyCrw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdnHIJs_pJ4/TaTGsE2VUcI/AAAAAAAAERM/UGgKYHXJYIM/s1600/Sock3View_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tdnHIJs_pJ4/TaTGsE2VUcI/AAAAAAAAERM/UGgKYHXJYIM/s320/Sock3View_large.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br />
*5/5 tempo= hold for 5 seconds at the top, lower to fully-extended arms for 5 secondsMel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-64583448478901669892011-04-11T20:07:00.004-05:002011-04-11T20:07:00.655-05:00The Presses Were A TrickI must have still been half asleep when I read the workout this morning, because I thought it looked kinda fun. Running! Overhead presses! Wheeee!<br />
<br />
Except it was 10 rounds.<br />
Of 85-90% effort on the running.<br />
With just three little presses in between.<br />
<br />
At the end, when I'd run 1.25 miles in 200m increments and the sweat was running off my face and my ponytail was plastered to my neck and I was beyond sweat angel into sweat puddle territory, I realized the truth: The presses were a trick. To make me run. Fast. Over and over and over.<br />
<br />
It worked.<br />
<blockquote><b>Skills</b><br />
Hip snatch waveload<br />
3-2-1-3-2-1-3-2-1<br />
:90 Rest b/t rep sets<br />
<b>My weights:</b> 30-35-40-35-40-45-40-45-50<br />
</blockquote><blockquote>I'm staying kinda light on snatches right now to work on my technique. It's getting more solid, so soon I'll start dropping the hammer.<br />
<br />
<b>WOD</b><br />
<i>10 rounds:</i><br />
200m run @ 85-90% Pace<br />
3 push press @55-65% of Jerk 1RM, 50#<br />
<b>My time: </b>11:55<br />
<br />
<b>Bonus fun</b><br />
Handstand hold :30</blockquote><b>Dirty little embarrassing secret alert</b>: Every since I learned to do a handstand against the wall on that magical date known as <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2010/12/you-never-know-if-today-is-day.html" target="_blank">December 6, 2010</a>, I've done them in the exact same spot in the gym. It's in the back corner, where there's a seam on the floor so I know just where to put my feet. There's plenty of room on either side so I can't crash into anything. It's my safe zone.<br />
<br />
But today, the giant tire was leaning against the wall IN MY HANDSTAND SPOT.<br />
<br />
So I rotated 90-degrees to the right, to another blank wall. Where there's a sink on the left (crash-worthy) and no lines on the floor to gauge distance from the wall.<br />
<br />
I'm not gonna lie and pretend I'm cool: it made me quite nervous.<br />
<br />
But I took a breath, locked my arms out overhead, and kicked... and bounced my booty right off the wall.<br />
<br />
It took two more attempts, but I finally got upside down.<br />
<br />
And held it.<br />
<br />
Guess I have two handstand spots now.Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-22732394651205063812011-04-11T17:50:00.000-05:002011-04-11T17:50:38.284-05:00Review: Everyday PaleoIf you're part of the online paleo community, you're probably familiar with <a href="http://everydaypaleo.com/about/" target="_blank">Sarah Fragoso</a> and her family-oriented paleo blog <a href="http://www.everydaypaleo.com/" target="_blank">Everyday Paleo</a>. If not, here's the Cliffs Notes version: she's a CrossFitter and paleo eater, but she wasn't always that way. She and her family have redefined what family meals and family time in the kitchen can be – and she's sharing her hard-won knowledge in her new book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Paleo-Sarah-Fragoso/dp/098256581X?ie=UTF8&tag=roltheboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Everyday Paleo</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=roltheboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=098256581X" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0WBXMsnJIE/TaOFidKFZ6I/AAAAAAAAERE/5CJtouG-UDo/s1600/Everyday_Paleo-68171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f0WBXMsnJIE/TaOFidKFZ6I/AAAAAAAAERE/5CJtouG-UDo/s320/Everyday_Paleo-68171.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I know, I know. You think you know everything you need to know about paleo already. You've done a <a href="http://whole9life.com/2010/12/whole30-2011/" target="_blank">Whole30</a> or you've been <a href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank">primal with Mark Sisson</a> for months or you read <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Solution-Original-Human-Diet/dp/0982565844?ie=UTF8&tag=roltheboo-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Paleo Solution</a></i><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=roltheboo-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0982565844" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> by Robb Wolf.<br />
