A foodie love affair

30 Day Shred - Day 29

I can't believe I've made it to Day 29...just one day left on Emily Skye's 30 Day Shred.

This week is a great week to end the shred, but the closer Day 30 gets, the harder it is to keep to the meal plans. Knowing this week was my last week, a few celebrations have been put into the calendar like a big Melbourne trip this weekend to see the Foo Fighters.

One thing I didn't plan on coinciding with the end of the shred was the ballet. For Christmas, Dave got us two tickets to see the Australian Ballet perform Graeme Murphy's Swan Lake at Capitol Theatre in Chinatown.

But first we had to have dinner in Chinatown. I've been so good these past four weeks so one little cheat dinner shouldn't hurt right? Dave wanted laksa from one of the best laksa houses in Sydney - Happy Chef. It looks like any other food court stand, but it's quite known...everyone at my work swears it's the best laksa they've had in Sydney. I don't like laksa because it's too oily with tough noodles. I opted for soft and spicy char kway teow Malaysian noodles. I couldn't finish it all, but it was delicious to eat stir fried seafood and noodles.

Day 29 cheat dinner - Malaysian char kway teow

Waiting for the curtains to open for Swan Lake

I haven't seen the ballet in Australia. The last time I saw the ballet was in NYC when I went to uni there back in 2004-2008. Dave had never seen the ballet, so this was a first for us...at least in Australia. The show was absolutely beautiful. There are a few renditions of the classic story, but this one was created in the 90s and surprisingly based around the love triangle between Princess Diana, Prince Charles and Camilla Bowles. In some shows, the swan dies, the swan lives, the prince dies, the prince lives. This one was quite sad because they both died. It was a moving story and especially sad when she was in a insane asylum helpless and alone while her prince and the evil baroness are living the life she should have had. Then it was empowering when she showed up at the baroness' party while a new lease on life and confidence where the prince couldn't take his eyes away from her. In Dave's words, "The real moral to the story is that you shouldn't have two women at once." The romantic in me believes that you should be pure of heart and be committed to who you love...so don't cheat!

I've cheated on this shred, but I knew I would never follow it the letter. It has taught me a lot about discipline and new ways to eat while keeping satisfied. Tonight it wasn't about being on the shred. Dave and I enjoyed a fun date night with a satisfying Chinatown meal, beautiful ballet and love story.

Git 'er dun!

30 Day Shred - Day 28

Bring on Monday! I have 3 days left on the 30 Day Shred so to make sure I end on a bang, I approached the day with gusto and determination to knock things out.

I made my daily list of things to do and was able to scratch away at my list during the day. With every pen stroke, my mind relaxed and I felt more at ease with work. I even went to the gym and knocked out a shred work out. I'm a day behind, but I know I'll get it all done somehow if not by the 30th day, but definitely by the end of the week.

I was on a high after work. Although tired and a bit sore from shred workouts and my soccer game yesterday, I managed to play a decent game and score off a corner kick! I had a big day, but I knew what I had to do today and that was to git er' dun!

I came home to a very nice surprise. A candle lit dinner awaited my arrival. I was a sweaty mess from indoor soccer and decided to take a shower first. I also wanted to do a quick shred workout. But it didn't go to plan. I reached for my cell phone and couldn't find it. It wasn't in my gym bag or purse. I started panicking. As I did the first set of my upper arms workout, Dave went downstairs to the garage to look for my phone. I continued to panic. I even tried to call some girlfriends who were still playing indoor via Facebook - does it really work?

When he came back saying it wasn't there, I knew I had to rush to the indoor centre before it closed. I parked and ran to the centre...completely puffed. As soon as I walked in, I spotted my floral phone cover and sighed a breath of relief.

I headed home and plopped down on at the dinner table ravenous for food. Screw the workout...I'll do it tomorrow morning.

I kissed Dave thank you and all was forgiven. He had made up for all the frustration and anger I had with him yesterday.

Candle lit healthy dinner

6 year anniversary gift is up!

After dinner, we watched the Oscars. I looked at the blank wall with 3 hooks and was eager to get the frame up. The night before, we had spent an hour measuring and perfecting the position of the 3M hooks for the frame to hang properly. It may not look like it, but the frame was only $19 from Kmart! I had been quoted over $300 to frame my anniversary print and I knew I couldn't live with myself. This was just as slick and now we can admire it overtime we walk into our apartment.

