American Version of Ireland

Posted on March 20, 2017 by Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves

It’s 12:15am and I’m eating frozen bananas while standing in front of my radiator.

But I wanted to blog! My brain can only organize things into an incoherent list right now though, so that’s what we’ll work with today.

This past week:

1) We had a snow day on Tuesday and it ruined everything.

My gross anatomy lab practical that was supposed to be last Tuesday is now tomorrow, the same day as the gross anatomy lecture exam. #ILoveEverything.

2) I can’t complain about sleeping in and having warm Slytherin socks though (thanks, Fiona ♥︎).

3) Megan and I also made a mini snowman after Mass that day.

same.

we named him Stello, the counterpart to Stella the storm

3) Megan, Briana and I were craving a taste of Ireland on our snow day, so we baked Irish brown bread (one of our favorite foods when we were abroad) using this recipe. It ROCKED fresh out of the oven with butter and jam/honey. *Irish jig*

3 mini loaves

we have finally mastered the art of baking in our hell-hot box of an oven

4) Another low regarding the snow/ice was that I walked 30 minutes to dance on Wednesday morning (and royally wiped out on the ice on the way there) all to find out that class was cancelled. ‘Twas totally my fault for not checking the facebook page for an update after the large snow storm.

5) I forgot how much I liked getting sandwiches/wraps at the dining hall until I ordered this beauty last week.

roast beef, provolone, roasted veggies, lettuce, tomato, sprouts, honey mustard on whole wheat wrap

6) Some of my favorite moves and grooves from last week:

Wednesday: 10-1 pistol squat/burpee ladder (10 of each, then 9, 8,7…1) + squat clean practice

Saturday: 5 rounds of this functional workout from Peanut Butter Fingers + overhead squat practice

Friday: alllll the dancing for St. Paddy’s day!

ugh this night was so fun!

7) I tried making a healthy homemade shamrock shake with peppermint stevia drops that had been sitting in my pantry unopened for ages.

milk, yogurt, oats, chia seeds, frozen banana, 1/4 avocado, greens, vanilla protein powder, peppermint stevia drops

My friends hate me for making this.

It was tasty and creamy, but I should have just left out the stevia because it wasn’t that strong, so I kept adding more until it just left a nasty aftertaste.

At least it wasn’t as sickeningly sweet as the McDonald’s version? And it’s green!

8) I helped out with a high school confirmation retreat on Saturday and the church spoiled the volunteers by inviting us to their St. Patrick’s/St. Joseph’s potluck dinner!

salad, lobster ravioli, jambalaya, clam fritter, eggplant parmigiana, shepherd’s pie, soda bread

#global.

all the boxed baked goods!!!

I also ate Welch’s fruit snacks and Cheez-Its earlier in the day during the allotted snack time, and I was on cloud nostalgia.

9) Despite the complain train of this post, I am truly grateful for the many wonderful people and privileges I have in my life. And especially this week, I am grateful for the little trials and heartaches that God uses to teach me how to be better.

I hope you all have a fantastic Monday. Go get ’em!!!

So tell me:

How did you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Danced and snacked the night away with my friends (and watched them drink because I’m still a baby here in America).

Two things you’re grateful for.

The best thing you ate this weekend. That one lobster ravioli (raviolo?) I ate at the potluck was smashing.

I’m Happier Without Instagram

Posted on February 9, 2017 by Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves

SNOW DAY!!!

It’s been two years since our last snow day here at BU. The last time this happened, we were experiencing snowpocalypse and had 5 snow days on almost every Monday of the week from January-February.

#tbt

Someone noted that the Patriots won the Super Bowl that year also…

Yesterday it was sunny and warm, except for the morning when I got to ice skate to dance class. This is actual footage of me ~~walking~~ perilously penguin shuffling across the frozen-over bridge.

I have never more greatly appreciated the function of salt on the sidewalks.