<br />
To that I say, <b>there is always something new to learn</b>.<br />
<br />
And to convince you, I present...<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Five Awesome Things About <i>Everyday Paleo</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<b>1. Sarah shares her "pre-paleo" life story – and she pulls no punches.</b><br />
It's a touching story that's really about family first and nutrition second. I particularly liked this quote:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>"If you are eating paleo, exercising, sleeping enough, and finding time to play, all the other difficult stuff does not disappear, but it does become manageable." </i></blockquote>And isn't that we we're all really looking for? A full life with "manageable" bumps in the road.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Information is presented in tasty, easy-to-digest chunks.</b><br />
Oh, the helpful lists! A fridge list. A pantry list. An "approved foods" list. A kitchen equipment list. And a handy breakdown of common questions like "What's the deal with bacon?" and "What about eating out?", along with some straight talk on nuts, salt, and paleo treats. <br />
<br />
Ahem. <i>"Anything in the recipe section that looks like dessert should be considered something for a special occasion."</i><br />
<br />
I like the way she thinks!<br />
<br />
<b>3. Recipes!</b><br />
A paleo/primal/Whole30/dino-chow eater can never have too many recipes! And Sarah's contributions to our growing body of good eats are easy-to-make and will get you in and out of the kitchen in a flash. Remember, this is a busy mom, so her recipes are designed to get tasty food on the table with a minimum of fuss. There's plenty of variety, so even picky eaters (a.k.a., kids!) will be willing to dig in.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Your plans are made.</b><br />
Getting started can be a dicey proposition, but <i>Everyday Paleo</i> lays out both a 30-day meal plan (with shopping lists) and workout programs for newbies and veterans that include step-by-step photos. No CrossFit gym nearby? No problem. Sarah shows you how to get a killer workout with just your bod and your motivation. <br />
<b><br />
5. The wee ones!</b><br />
Throughout the book, photos of Sarah and her kids bring the information to life. The chapter on kids' fitness delivers helpful tips for moving your kids away from the XBox and into the yard where they can run around like the little maniacs they're meant to be. Photos of the wee ones demonstrating exercises are not only informative, but just might convince a reluctant child you know to give it a try. And bonus! Sarah demonstrates how to use your sweetheart for added resistance and stretching assistance. I can't wait to tell Dave we're doing partner pushups!<br />
<br />
<i>Everyday Paleo</i> will be officially released on April 25, but you can pre-order now... and Sarah's running a fun drawing on her site from now 'til the publication date. <a href="http://everydaypaleo.com/2011/04/05/enter-for-your-chance-to-win-everyday-paleo-pre-order-prize-giveaways/" target="_blank">Visit Everyday Paleo now</a> to learn more about how you can win! And definitely bookmark/subscribe to her blog – you can never learn too much about nutrition, exercise, good health, and yourself.Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-12961768616802776972011-04-08T13:31:00.001-05:002011-04-08T13:32:18.867-05:00Unbroken Has Left Me... BrokenOK. I'm exaggerating. I'm not broken, but I am butt-tired.<br />
<br />
Our marching orders this morning were to do chest-to-bar kipping pullups unbroken. The scaling requirement was to commit to a number we could do for <b>all 5 rounds</b>, <b>chest to bar</b>. I opted to do jumping pullups, instead of the band because I can't do a string of unbroken chest-to-bar with a band (yet!).<br />
<br />
Um. Yeah. Jumping pullups are Hard.<br />
<blockquote><b>WOD</b><br />
<i>5 rounds:</i><br />
8 unbroken chest-to-bar kip pullups, jumping<br />
15 American swings, 16kg<br />
rest :20<br />
200m sprint<br />
20 anchored situps<br />
rest :20<br />
<b>My time: </b>16:something</blockquote>It was very convenient to have situps as the last move 'cause after I squawked "time," I just flopped right back down on the blessedly flat, supportive, solid floor. When I finally struggled to my feet to congratulate the rest of the WOD-survivors in my class, I left a ginormous sweat angel in my wake.<br />