Being real

30 Day Shred - Day 27

After a big few days where I left my meal plans slip a little, it was time to get back on track.

I started my day with my usual four egg white plus one whole egg omelet with spinach and cottage cheese. Today was game day. My soccer match was scheduled for 12pm. I woke up at 8:45am and made my breakfast right away. I knew if I ate any later, it would be harder and harder to digest. Today wasn't an issue. Because I wasn't eating carbs or anything acidic, I was fine when I started running.

The usual 30 Day Shred breakfast

4 egg whites + 1 whole egg + spinach + cottage cheese

It was a scorching hot day. Although cloudy, I definitely got a bit of a burn on my face. Thank goodness our opposition wanted to play 20 minute quarters instead of 40 minute halves.

I usually go to yoga at 3pm every Sunday, but after playing in the heat, all I wanted to do was jump into the ocean.

I made a carrot, apple, cucumber and mint juice and headed to the beach.

The water was a bit cold. A shot of the shivers went through my body when I entered the water, but after a few splashes, I wasn't cold anymore. It gave my sore, tired and burned body the relief it needed. I ended up laying out for three hours mixing in some girl talk time on the beach towel with some beach volleyball bumps with Dave and his friends.

I had an excellent Sunday with a touch of soccer and beach time. All I wanted to do was relax at home now. But I couldn't. I had left Dave to play soccer and he promised to clean and pick up the groceries while I was gone. He had not cleaned the house at all. When I got home from soccer he was at the store, which made me think he was there knowing I was coming home and would be furious to see the house wasn't cleaned. Normally I would brush off cleaning duties for another weekend, but next weekend we were having guests stay over. This was unacceptable. I had spent much of my Saturday picking up items for our house and cleaning. Every weekend I pick up the groceries and plan out our weekly meals. I was furious now.

I begrudgingly made dinner. I didn't care what he wanted to eat. I didn't care if he came home. I was so angry. When he did come home, he knew my frustration and anger was at boiling point. He started cleaning immediately as if to avoid the scolding a mother would give. When we finally sat down, he apologised. It was good of him to apologise, but I had to get my frustrations out.

"I always cook. I always do the shopping. I left today feeling good about the pact we'd made that you'd clean. I spent my free day yesterday picking up stuff for the apartment. You had your free day yesterday at your volleyball tournament. I'm not your mother."

"That's why now I'm apologising. I'm going to spend the rest of the night cleaning."

Again I felt like I was being treated like a mother.

We sat in silence while we ate. I nearly chewed the inside of my cheek I was so angry.

I let it go. He cleaned as he promised he would and I relaxed as I had planned to. It didn't make me feel good that he was cleaning while I wasn't, but it was his turn. 

My favourite 30 Day Shred Salad

Sweet potato, broccoli, beans, spinach, tomatoes, garlic and olive oil.

Gluten free / paleo / vegan almond cookies

To work out my frustrations, I baked. I found an amazing recipe online by googling "gluten free paleo cookies"...even better they were vegan! Thank you @TexanErin for such an easy and healthy recipe that satisfies my sweet tooth. It only takes 15 minutes including bake time!

Today was a real test to my dedication to the 30 Day Shred and my relationship. I have to be real with myself. If I want something to happen, I have to stick to my challenge or speak up when I see something is wrong. I've forgiven Dave, but he knows he's definitely in the dog house. I'm only days away from the 30 Day mark. After the 30 Day Shred, I know I have to forgive those cheat days, but I have to be realistic and understand sometimes I'll slip. Sometimes our close family and friends slip. And it's okay.

Splurge

30 Day Shred - Day 26

I woke up at 9am. I was absolutely exhausted...I blame the Max Brenner Cinnamon Babka.

I went outside of the 30 Day Shred meal plans yesterday when I ate a sinfully delicious cinnamon roll with milk chocolate sauce and drank a glass of rose after work. 

I was feeling it. I usually wake up feeling skinny, light and clear headed. This morning I felt bloated, lethargic and dazed.

I forced myself to get up and get out. I had promised my friend that I'd be her guinea pig student for her first yoga class. She is learning to become a yoga instructor and needed to fill up some training hours but also just practice with people.

