My love affair with salsa

I had the opportunity to supervise two University of Toronto Dance Classes - Salsa (Advanced) and Salsa (Intermediate II). In addition to administrative duties for the classes I also take the classes too.

A gif of our instructor dancing with a student.

Pizzas in a Blanket!

An easy and fun variation of Piggies in a Blanket!

Glazed Chicken Thighs from Oliv Tasting Room

I went on  a trip to Niagara on the Lake with some girlfriends in the summer to go for wine tasting. one of the little shops we passed by was an Olive Oil Tasting Boutique. They sold Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar in the most diverse flavours I had ever seen. I quickly bought a bottle of "Balsamic Vinegar" which has been amazing dressing and complement to my salads.

I received an email from them with a recipe from Glazed Chicken Thighs. I'm usually down to try any recipe as long as I have the ingredients. I had to attempt this recipe twice, as I decided that a quick 15 minute marinade was all I had time for. I decided to repeat the recipe, the result? Flavourful, tender chicken.

Preparation: 30 minutes
Serves 4 portions

Home made Sushi Rolls

For expert sushi eaters and amateur sushi makers like myself, sushi making is very challenging but delicious to eat afterwards. 

Bread Appetizer with Feta Cheese, Olives and Balsamic Vinegar

I was doing my regular shopping at Longos when I noticed a food sample booth sampling food for olives and olive oil they were selling. I decided to give it a shot and I was floored at how simple and delicious this dish was!

How To: Create Custom Facebook Photo Album Covers

I'm obsessed with organization and having things aesthetically pleasing both offline and online. The other day I was updating my Facebook Album for some recent NYE party when I had an idea about creating facebook album covers for each.

Dragonboat Practice Entry #4: Circuit training and Upper Body Strength

Since the new year the dragon boat team has been commencing its practices on a weekly basis for two hours on Sundays. I liken it to a bootcamp that occurs once a week. I have been trying to keep up with my own fitness workouts during the week (half an hour each day), and I'm realizing its not quite at the intensity I need to keep up with the dragon boat "bootcamp" practices. 

How it works is we usually do three circuits focusing on upper body, abs, core, back and some legs. We move from one circuit to the next in order to build up strength in the different areas. 

4 small luxuries I gave up to save hundreds a year

When I decided to move out from a rent-free situation with my parents to living in a downtown condominium with my brother, I knew I'd be facing more financial challenges. I was (and continue to be) determined to be financially secure and independent without going into debt.

Although media makes it seem aspirational to live glamourously, its just not sustainable for those of us that aren't making excessive amounts of money. Exercising delayed gratification a lot of the time is what the rest of us have to practice in order to afford the things we want without going into the red.

From cutting these four habits,
I have saved a total of $6,208 per year -
which goes straight into my savings! 

Its amazing going from living paycheque to paycheque to having a little bit more in my pocket to go towards things that are important to me - financial security now and into old age.

Giving up these luxuries - small or large has made me realize how much these "conveniences" add up, and how quickly!

Lemon Pepper Salmon Filet

Adapted from Lemon-Pepper Salmon II. This is a delicious recipe I came across on Allreicpes.com. I was looking for a simple recipe for fresh salmon fillet without it drying out. Although the ingredients are simple, the fish turned out moist and flavorful. 

7 ways to become financially savvy in 2014

DJ Skate Night at Harbourfront

Other than Nathan Phillips Square, the Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre is certainly a beautiful sight-seeing destination in Toronto. Hundreds flock to the ice rink by the lake to lace up and skate to music.

Saturday evenings are reserved for DJ-spun mixes while you view the pretty lights and the lake view. The DJs featured come from music scenes that are prominent in Toronto's clubbing culture. However, there are skaters of all ages that come to these skate fest. 

Martha Stewart's Jerk Chicken

So I decided to try out Martha Stewart's Jerk Chicken.  I've been putting off this recipe primarily because I did not have a lot of the ingredients required. I now have a spice rack which I got for Christmas!

This recipe is simple, but VERY flavourful and tender to taste.

Entry #3: 2014 fitness goals and inspirational quotes

Everyone is hitting the gym to start on their New Year's Resolutions, I am continuing with workout regimen with Jillian Michaels. I am currently on week 7 and 8 and have approximately 5 weeks to go on the program before I start on a new one (I am thinking p90x).

Over the Christmas Break I worked out almost everyday (even on Christmas day) and although leading up to the time I start working out I feel like procrastinating like mad, I end up glad at the end of the day that I went through it.

My 2014 Fitness Goals

1. Workout six out of seven days per week consistently (one day rest).

2. Continue with the dragon boat until its completion in the summer term.

3. Follow a healthy diet along with working out. 

4. Reduce the amount of body fat and increase muscle tone. 

5. Blog frequently about my fitness goals progress.

Inspirational Quotes

I've created a few quotes images of a few inspirational quotes to get you going:

 
 
 

Here's to working towards my fitness goals. Starting a workout program was never a problem for me, however, keeping up with it on a daily basis and ensuring I eat a diet that compliments my workout regiment proves to be more challenging. 

Cheers!
 

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Ringing in 2014

I celebrated New Years Eve at my good friend Bernice's and a few close friends. I took the opportunity to break out the SLR camera and practice taking photos. Although facebook as the "group/people" shots that I shared with friends and family, I thought I'd use the blog to share some of the small details from the event.

We actually missed the countdown by a few seconds, but had champagne with lemon sorbet to celebrate!