<br />
Hell, yeah, Friday!<br />
<br />
Tomorrow: strength training and a walk. Sunday: REST DAY!Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-68949508914613007252011-04-08T12:12:00.000-05:002011-04-08T12:12:43.765-05:00Friday Flashback: Snatched From The Jaws Of DoomI've been blogging here since 2008, and – if I do say so myself – there's some good stuff in my archive that you might have missed. On Fridays, I'm going to take you on a Friday Flashback and point you to some good stuff from the checkered past of The Clothes Make The Girl.<br />
<br />
<hr /><br />
<b>Friday Flashback: Snatched From The Jaws Of Doom</b><br />
Originally posted on December 16, 2008, this entry is all about a workout that almost wasn't. And how sometimes, it's a good idea to trick ourselves into starting the warmup that leads to the WOD.<br />
<br />
Here's a snippet:<br />
<blockquote><i>Before I knew it, I was bargaining with myself about how long I could stay in bed and still have time to do a workout before I had to get to the office. And while I was consciously doing that, my subconscious was making up a workout.... It was like the whole universe was making sure I worked up a sweat today.</i></blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/snatched-from-jaws-of-doom.html" target="_blank">Flashback to the whole post here:<br />
Snatched From The Jaws Of Doom</a></b></span>Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-86738016097929276322011-04-07T16:59:00.001-05:002011-04-07T16:59:35.454-05:00A Dirty Dozen of Double-Unders<a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2011/04/double-unders-dude.html" target="_blank">Sucking it up with the double-unders</a> on Monday paid off in spades today! I got 10 DUs unbroken and then... to my extreme surprise and delight, I got another 12 unbroken.<br />
<br />
A dirty dozen of double-unders.<br />
<br />
I realize, of course, that this means my days of swapping double or triple singles for double-unders in a workout are over. It's true DUs all the way for me now. I can feel the welts already. <br />
<br />
But the happy sound of an endless whir through 12 reps is still ringing in my ears. I'm not afraid of any stinkin' jump rope.<br />
<blockquote><b>Skills</b><br />
<i>4 rounds:</i><br />
6-8 dips - rest 1:00 <br />
6-8 split squats, 10# DBs - rest 1:00 <br />
<br />
<b>WOD</b><br />
<i>7 rounds:</i><br />
:20 burpees (max effort) - :40 rest<br />
:20 double-unders - :40 rest<br />
:20 row (recovery pace) - :40 rest</blockquote>Our goal with the burpees was to be consistent on all seven rounds. Consistent is one of my middle names. See? Melissa Kathryn Consistent Relentless Joulwan.<br />
<blockquote><b>My burpees: </b>7 - 7 - 7 - 7 - 7 - 7 - 8</blockquote>My ego fought HARD to get that eighth burpee in the last round.Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-85492585290520825542011-04-06T15:39:00.000-05:002011-04-06T15:39:04.242-05:00New Potential For Nibbles On The Ear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MikAL9OKVvI/TZzOCCHkjqI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/VrZ5kYeHtZI/s1600/BACON-COLOGNE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MikAL9OKVvI/TZzOCCHkjqI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/VrZ5kYeHtZI/s400/BACON-COLOGNE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Yes, that's right: Bacon Cologne (pronounced <i>bay-cone</i>, you Neanderthals.)<br />
<br />
From the web site:<br />
<blockquote><i>The year was 1920 and quite by accident John Fargginay, a Parisian butcher discovered the ability to dramatically elevate his customers' mood with a secret recipe blending 11 popular pure essential oils with the essence of...bacon. As the story goes, film stars & heads of state would frequent his shop to procure the magical elixir. With a wink of the eye and the secret code, "fargginay," customers would be slipped a discreet pouch containing the formula said to trigger pleasant memories. After a massive fire on July 4, 1924, the business was lost and so was the formula…Until now. Ladies & gentlemen, behold, bacōn fragrances, by fargginay. The time has come to uncover a new level of awesome.</i></blockquote>Imagine what might happen if you wore Bacon Cologne while serving <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2009/11/turkey-tales-and-bacon-bourbon-brownies.html">bacon bourbon brownies</a> or <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2008/12/bacon-and-butter.html">bacon potato chip cookies</a>... or if you're being sensible (although who is being sensible while wearing bacon cologne?!) you could share some <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2010/12/suddenly-im-in-mood-for-broccoli.html">Bacon Broccoli Salad</a>!<br />