From salt and snow to INSTAGRAM. (#NoSegueNoProblem #BloggerLife)

I’ve been on a break from (what used to be) my favorite social media platform for over a month now. I miss it sometimes as I’m not “in the loop” with health living bloggers and friends as much anymore, but I can’t say that I truly miss it. In fact, I dare say that I am much happier without Instagram.

The main reason for which I am happier is that Instagram was a comparison trap for me, whether I liked to admit it or not, and now I’ve finally cut it out of my life. This mostly applies to fitness. I am much more content with my workouts (vs. thinking about the workout that someone else posted on Instagram today), and I’m less concerned about what my body looks like on a day to day basis.

The temptation to obsess over comments, likes, followers and notifications is gone.

I feel incredibly liberated in not having any social media icons on my phone. I don’t mindlessly pick up my phone to check notifications anymore. My right thumb also feels less fatigued due to less scrolling (true story).

My attention span has probably improved.

I don’t crave noise as much anymore. In fact, I find myself craving silence, which never used to happen.

I take fewer photos, which might be more of an advantage for my friends/family than it is for me.

I just have more brain space without Instagram.

Disclaimers: I do still have Facebook, because it’s a practical way to stay in touch with people and organize school events. Plus, the temptation to scroll on FB isn’t as great as it is on Instagram. Also, I’m not at all saying that everyone will be happier without Instagram. I just know for myself that Instagram has more negative than positive effects on my life.

I’m only a little bit sad to be admitting all of this. I did enjoy sharing workouts and tidbits of life, but I don’t need it, and others don’t need my Instagram presence. I’d say a personal blog is enough of me in the world wide web.

Other scenes from the week:

an evening with the brachial plexus

check out this pristine sky on the day I gave my first campus tour in 8 months!

one thing I like + one thing I like substantially less

banana bread baked oatmeal with pb + glass o’ milk

Thrive Market delivery!

Some moves and grooves I was diggin’ these past two weeks:

// Lower Body Supersets //

3×10 squats
3×20 jump squats

3×10 deadlifts
3×30 side jump lunges

3×3 wall walks
3×10 box jumps

// Hillary’s 400 Heavy Rep Workout //

// 45 Minute Fightmaster Vinyasa Yoga //

// AMRAP and EMOM //

12 min AMRAP (as many rounds as possible):

6 pistol squats each leg
10 burpees
10 situps

10 min EMOM (every minute, on the minute):

Even: 5 Katniss pushups each side
Odd: 15 box jumps

10 min EMOM:

Even: 20 hamstring ball curls
Odd: 20 KB swings

// Fitness Blender 20 Minute Abs and Obliques Workout //

// 16 Minute Workout //

4 rounds, 30 seconds work, 10 seconds rest

burpee tuck jumps
goblet squats
high knees
single arm KB thrusters (alt sides each round)
burpees
weighted sit ups

Stay safe and warm if you’re in the snow storm! Enjoy your pre-Friday, friends ♥︎

So tell me:

Have you ever taken a break from social media and discovered that you’re happier?

Is it snowing where you live?

Three things about your week!

Your favorite way you’ve moved this week.

Five Minute Friday #10: Personality + Exciting Announcement!

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves

I definitely start a lot of my posts with small talk. I often like to talk about the weather, for example…

…but can we just…I was in shorts and a T-shirt all day yesterday. And WHAT is that next to Sunday and Tuesday?

But all this small talk is really just procrastination for what I really want to say (I have not told any of my friends or family about this, so you know it’s BIG and SCARY):

I’m working on a building a startup fitness company!

Moves and grooves have gradually become a bigger part of my life in the past few months, so this idea has been growing in my noggin for a bit. I believe I am at a very healthy place, mentally and physically, so I feel comfortable and empowered to take this on. Also, since I’ve become a Fit University ambassador, I’ve just had this inexplicable drive to integrate all my knowledge about physical therapy and eating disorders/fitness obsession and apply it to a holistic, supportive environment. I don’t want to divulge too many details since it’s still in the works, but I’ll be sure to share as the process unfolds.