It was a rainy morning, but the skies cleared up and there was a cool breeze perfect for our yoga session. With the damp grounds, we found the perfect spot - a gazebo at Grant Reserve right off the promenade to the beach.

Her class was very similar to the vinyasa class I got on Sundays. It's very interesting to hear how other yogis run a class or describe a movement. One day I'll be able to hold the standing splits.

Her first piece of PR

Courtney Owen Yoga

After an hour of yoga, we were ready to stand on solid ground again. We had a lot to catch up on so we went to brunch at one of our favourite clean foods cafes - Oneness Cafe on Coogee Bay Road. Everything on their menu is perfect for the 30 Day Shredder. I'm not entirely sure I'm allowed gluten free bread.

We both have spent the last month reevaluating our lives, trying new things and looking forward to brighter future. She too had done a type of shred and was taking on new challenges at work, not to mention yoga teaching! It rained while we ate, but once it stopped we went to a few shops around Coogee Bay Road. One of my favourite stores is Cargo Store. I always walk out of there with something. Today I bought a tribal print dress. It had a great cut out back, nice neckline and sleeves and pockets!

"I deserve this. It's been a big week."

I'm trying to save money, but sometimes a girl needs some retail therapy.

Quinoa and Haloumi Cakes from Oneness Cafe in Coogee

The shopping splurge didn't stop there. Dave was away all day at an indoor volleyball tournament. So I was left by myself. I decided to be productive. I wanted to go to Spotlight, a homewares store in Bondi Junction. I was expecting some deals, but the deals I did get were on another level.

1. 50% off an already reduced Yankee Candle jar priced at $15 - now $7.50
2. 2 Tefal pans for $35
3. $1.50 placemats
4. $15 designer pillow
5. Buy 1, get 1 for free shower curtains

I didn't stop there. I went to Kmart and bought $2 plates and 6 glass tumblers for $6!

My shopping splurge 

I got home at 3pm. I planned to go to the gym to meet a girlfriend for weights training at 4pm. When I got home, my body shut down. I was so tired from the week, yoga and my big shopping splurge. I put on an episode of Project Runway and stared blankly at the screen. I finally got up and was out of the door at 4:15pm. This girlfriend is usually the late one, but today I was. I made up for my tardiness with a full upper body and abs workout. Plus I invited to her to dinner with my other girlfriend who lives in Randwick. I caught up with all my exercises for the week including the few bits I couldn't finish at yesterday's lunch break. I weighed myself. I was still the same weight I was a week ago. I feel thinner, but it still doesn't feel that great to know you haven't lost weight. I have to tell myself it's probably fat turned into muscle now. Or do I blame the cinnamon babka?!

We went to dinner at La Sen, the new Vietnamese place at The Spot in Randwick. I was naughty and ordered veggie spring rolls, lightly battered prawns and rice. I had felt so bad this morning from eating carbs and chocolate the night before, but I had worked it out. Now I was I negating that workout with fried food and white rice? I'm sure I am. Sometimes you have to splurge. I'm a big believer in rewarding yourself especially when you've had a tough week. I've brushed it off. It was a delicious meal and I'm good 95% of the time. I had an excellent day with yoga, catch ups with friends, a shopping splurge and a killer double shred workout. But tomorrow...it's time to get serious again. I only have four more days! 

A sweet finish

30 Day Shred - Day 25

This has been a big week. 

I feel like I'm starting to repeat myself week on week, but it's true!

Each week I'm challenged and often feel stressed and look for nothing more than the weekend. When the weekend hits, I thank my lucky stars that I overcame the week that was and am ready to take on the next week.

This week was particularly draining from all the work I had due and all of the challenges I've made for myself...as in not part of my job but I'm doing it anyways to challenge myself.

During my lunch break I completed my shred workout for the day. I ran out of time so will have to save some of the legs and abs for Saturday. I'm glad I knocked it out because tonight I might be tempted to eat/drink outside of the approved 30 Day Shred meal plans.

I started with a rose at 5pm. I wasn't kidding when I say I had a big week. It was worth it. A good catch up with a girlfriend always deserves a glass of rose.

By Friday, all I wanted was to have a night off with my girlfriends where we could catch up and laugh at life.