<br />
Learn more about this new fragrance and <a href="http://www.fargginay.com/shop-1.html" target="_blank">get your hands on some here</a>.Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-90482465152123044312011-04-06T13:50:00.001-05:002011-04-06T13:51:24.233-05:00Flower PowerI know this is a wildly unpopular opinion, but I'm not a big fan of spring. For me, living deep in the heart of Texas, spring doesn't feel so much a time of re-birth as a harbinger of the uncomfortably hot, sticky months to come. I grew up in Pennsylvania, and the crisp, fresh air of fall remains my favorite time of year.<br />
<br />
But even I had to smile at the <a href="http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/04/flower_power.html" target="_blank">Big Pictures' photos of spring flowers</a> from around the world. Some of the photos document very somber situations, but it's impossible to deny the power of a bright blossom in a stark landscape. They're a lovely reminder that if we pay attention, we can find beauty.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KyBINTx3vs/TZy1FHs6l6I/AAAAAAAAEQo/_n0Smt1pFrk/s1600/bp10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KyBINTx3vs/TZy1FHs6l6I/AAAAAAAAEQo/_n0Smt1pFrk/s400/bp10.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bird sits on the branch of a cherry tree, <br />
a symbol of the fleeting nature of life. (Yoshhikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCLVryAmT_k/TZy1FZcB7wI/AAAAAAAAEQw/cjcGbaDvNt4/s1600/bp20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCLVryAmT_k/TZy1FZcB7wI/AAAAAAAAEQw/cjcGbaDvNt4/s400/bp20.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Yemeni army soldier, with flowers received from protesters, stands guard<br />
to protect anti-government protesters in Sanaa March 23. (Ammar Awad/Reuters)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-64059141264017527262011-04-06T10:24:00.000-05:002011-04-06T10:24:54.783-05:00Question: What's More Dangerous Than Eating Glass?<span style="font-size: large;">Answer: Sleep deprivation.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Click the poster to see all the detail)</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGZ7lT_tUvQ/TZiGZzo264I/AAAAAAAAEQU/pFVtAjkt3ws/s1600/zeo-Sleep-Infographic-FFunction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGZ7lT_tUvQ/TZiGZzo264I/AAAAAAAAEQU/pFVtAjkt3ws/s1600/zeo-Sleep-Infographic-FFunction.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://images.fastcompany.com/upload/zeo-Sleep-Infographic-FFunction.jpg">source</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I used to be a terrible sleeper. Tossing, turning, fretting. I spent many nights lying with my eyes open, completely stressed about the sleep I was missing, but not knowing how to change my pattern. I routinely muddled through life on 6-7 hours of sleep per night.<br />
<br />
But then two things happened: I cleaned up my diet, and I committed to getting at least 8 hours per night. It's been about a year and a half since I started my sleep experiment, and the nights that I sleep less than 8 hours are very, very rare. I have no need for caffeine, my energy is pretty stable throughout the day, and my sleep is mostly uninterrupted. Lovely!<br />
<br />
I've previously written about the value of quality sleep and some tricks for improving your sleep quantity and quality. Check 'em out:<br />
<a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2009/11/sleep-of-righteous-part-1.html" target="_blank">Sleep of the Righteous, Part 1</a><br />
<a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2009/11/sleep-of-righteous-part-2.html" target="_blank">Sleep of the Righteous, Part 2</a>Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-34711893055180872772011-04-05T16:25:00.000-05:002011-04-05T16:25:38.143-05:00I Wanna Go!<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1fouvwilGWc" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></center><br />
<br />
<a href="http://tempestacademy.com/" target="_blank">Tempest Freerunning Academy</a> in LA. <a href="http://tempestacademy.com/classes" target="_blank">Parkour 101 classes</a>! Just another reason for me to want to move back to California!Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45028020392672895.post-60620313984807323702011-04-05T10:03:00.002-05:002011-04-12T13:43:52.044-05:00It's Not A Coatrack (Strength Training Tuesday) - 04/05/11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6lAyVZoLWE/TZIpOg0o-bI/AAAAAAAAEPk/WgtlUN5kfXY/s1600/strength.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6lAyVZoLWE/TZIpOg0o-bI/AAAAAAAAEPk/WgtlUN5kfXY/s400/strength.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