WOW. LIBERATION. EXCITEMENT. Thanks for listening. Business things. Who would have thought?

Anyway, my friends and I have been rollin’ out the Easter celebration this whole week, despite real life things like laundry and ~~falling asleep in class~~ school.

Rachel and I checked off another food bucket list place on Tuesday with Zinneken’s liege waffles for lunch dessert! Instead of going to the storefront, we stopped by the food truck that was closer to us. I cannot tell you how much this food truck has been torturing me with its aroma of sugar-coated waffles for the past month whenever I walked by.

Tuesday was the day.

nutella + banana for Rachel // Speculoos cookie butter + banana for me

so beautiful (Rachel AND the waffle)

We bought our waffles, parked ourselves on a bench, and let all our fellow students watch us devour the crispiest, sweetest, most delightful waffles ever.

Other delicious foods from the d-hall this week:

two eggs scrambled with veggies, ~~drizzled~~ drenched with sriracha + whole wheat pancake with almond butter and banana + glass o’ milk

quinoa cake and roasted veggie bulgur + spinach salad with tofu, carrots, tuna, beets, couscous, olive oil, and balsamic

banana cake + pumpkin bread

Joyous feasting for Easter? 😀

I’ve also had lot of amazing conversations with friends this week, which brings me to this week’s Five Minute Friday! This one’s all about personality:

abstainer vs. moderator (inspired by Julie’s blog post!)
introvert vs. extravert
salt vs. light

link to the video!

*Note: After filming this, I reflected on my answer for abstainer vs. moderator, and I actually think I’m an abstainer when I’m more stressed, but I’m more of a moderator when things are going pretty smoothly. Is it cheating to say both?

Hope you all have a grand weekend! Also,

APRIL FOOLS!!!

I am NOT starting a fitness company. I have no plans to do so. Sorry. 😀

So tell me:

DID I FOOL YOU? Please say yes. I never fool anyone.

Do you think you’re an abstainer or a moderator?

Introvert or extravert?

Salt or light (if that’s applicable to you)?

Best April Fools story!

Virtual Lunch Date

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves

**If we were having lunch together…**

…I would apologize for missing our usual breakfast date this morning. If I had a battery for myself, I was at -5% last night, so I chose sleep over typing this blog post.

….I would tell you that my body is begging for lots of good food today. My body is probz still repairing from this workout that I did on Friday (even just 6 rounds at 20 and 25# did me under) and the strength workout I did yesterday.

breakfast this morning

lunch this afternoon

…I would tell you that my brain is extra needy for energy this week with three exams on deck.

…I would tell you that Saturday was a fun day— St. Joseph’s feast day, lunch with Rachel and her younger sister (which involved a giant biscuit with sausage gravy), and celebrating my friend Megan’s birthday! Someone brought a lot of Girl Scout cookies to the party, so I helped myself to ~~one~~ three (samoa, thin mint, and tagalong— the “trifecta,” as Rachel calls it).

…I would tell you that spring has sprung!!!

^^^That was the joke of Snapchat this morning when Boston woke up to this. Remember when it was spring break 8 days ago and we were all warm and happy?

But now I’m looking outside and it’s sunny and kind of warm and all the snow is melting. Because why not, Mother Nature?

…I would tell you that Friday’s weather was also bizarre. It was cloudy and ominous yet blue and sunny all at the same time. I must have opened and closed my umbrella five times within one walk.

to be sunny or not to be sunny: a reflection of my soul

…I would tell you that Snapchat notifies me of occasions that I didn’t even know existed.

I can get on board, I guess. Happiness is good. Happiness is also facilitated by Sundays and apple crisp a la mode.

…I would tell you that I am SO STOKED that it’s Holy Week! There is honestly nothing keeping me going through this hell week of exams like the knowledge that Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter await. *anticipatory happy dance*

tumblr_n3zve2Z0NW1sypvl1o1_500

[source]

…I would tell you that it was so lovely getting to take a break from studying and catch up with you for half an hour! But exercise phys calls.