Today, I planned a girls' night out with three mates from soccer. Fifty Shades of Grey was out and were making a big night of it. One of my friends was also on the 30 Day Shred, but decided she needed to give it a real go when she was done with her previous commitments. So she had I didn't feel too bad about a little sweet finish to our week.

After work I walked over to Central Station where my friend did a drive by and picked me up in 6pm rush hour traffic. We made it just 10 minutes late to our dinner reservation at Sefa's Kitchen. Two of us in the group are vegetarian so it was a perfect place to have dinner. The other two are dieting anyways, so they sucked it up when we ordered tapas of pumpkin, haloumi, broccoli and cauliflower. The meal was delicious but not filling at all. We were happy with our $15 individual contributions, but wish we had a little more. We had a plan B and that involved a sweet finish to dessert before we met Christian Grey.

Anytime you're at Bondi Junction for a movie, you must and I emphasise the MUST, go to Max Brenner. It's a chocolate bar/cafe with amazing treats. My personal favourite is to get a small ramekin of milk chocolate called a 'Chocolate Lick".

After nearly a month of the 30 Day Shred and one heck of a week, I went for it. I ordered a Cinnamon Babka (basically a tower of cinnamon roll drizzled with milk chocolate)...plus the Chocolate Lick.

The first bite was divine. After a few bites though I had satiated my craving. It didn't taste so good anymore...too sweet actually. I have basically been off sweets and carbs for the entire month of February and although this tasted amazing at first, I wasn't so satisfied.

Cinnamon Babka

Max Brenner

After our chocolate indulgence, we sat down for our next indulgence - Christian Grey on the big screen.

The movie was pretty bad. There were a lot of bad lines. Christian wasn't as hunky as we'd imagined when we read the books. Nevertheless, it was two hours of fantasy. It's definitely an atypical movie, but all good fun especially with girlfriends who were just beside themselves at every turn in the movie.

Thank you @miss_melinda81 for capturing the perfect Instagram

I'm so glad I could put my work and shred aside. Sometimes, you have to indulge in the sweeter things in life may it be chocolate, a hunky man or the best girlfriends that make all the pressures of life melt away.

Gong Xi Fa Cai

30 Day Shred - Day 24

Fortune cookie from work

I had every intention of waking up early this morning and go for a run. I did it again. I slept past midnight. During this 30 Day Shred, I'm finding myself sleeping later and later. I blame the workouts. I have to do something nearly every day and as a full time working girl, I only find time after work. By the time I'm done with my workout, I'm too amped to sleep.

So I snoozed from 7:15am to 7:45am.

Walking into work, I saw some people giving something away. I got closer and was handed a fortune cookie by my work. It was such a nice gesture and reminded me that today is the start of the Lunar New Year. Gong Xi Fa Cai! Kung  hay fat choy as I'm taught to pronounce it. I work in such a multicultural office and it was so nice to have different nationalities greet me with a Happy New Year. Remember it's not only Chinese, but other countries celebrate too including Korea (Solal) and Vietnam (Tet).

I was actually reminded yesterday when one of my former students wrote me an email. It was so out of the blue. I haven't heard from her in years. As I read her email, I could picture her with her bubbly personality. She was in middle school when I taught her and now she's at a prestigious foreign language school learning German! Another reason why I slept so late last night was because I was flicking through old blog posts when I was a teacher in Korea. This one particularly touched my heart. After all this time, I found myself still sobbing at the post about a student who didn't study and cried in my arms. I sent it to my Korean colleague because she's currently putting her kids into more activities but is being very careful she doesn't burn out her kids.

At lunch time, we went to Harbourside Mall in Darling Harbour to have a leaving lunch for one of our colleagues. On our way out, a dragon dance performance was happening right outside our building. It's pretty cool to see something like this - not an every day thing. Hopefully more performances happen...it doesn't hurt we're located near Chinatown.

Kung hei fat choi! Happy Chinese New Year!

I cheated for the first time at work. I went out to eat for the first time on the 30 Day Shred. I also couldn't find anything 30 Day Shred friendly at the Vietnamese restaurant, so I went with the closest thing - stir fried seafood with tomato rice. I may have went a little overboard with the lemongrass chili condiment and soy sauce, but I didn't mind. It's been 24 days and it's Lunar New Year! Time to feast and be merry!