In my quest for lean superhero-ness, I tackle the Strength Training Workout posted by <a href="http://www.crossfitaustin.com/about/trainers/" target="_blank">Coach Wes</a> every Tuesday at <a href="http://www.crossfitaustin.com/" target="_blank">CrossFit Austin</a>.<br />
<br />
<hr /><br />
For most of my workout this morning, it was just me and another dude in the Craptastic gym. He was about my age, maybe a little older... classic apple shape... walking on the treadmill in a slightly hunched over position, his arms supporting his upper body as he clomped on the conveyor belt.<br />
<br />
He looked fairly miserable and extremely bored.<br />
<br />
I warmed up with 400m on the elliptical, some PVC mobility work, and a few deep squats to wake things up, then I made my way to the lifting cage to start my workout. Mr. Treadmill was on the hamstring machine – still looking miserable, but now resigned instead of bored – and his brown hoodie was hanging on the end of the barbell that was racked in the lifting cage.<br />
<br />
"Is it OK if I move your jacket?" I asked him.<br />
<br />
He looked surprised, then he moved his jacket and went back to his machines.<br />
<br />
And that's when I realized it: three years ago, the lifting cage would have looked like a coat rack to me, too.<br />
<br />
The barbells were something the 'big guys' would do.<br />
<br />
And I most certainly would not have dragged the stool under the uppermost bar to practice chinups.<br />
<br />
At that moment, I felt compassion for Mr. Treadmill and his workout rut because this morning, he didn't have a conversation with a barbell, visit with <a href="http://theclothesmakethegirl.blogspot.com/2011/03/barbell-i-we-are-demon-fighters.html" target="_blank">the demon that lives at the bottom of the back squat </a>(<i>G'Morning, demon! How are you today?</i>), or breathe through the painful exhilaration of deliberate, chest-to-deck, elbows-back pushups.<br />
<br />
Thank you to <a href="http://www.rollergirlthebook.com/dirtydeeds" target="_blank">Dirty Deeds</a>, for taking me to my first CrossFit Central Bootcamp... to <a href="http://whole9life.com/about-us/" target="_blank">Moxy-Boss</a> for convincing me to lift heavy... to CrossFit coaches everywhere for spreading the good word. My workouts are often humbling or <i>frexciting</i> or annoying or enlightening – and on occasion, triumphant and joy-inducing – but they are never, ever boring.<br />
<br />
And I will never mistake a barbell for a coat rack. For that, I'm grateful.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYXQH6vD86o/TZss9OkjkoI/AAAAAAAAEQk/GIkNAuO3qX0/s1600/14859185_01_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYXQH6vD86o/TZss9OkjkoI/AAAAAAAAEQk/GIkNAuO3qX0/s320/14859185_01_b.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<b>Tuesday, April 5, 2011 – Strength WOD</b><br />
<blockquote>4X 2 press + 3 push press<br />
5X2 back squat @ 80% max<br />
4X3 deadlift @ 70-75% max <br />
<i>plus... </i>1-3 chest-to-bar strict chin-ups between squat and deadlift sets </blockquote>That was the workout; here's what I did:<br />
<br />
<b>4X 2 press + 3 push press:</b> 65 - 75 - 80 (1 press) - 80 (1 press)<br />
I couldn't squeeze out a second press at 80#, but the instructions were to go heavier than last week, and I did 78# last week.<br />
<br />
<b>5X2 back squat @ 80% max</b><br />
120# + 1 chin attempt + 3 perfect pushups<br />
120# + 2 negative chinups + 3 perfect pushups<br />
120# + 2 negative chinups + 3 perfect pushups<br />
120# + 2 negative chinups + 3 perfect pushups<br />
120# + 2 negative chinups + 3 perfect pushups<br />
<br />
A few words about my back squat: One of my struggles at the bottom, a.k.a., demon territory, is keeping my toes pointed straight ahead while I press my knees out. I've been working on minimizing the toe creep and today, my red Converse pointed straight ahead, even when my butt was smushing the demon. Yay!<br />
<br />
<b>4X3 deadlift @ 60-65% max</b><br />
135# + 3 perfect pushups<br />
140# + 3 perfect pushups<br />
145# + 3 perfect pushups<br />
145# + 3 perfect pushups<br />
<br />
There are no chinups during my deadlifts because even jumping, I couldn't get my chin over the bar anymore. But my pushups were lovely.Mel_Joulwanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17231390156357385077noreply@blogger.com3