…I would ask you:

How is your spring weather so far?

What are you eating for lunch?

Do you find that you’re learning a lot about national/international occasions via social media?

What’s exciting you this week!?

Friends Pushing Me to Be Better

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves

I just ate a dinner of popcorn, Chex Mix, celery, chocolate cake, an apple, “gorilla dip”, and a singular chicken wing.

#nutrition

Also, the only thing I watched from the Super Bowl last night was the halftime show and the Honda commercial with the singing sheep, and that was everything I needed.

I love Coldplay, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars, but did anyone else feel like the halftime performance as a whole was a weird combo?

Anyway, I have nothing more to say about the Super Bowl, so let’s talk about how my wonderful friends have been kicking my butt in the best way possible.

Rewind to Friday: I had biomechanics in the morning, a good lunch with friends, bible study, a workout, homework, and productive procrastination (working on a birthday gift for someone!).

Two of my dear friends, Mai and Kelsey, are in my bible study, and listening to their perspectives and insights on Scripture and faith in general was so inspiring. Most of all, their willingness to share their own doubts and trials humbles me to face my own doubts and trials.

Saturday started off with a walk through winter wonderland to get to work (unintentional alliteration).

I tried to pack more substantial snacks so that I wouldn’t be so lightheaded and cranky like I was last week at work, but I guess all the walking, cooking, and cleaning I do (and the fact that I end at 2pm) just does me in. Needless to say, lunch was again demolished.

While I was studying, my pal Connor came up to chat with me for a bit, and he gave me nuggets of wisdom to deal with my academic stress. His words were simple and things I knew logically, but I still needed someone to tell them to me in order to internalize it. 1) Happiness is important. 2) Don’t stress out because other people have more knowledge than you. Do what you need to do, but there’s no good in comparing and worrying.

Good stuff.

Saturday night involved a workout, some studying, and Tasty Burger (!!!) with the best friend.

A cheeseburger from this joint was on our food bucket list, and Saturday night was the night to crush it.

We liked their milkshakes as much as we liked their burgers! The shakes were uber thick and creamy. Like, you had to work those cheek muscles to drink it through the straw.

love at first bite

Rachel and I talked about our Lent resolutions since it starts this Wednesday, and one of my things to “give up” is makeup. I don’t wear a lot, but I do wear a little every day. I told Rachel with hesitance that I would give up makeup, but the next day I told her I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it. She insisted that giving up makeup would be good for me, and that I shouldn’t cave just because it’s hard (it’s definitely not supposed to be easy!). I agree. Wearing no makeup will help me focus on my character and fight vanity.

97ddca8d18da64f299b67d7c7eb891fd

[source]

My roommate Jordan also gave me a great slice of humble pie when I told her that I’m not always early (and sometimes a little late) to things, especially if I’m meeting with a close friend. She told me that everyone, close friends or professional mentors, should have their time respected. Duh, common sense, right? But it’s easier said than done for me these days (punctuality is slacking). Jordan is 100% right though. I should never take advantage of my friends’ time just because I’m close to them.

e38a3e5b6789f983464445d8d984efb2

[source]

Lastly, my amazing friend Christina invited me to do mobile soup kitchen with her last night. I joined her and some other kind volunteers, but I knew that I wanted to make it back in time for the Super Bowl halftime show. Towards the end of the route, I started to get impatient and antsy to make it back to campus, but just watching how patient, considerate, and kind Christina was with all the people we met was a humbling and beautiful sight. A lesson in selflessness right in front of me.

I am constantly in awe of my friends and the beauty of their souls. God is definitely shaping me up through their example and words. And of course, so many bloggers push me to be better too. Thanks, guys ♥︎

Hope you all have a happy week! We’re kind of hoping that BU calls in for a snow day today…

So tell me:

Do your friends keep you “on track”?

What is one lesson you learned/were reminded of this weekend?

Thoughts on the Super Bowl/halftime show?

Best thing you did this weekend. Probably Tasty Burger with Rachel!