I ended my day with soccer training. I didn't get to do my daily shred workout, but getting in a game of soccer was a good release of pressure and tension from the week. I got hit in the face with the ball, but I shook it off. It's been a big week full of knocks but also some real wins. This weekend is going to be a big weekend of catching up with my workouts. I'll do one during lunch tomorrow and do a double on Saturday. But for now, I've got a big Friday night to look forward to...a date with my girlfriends to see Fifty Shades of Grey!

Guilty pleasure

30 Day Shred - Day 23

If I didn't have the case of the Mondays, I am definitely having a hard time getting over hump day.

I was not in one two hour workshop today, but two. By the end of the first one, I my energy levels were rock bottom. I could have stayed during my lunch break and caught up on work, but I decided to get out of my funk by going to the gym. By the time I got to the gym, I only had 30 minutes. So I ran a quick kilometre and hit the weights.

It's awkward when you use the weights for the first time in a gym. I usually go to this gym for Body Attack or Body Pump classes. Now that I've been on the 30 Day Shred, I go to the gym mainly to pump weights.

Today I had to do legs. I went up to the apparatus for squats. The bar looked a little too tall for me, but I tried it anyways. I had to tip toe and jump a little to get the bar down, but I did my set.

I put up the bar and took off the weights to adjust the bar height. A buff man sneaked up behind me and started unpacking the bar for me.

"I saw you struggle a bit there. Let me help you out."

It was really nice of him to come over and help me especially when I had no idea how to adjust the bar height. The feminist in me kind of wishes I had figured it out myself, but it was a nice gesture. It doesn't hurt he was cute either.

I only had time to do half of the exercises. I hate not finishing what I've started, but I had meetings to get back to at work. I'm glad I printed out my workout log, so I can see where I'm up to or what's left from today's workout that I could pick up another day.

After my second two hour workshop, I felt like my face was falling off. I left at 7pm not because I was doing work, but having a good catch up with one of my work coaches. A lot is going on especially in head about how I'm shaping my career. I'm glad I have a coach at work, but I wish I had a coach on this 30 Day Shred.

When I got home, I had one thing on my mind...fried calamari.

It's my favourite food. I joke/not joke about having a calamari wedding cake someday.

I had such an intense day and all I wanted was fried goodness.

Fried calamari - my favourite food

Simple Mexi Bowl

While I made my favourite 30 Day Shred meal - the Simple Mexi Bowl, Dave fried up the calamari. In previous versions, I used butter beans. This time I used black beans and followed the recipe on the can exactly. Add some red onions, garlic, oregano, vinegar and oil and it takes just like Tex Mex black beans.

The combination of mixed salad, tomatoes, brown rice, black beans, avocado, cottage cheese, coriander and hot sauce is amazing! It tastes like healthy Mexican food. It sounds like an oxymoron but it tastes so clean yet has that Mexican flavour spin.

After eating my guilty pleasure - fried calamari, I wasn't feeling too great. The oils weighed heavy in my belly. I didn't need to eat them and you know what's the devastating part...it didn't even taste that good. What tasted good was my simple maxi bowl. And catching up on Girls.

Make it work

30 Day Shred - Day 22

Today was one of the best days at work I've ever had. I've been working hard since my return from Christmas break to challenge myself at work whether that meant learning new systems, taking on extra work or even learning another role. Today, I got some recognition and it feels amazing.

For the past few weeks, I've felt anxious about things that I volunteered for. I've done multiple presentations and reporting to senior stakeholders. Not part of my usual day job, but I took on these tasks for the experience and to see how I'd do. Dave could tell these tasks were heavy on my mind because during the night I would sleep talk like I was in the office presenting.

It's finally paid off with the recognition I've received from various managers. Not only are they happy with my work, but are asking my help with other special projects.

It's interesting how life works. I started the 30 Day Shred at the start of February. It's made me much more disciplined with not only my eating habits and workouts but really my life. Because I have such a controlled schedule, I really have to make it work at work.

"Make it work" is one of my favourite sayings. It comes from Tim Gunn - the fashion mentor on one of my all time favourite reality TV shows Project Runway.

Anytime the designers have a mental block, running behind or have a problem, he says, "Make it work" to get through it. I giggle just thinking about the saying's origin, but it's a mantra I live by. No one else is going to do it for you. You have to make it work.

Speaking of making it work...

