Vancouver Trip 2011

WOW! Summer is flying by! I realized its been a few weeks since my last post. Early July Ryan and I drove to Vancouver and I thought I would blog about a few of the best food experiences we had out there...

Sushi California (Coquitlam)
I always get Sushi when I go out to Vancouver and after a long day of walking around Stanley Park, we made a quick stop at Sushi Calfornia for dinner!

Yam Tempura Rolls and California Rolls!

Salmon, Tuna and Red Snapper (disliked the Snapper, I couldn't finish it.)

Edamame- so much edamame for so cheap!

More Sushi! 

Ryan got vegetable tempura. He really liked all of it except for the zucchini and eggplant tempura.





Sushi California was packed when we went in there to pick up our food. But they were quick about placing our order (think we waited around 10 minutes total.) So we were in and out really fast. All our food came to under $25 and I had leftovers for lunch the next day. If you are looking for sushi and are in that area, I'd recommend it!

Next up....
TACO SHACK!! (Kitsilano)
Ryan and I spent the day in Kitsilano and after wanding around the Museum of Vancouver got really hungry. We walked down the street and discovered Taco Shack. So happy we did!

Juice!

Ryan is HUNGRY!

3 tacos is actually 6 tacos (Boy was I full after that!)

Huge portions but seriously fresh ingredients! I got one chicken, one fish and one veggie taco. Tons of fresh onion and cilantro included. And as much hot salsa as you can handle!

Fun little place for a great lunch or dinner. Clearly it was a favorite by a lot of locals who came by while we were chowing down! It was nice to have tacos that were a little bit more authentic than your usual American-Mexican places that are so typical. This was fun!

Sadly, I have no pictures, but Aphrodite's Organic Cafe (Kitsilano) was also fantastic. I got stuffed french toast, while everyone else opted for the many delicious egg dishes. We finished brunch with pie. It was great.

Move of the Week: Quitting the Gym

So I quit the gym... Its been a long time coming. We weren't feeling it anymore. I felt obligated to be there. I had moments where I would go and be so happy and have fun. But plenty of moments where it was more of an obligation and I felt rushed. I felt money flying out of my bank account for no reason. Basically, my relationship with the gym was unhealthy and not cheap! An expensive date!  
My decision led me to go out and purchase a TRX and two more kettlebells. I've been so busy lately, dancing 3 times a week, going to yoga and just trying to have fun, that I only managed to get to the gym probably 6 times in the whole month. Those visits to the gym were also partly an obligation because I had the membership, not because I necessarily wanted to go. Plus, at the gym I was pretty much only using kettlebells and the floor. Why pay 400$ a year for that, when I can invest in some equipment now for the long term and put my money to dancing and yoga? Plus I'll save time from commuting to and from the gym and I can workout with my boyfriend (yay!!)

Its funny how as much as I knew that me and the gym were drifting apart, how much over the past few months I held onto it for dear life. Then, this past week I just sort of realized that it wasn't giving me what I wanted anymore.

I will miss some of the fantastic staff at the YMCA and some of the classes. I'll also miss working out with my sister. I realize that for some people, this seems strange. Most people join the gym to get healthy. I on the other hand, need to leave the shackles of the gym so I can have more fun and actually move more! I'm excited!

What about you? Have you quit the gym? Do you only go in the winter time? Can you workout at home? 

For those of you that want to know what a TRX is...

Expect a TRX post soon!!

Taste of Ukraine

Friends Dinner Club went to Taste of Ukraine a few weeks ago!

Before we get to the food, check out the ambiance and decor!

 'Budmo!'

Meow!

My favorite part of my dinner was the Borst.  Really liked the texture and flavor of it. I am easy to please :)

My entree: Shashlyk (skewered and char broiled seasoned chicken), pyrogy and potato pancakes.

Everything was good, but nothing blew me away. When it come to pyrogy, I still prefer my neighbours homemade pyrogies or the ones I get at the Ukrainian Church dinners! 

Chicken Kyiv, pyrogy and nalysnyky (cheese crepes)

After we had all had plenty of pickles, garlic, pyrogy and other such goodies, we moved onto dessert!

Walnut Torte- clearly a hit!

Chocolate Nalysnyk- vanilla ice cream inside a crepe with caramel and chocolate sauce!

There were multiple of these at the table- and the plates were licked clean... 

All in all we enjoyed our experience at Taste of Ukraine. The service was fantastic. The price point was around $20 per entree (my whole meal, including tip was under $40.) We all loved the garlic, the pickles (except me- its one of the few foods I dislike) and the atmosphere was lots of fun. 

I know for myself, I probably won't return to Taste of Ukraine in the near future with so many other options to meet my pyrogy needs, but its nice to know that in the centre of Edmonton, you can find a little taste of Ukraine.

Move of the Week: Kettlebell Swing

Okay, so most of you know I am a major convert, pusher, addict... whatever you want to call it... to kettlebells.
I did  a blog post a few months ago on the 21 day kettlebell swing challenge. The post continues to get lots of hits and remains popular. Because of this, I decided to return to the kettlebell swing this week, and set up some helpful links for those of you interested in kettlebells and developing your swings.*

So here is a video that gives a general explanation of the swing. The nice thing about the kettlebell swing is that you don't actually need a kettlebell to do this exercise- other weights work too. Check it out:

An explanation on how to do a kettlebell swing:

Here is a great article on everything kettlebell. It breaks down a lot of the fundamentals of kettlebell training, including swings. It also has a beginner workout plan! http://www.stumptuous.com/kettlebell-training-an-introduction

The key thing to remember with swings: its all from the hips. If you are using your arms, you aren't doing it right. Remember to pop your hips!