I didn't do my workout for the day, but did attend a soccer training. It wasn't with my usual team, but I wanted to see what else is out there. Just like work, I'm trying new things and seeing how it goes. I didn't like the commute and we didn't get to actually play a game so I can't judge the team yet. It was refreshing to meet new girls, new coaches and be the new girl. No one knows me, but what's great is I get to shape their impression. At work, I'm taking on new challenges. I'm putting myself out there and it's a little uncomfortable, but exciting too because I get to shape the impression that I make.

What I didn't make...was my workout. I was on such a high when I got home that I had to tell Dave my story. By the time I finally calmed down and ate dinner, it was too late to workout. I'm going to do it in the morning and if I wake up too late, I'll do it at lunch. It's happening because if I let my workouts go by too long, it'll be tough to catch up. Gotta make it work.

A sweet potato

30 Day Shred - Day 21

Anyone got the case of the Mondays besides me?

It hasn't been a bad Monday actually. I'm on top of things, but I'm trying to challenge myself at work more so the more I take on, the harder it is to keep up. I have a big writing challenge today. I took it home over the weekend and only put in a dent. So I had most of it to do today. I got 80% of it done, which is  okay because once I see it in action, then I can make really refine it.

My body is absolutely exhausted from this weekend. I had a huge 30 Day Shred double workout on Saturday followed by my first outdoor game - a full 90 minutes in 30+ degree heat.

So I'm going to be a day behind my workouts. Luckily, Emily Skye factored in some rest days, so instead of resting which I did today, I'll make up my workouts then.

I came home to an amazing aroma - sweet potato fries crisping up in the oven. I've been a little hard on Dave during this challenge. I find myself being responsible of the food shopping, meal calendar and preparation. I can't fault Dave though. He knows I have a specific meal plan I have to follow and isn't on the shred himself. He doesn't have to eat what I eat, but he is happy to so he goes with whatever I make. I'm just feeling sorry for myself because I'm putting pressure on myself during this challenge to be diligent. Then when I'm stuck in the kitchen, I think why isn't Dave helping with all this, but he doesn't have to.

Tonight, it was his turn in the kitchen. This morning I left a recipe out of a Fitness First magazine on the counter top with sweet potatoes next to it. Although prompted, he took the time to make the recipe!

He said cutting the potatoes was tough, but preparing them was easy. Just place on a baking tray and bake until soft. Then grill until crisp. Add olive oil and salt and enjoy!

At first I thought he was being a couch potato, but tonight he was my sweet potato (I know...dad joke).

Surf n' Turf

30 Day Shred - Day 20

I had an early start today. After a year off outdoor soccer, I am finally playing again. For the past few weeks, I've attended soccer training. It feels good to kick a ball around again, to be competitive and connect with some amazing women.

I didn't have time to eat breakfast (nor would before a game - bad habit I know). Instead I packed almonds and a green apple.

I wasn't expecting the game I played today. There were over 20 girls listed to play and only 9 of us showed up. I was expecting to play at most 40 minutes. This morning, I played 90 in centre midfield. That's a lot of running around. 

I've decided not play in the highest grade - the All Age Women's 1s. It's a bit too competitive and intense for me. Today I played against a level 2 team and it was plenty competitive. After a year off, my fitness was definitely lacking. But as a seasoned soccer player, I have certain expectations about the level of play. I was very direct with a few of our girls - which may have hurt some feelings. I hope they take it as advice, but if they don't then I may have to be that bitch on the team who wants our team to rise to the occasion.

None of the jerseys fit me. Too small or in this case too big.

I was absolutely knackered (as the Aussie's say). I could barely socialise after the game. I went straight home and laid on the couch and closed my eyes. I even put on a 30 for 30 ESPN documentary that I have been wanting to watch for a while. I couldn't keep my eyes open.

An hour later, I woke up. I had promised Dave that we'd go snorkeling at midday and now we were an hour behind schedule. My stomach grumbled. The apple and almonds were great, but after expending all that energy on the field, I was absolutely famished.

Veggie Omelet with gluten free bread

We decided to grab a bite at Coogee Bite Cafe on Beach Street. It's a nice cafe near Coogee Beach en route to our favourite local snorkel spot - Gordons Bay.

As hungry as I was, what tempted me was the fish burger on a brioche bun and fries. Definitely not an approved meal on the 30 Day Shred. I could have asked for gluten free toast and sweet potato fries instead, but how much of a pain would I be? I wonder if gluten free/paleo eaters have this much trouble when they go out to eat.

I must have been overwhelmed by choice because I have no idea why I ordered the very thing I eat everyday - an omelet! I felt slightly guilty for ordering gluten free bread, but after playing 90 minutes in 30 degree heat, my body was screaming for carbs. This is an exception I'm willing to make.

Gordons Bay

After our meal, we walked 10 minutes on the Bondi to Coogee Walk to Gordons Bay. The weather was perfect. The water was not. It was a bit murky especially near the beach. Once we got past the break, the visibility was better.

Gordons Bay is full of marine life. There are plentiful sea grass where the fish like to feed. As murky as the water was, our GoPro picked up some great shots!

Our favourite summer activity 

Little striped fish eating a jellyfish

The Blue Groper

Looking for the fishies

When you snorkel around Clovelly, Gordons Bay or Coogee Beach, the ultimate prize is to find a groper. Today we saw both a female (grey colour) and male (vibrant blue)! They're gentle creatures who like to munch on seaweed. They get a little territorial. I once had one chase me so I tend to keep my distance. Our GoPro camera captured some great footage and I'm glad I'm able to easily share it with you!

By the time we finished snorkelling, it was near 3pm. Dave and indoor volleyball training. I had yoga...but I didn't go. After yesterday's intense arms workout and today's soccer game, I knew my body would be useless in vinyasa style yoga. Even on a good day, I have a hard time going through flows without my arms and legs shaking. There was no way I'd be able to get through the class unless I was in child's pose. So I missed my yoga class. I love doing yoga at the end of week because it works out all the kinks in my body. It's also a good way to start the week - I'm open and relaxed ready to take on whatever the world throws at me. I had a bit of guild skipping today's session. But playing soccer and snorkelling gave me the same feelings yoga does, so I let it go.

I spent the afternoon buying groceries and doing life admin. It was nice to exercise in the morning and doing something relaxing in the afternoon. Looking at my surf n' turf day, I feel blessed for the life I've shaped for myself and the unique opportunities I get.

The way to a man's heart

30 Day Shred - Day 19

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Not many people I've spoken to are celebrating this holiday of love or Hallmark cards. Even with our big six year anniversary on Tuesday, Dave and I still enjoy this day if not to just to do nice things for each other and give extra kisses.

I had a plan today. I was going to cook Dave an unforgettable breakfast. He had cleaned the apartment and bought me two plants yesterday. Today, I wanted him to relax in bed while I cooked with love.

I had the bacon. I had the eggs. I had the fruit for juice. What I didn't have was a heart shaped cookie cutter. I made stars instead. The only problem now was that I only had one.

Lay the cookie cutter down on the hot pan. Spray oil. Pour batter. Flip. Cut off excess (you get much better after 20 stars).

My way to my man's heart.

Bacon, eggs and star shaped Bisquick pancakes.

Pancake stars in a maple syrup hot tub.

I was pretty chuffed with myself. The pancake stars turned out great. I also timed everything right so the bacon and eggs were still hot when he sat down for his first bite.

Dave's new beach volleyball shorts.

He was ready to take on a beautiful sunny Saturday with his new swim/beach volleyball trunks. The last pair I bought him ripped at the seams when he lunged forward when reaching for a ball. These are Speedo. The same brand as his usual blue pair. Plus they're more lightweight - hopefully no more crotch rips!

While Dave played volleyball, I baked in the sun taking in that gorgeous Vitamin D - not without sun screen though! The Australian sun is harsh people - slip, slop slap!

At 4pm, I met my friend at Fitness First in Randwick. I had a mission: two 30 Day Shred workouts in one session. I needed to catch up and I wasn't going to the gym tomorrow with my first soccer trial match in the morning and yoga in the afternoon.

We did every dumb bell lift imaginable. From upright rows to cable curls, we did four sets of 15 for eight exercises...plus three sets of 30 ab exercises. My friend is a regular lifter, so when she recommended certain weights, I went with it. Was I pushing myself or trying to show off? Either way, we weren't lifting my usual 3kg dumb bells. I know I'm going to pay for my vanity tomorrow. At least I'll sleep well tonight.