This video actually helped me take my swings from okay to great. I really understood some of the explanations on how your should think and feel about your swings (especially the plank idea.)

If you want to start swinging- go slowly, watch in the mirror, and practice. That is why the 21 day kettlebell swing challenge is so great- the more you do it, the better you'll get it!
Happy Swinging!

*Disclaimer: I am not certified fitness professional. I offer only my own personal advice and perspective as well as links to instruction. Don't do any exercise you are not comfortable with. Consult with a doctor and fitness professional before engaging in new physical activity. 

Pizza Pie!

I eat pizza fairly regularly. I am not afraid to admit that. I don't see it as an indulgent dinner at all. In fact its sort of a regular meal on my plate. However, it is made a little healthier, and to be honest, a little yummier, when its homemade! Here is my homemade pizza that I made a few weeks ago!

Pizza Dough Recipe (Adapted from Allrecipes.com):

1. In large bowl, proof 1 tablespoon active dry yeast in 1.5 cups warm water and 1 tsp sugar. Let it get nice a foamy (around 10-15 mins.)
2. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil (or garlic olive oil) and around 1 tsp salt to mixture, Mix in 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 cup all purpose flour.
3. Knead mixture (around 10 minutes) and form into a smooth ball. Place in oiled bowl, cover with a towel and let double in size (1.5 hour.)
4. Form into a tight ball again and let double for another 30-45 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 425.
6. Roll ball of dough with rolling pin and then shape with hands and fists until it covers your pan (be it circular or square!)
7. Top with favorite pizza toppings!
8. Place in oven for about 20 minutes!

My toppings for this pizza:

Pesta

Sliced Chicken Breast

Red Pepper

Spinach

Mozza Cheese

Salt and pepper

Basil

Oregano

Yum!

What is your favorite pizza? 

Indulgence 2011

Kierstin, Benita and I went to Indulgence 2011 at the Delta Edmonton South last Monday night. 

Here's some of the best photos of the night! 

Wine sampling (drinking really...)

Some 400 people!

Arugula-Spinach Salad from Culina.

It had gouda, dried berries, toasted almonds, sweet peas, scallions and my favorite Mighty Trio Organics dressing.

Yum!!

From the Red Ox Inn: A Slow Braised Pork Shoulder on Carrot Risotto Cake and Citrus Jam.
Yep it tasted as good as it sounds. Pork melted in your mouth.

We had dessert in the middle of our evening! 

 Saskatoon Berry and Black Pepper Cheesecake, Saskatoon Spaghetti and Coulis, Almond Brittle Crumble and Spun Sugar was from Madison's Grill. One of favorites of the evening!

"Where will we eat next?" asks Benita?

 

Cafe de Ville: Bison Brisket with slaw.
We imagined this would make for a delicious sandwich.

 

Niche's lamb meatball with a yummy tomato sauce.

My favorite of the night was from Tzin:

Alpaca with piperade and a reisling-chive emulsion. 

I was surprised but it was delish.

Wine Time!

Benita and I excited about the rabbit sausage from Jack's Grill.

Cleanse the pallet with some Lavender Gelato from Inspired Market Gardens.

So, now that you are drooling, who is coming with us next year? 

Move of the Week: Bikram Yoga

Okay, so Bikram Yoga isn't one move- but I wanted to blog about it this week because for the past week I've being going to Bikram Yoga Edmonton. A few months ago I tried Bikram with my mom at the St.Albert studio and really enjoyed it, and finally this week I had a little bit more time to give it a try again.
The studio offers 8 days of unlimited classes to new students for only $30. The more you go, the less expensive each class costs. Normal drop in classes are $18.
I know a lot of people cringe at the idea of yoga- especially bikram yoga. I used to be one of those people who thought that yoga wasn't for me. I didn't need it. It wouldn't help me. I already do so much physical activity... whatever excuses or reasons. Plus, I had tried conventional yoga (or whatever- the yoga with the downward dogs and stuff...) and it really bothered my wrist and hand.
Turns out- I sort of thrive in that 40+ degree room and the postures are exactly what I need for my sore back and tight hamstrings. There are 26 postures in a standing and seated series-done in every class along with two breathing exercises.*
Note: almost every single movement will feel odd in some capacity when you first start. Your body will probably fight you in every way- and it doesn't help that its really really hot in the room. In fact- the goal of your first class is to just stay in the room for the full 90 minutes!
My favorite moves at the moment are:

Half Moon Pose

Standing Bow Pose

Bow Pose

Now, I'm not trying to convert you to Bikram or anything like that. The point of this post, in its heart, is to compel you to try something new, whatever that may be. You may or may not like it, but you don't know until you try! Bikram challenges me in a way that I'm not challenged by my other workouts. Plus, I think it'll help me de-stress at the end of the day, an added bonus! 

Happy Moving!

*Disclaimer: I am not certified fitness professional. I offer only my own personal advice and perspective as well as links to instruction. Don't do any exercise you are not comfortable with. Consult with a doctor and fitness professional before engaging in new physical activity.