I ended my Valentine's Day with Sushi Train dinner in Bondi Junction with her. Damn them of not having brown rice! I ate salmon, tuna and king fish sashimi, edamame and four vegetable gyozas. This was a very different order than my usual cooked tuna avocado (you know with all that mayo), fried prawn nigiri and all that white rice. As soon as I looked at the menu I was disheartened. But I ate my meal and was not only satisfied, but very full.

We caught up on life, love and what it takes to be happy. Even if you don't have a Valentine, it's important to reach out to your friends and loved ones and let them know you're thinking about them.

I ended my evening watching a rerun of the Grammys and eating popcorn with Dave. We were both very hungry from our light sushi train dinners. Hand in bucket to hand in mouth - we were in sync. I got the hiccups right after...I must have not been breathing with those handfuls of popcorn. It's not part of the 30 Day Shred, but it's just air right?

Big day tomorrow - my first outdoor soccer match in a year. Hopefully my arms aren't too sore!

Alone at last

30 Day Shred - Day 18

Yay it's Friday! Dave and I again slept in. It's been a big week and with all our extra curricular activities on Thursday evenings, we were too wired to sleep. I stayed up past midnight looking at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon videos. The Saved by the Bell skit was particularly hilarious. Zach, Kelly, Jessie and Slater look exactly the same. Mr. Belding on the other hand...

I spent the morning writing and replying to emails. At midday, I had a meeting - but this was no regular meeting. Between two departments, we agreed on a way forward to work together. But there's more...I was recognised as the leader on the project! This is the validation I've been looking for. I've been working so hard for the last few weeks and now I've been recognised for that effort!

I wrapped up the meeting by sending out the notes. I was amped up. I decided to go work out during a Friday lunch time for the first time ever. I usually reserve Friday lunches for my one time to go out to eat all week. Dave and I are very good about bringing lunches to save money. But on Fridays we like to give ourselves a treat. Because I'm on the 30 Day Shred, I don't have that luxury anymore. So I have to power forward. I walked to Fitness First Market Street with purpose. I was going to do my 30 Day Shred workout and a fast 1 kilometre run on the treadmill.

I did 8 sets of 20 seconds of squats, wide squats, jump lunges, v-ups and roman twists. This was a  hard circuit.

I walked out of the gym feeling strong. My legs were jell-o, but I know my butt is going to look good one day if I keep this up.

My afternoon was filled with meetings and bits of writing. I had one task I wanted to do today, but pushed it back. Instead I did a lot of little things and left my one big thing for the weekend. I've really got to stop doing this.

I drove home at 6:30pm. I was home free...for the weekend at least. But first I wanted to stop at Coles in Randwick to pick up dinner.

Dave has been on my journey too. He's not only been supportive, but eating my salads each day. It could be because he can't be bothered to make his own lunch or perhaps because he wants to try what I'm doing. So to reward his efforts, I bought him meat. A lot of meat. I bought chucks steak, pork loins and two types of chorizos. For my secret Valentine's breakfast, I also got him bacon, but I'll tell you more about that tomorrow.

When I got home, he had already opened the door for me. He had a big grin on his face. I hadn't heard from him all afternoon and now I saw why.

He had cleaned the apartment and bought me not one but two plants; an elegant orchid and a very Valentine's Day appropriate red flowering plant.

I really like went with such unique plants instead of typical roses. He had gone to Bunnings before I came home and picked the last nice looking orchid.

A stunning surprise waiting for me at home.

And another beautiful plan with luscious red flowers.

Much better than typical red roses.

I was close to giving him his Valentine's gift, but I held back. I'll leave them for Valentine's Day. To end our tough week, we decided to stay home and spend time together. We were alone at last. Just us, no one else. This is all I wanted for Valentine's Day.

This week has been a big week of work challenges and of course love. It was so nice to sit at our table, with my favourite 90s Alternative Pandora station on in the background and eat clean food. Well, I ate clean food. Dave ate a chorizo and a very rare steak - yuck! I've been a pescatarian for over two years now. Dave taunted me with a bite of chorizo. "It's so good, try it." And I didn't event want to. Hopefully I'll have this resolve with white rice, bread and sweets when the 30 Day Shred is over.

Not part of the 30 Day Shred, but all the ingredients are.

Pan seared salmon in coconut oil, grilled broccoli with garlic and brown rice.