Can I Kick it?

As most of you know, I decided not to compete this summer. A part of me is ready to retire my bejewelled suit like Donloree, a fellow former competitor (she has an amazing blog Bikini or Bust). For the time being, (I’m using your phrase D) it’s a bust! That isn’t to say I won’t ever dawn the itsy bitsy bikini again, I’m just not ready to wreak havoc on my psyche, my health, my body or those close to me so soon. Last year, while I was prepping for my competitions, I went through many highs and lows, I had major tummy troubles, not to mention the post-competition blues. Though this time around has been different and I have been working with a great Team, a larger part of me just doesn’t want to compete.

I enjoyed the experience and I accomplished a personal goal and dream of getting on stage and competing. While I may not be dawning my figure suit anytime soon, Nini’s got a brand new pair of pumped up kicks just itching to be put on for my new challenge – getting ready for a 10 KM run. This challenge is by far more difficult for me as I hate running.  I mean truly hate the very idea of it. But, with one goal accomplished it’s time to set another. Hope you all will follow me for my new adventures and journey!

Asics - Love these shoes!

Who wouldn't love a yellow sole! (Google Images)

 Have you changed a goal recently?

 Follow Me: Bloglovin'/Twitter /Facebook

New Year, New Goals

As 2011 comes to a close, I decided to take a quick look back at the biggest goal I set for myself. Competing.

When I make a commitment, whether or not I want to do it, I follow through. Don't get me wrong, my dream of competing was realised. And though I had many ups and downs along the way,  I did something I thought was impossible. For me the hardest part was conquering a deeper fear. A fear of being on stage and not making a fool of myself. Worst case scenario, having my suit malfunction!

With 2012 just around the corner new goals are being put down to paper and I am going to make them a reality. A new date has been set for my next competition March 31, 2012. This means another round of kicking my own butt, and I am hoping all of you will be around for the second ride! I'm most grateful for the love and support you all have showered me with and it all started with this blog. I am looking forward to writing more and getting back full swing into what has brought me so much joy.

I also received some more pictures from my fitness photoshoot with Andrew. I cant wait to share more of these pictures with you in another post.

What goals are you setting for the new year?

Back to the Future

It taking you all back to a September 5th 28 years ago when I was born. Yup I am celebrating another year in the world and am so thankful for everything that I have been blessed with.

First its about thanking the people who have made me, shaped me and helped grow into the person I am today. My family. All of you. Without you, your constant love, support, guidance I could not have become the woman I am today.

To all my friends EVERYWHERE. How can I thank you for the memories, the laughter, the friendship? You've been a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen and always have a smile on your face for me.

My first birthday

This past year alone has been an amazing growing period. I found love and lost it, I learned that I am my own worst enemy, but I have more strength that I thought. I challenged myself and competed in my first fitness competition, suffered to highs and lows, started blogging, was able to see clearly, made new friends and am ready for new beginnings.

Can't wait to see what the future brings...

Fall Forward

This Morning I woke up Feeling Brand new and I jumped up. Feeling my highs, and my lows. In my soul, and my goals...Ok I'll stop singing Talib Kweli and get to the point of my post.

Seriously, This morning I woke up and felt like the air had shifted and well....it feels like FALL....

The mornings are crisper, the nights are cooler and its dark when I wake up...sigh. I guess all good things come to an end : (

I don't want think of fall, but it seems like everyone is talking about it - whether its in fashion, whether its going back to school, all the commercials are even talking about the fall line up!And don't get me wrong I love fall...I am a labour day baby but it seems....TOO SOON!

With my goal of competing under my belt, I am trying to get back  into training without OVER doing it. You see, I lived at the gym. Morning and Night....I seem to have a lot of time on my hands. Right now, my workouts are pretty much reduced to two 30 minute cardio sessions a week and three weight training sessions. This is WEIRD. 

I'm learning how to have a balance again and I don't know if I like it : ) On another note...I was surprised but a little sneak peak of the photo shoot I did the day before the competition. I was extremely lucky to have my makeup done by my talented friend and manager at COACH. I cant wait to show you more pictures when I get them.

How do you feel this morning? what are some of your goals for fall?

2 Competitions, 2 Suits, 1 Goal Accomplished ~Priceless

I know all of you have been wanting to know how my day went for the competition.  So far you know I have had some Tanning Issues, Followed by a great brunch. But what happened show day?

Well First I couldn’t sleep. Work up with thumb prints all over my chest because I was not told to sleep with socks on my hands! I looked a bit diseased but was able to get it touched up before I headed out on to the stage.

And of course, That's me, eating my rice cake smeared with PB and Jelly. Can I tell you it was the most wonderful thing I had ever eaten. I mean I haven't touched PB or Jam in a long time and the two together, well. HEAVEN! I am having a craving for them right now.

Once I had some energy, it was time to get into suit number one for SAF. I honestly felt good in the morning. I felt my body looked good and I was ready to rock it. This is a photo of me back stage just practicing my stage presence.  I have to say though, I am not sure if SAF is for me. While I was hitting poses, I felt perhapsit was too "flirty" for me and I not about the physique but about throwing your booty around. And I can't say that that's my style.

IDFA however was more my style. I trully enjoyed just getting out there, hitting your front, side, back poses. I felt that it represented more the physique (particularly in the Figure category). However, one thing that took me by surprise was Aunt Flo. Yup she made an appearance so by the night show, I felt bloated, heavy and just tired. Word of advice, don't compete in two shoes in one day. I just was exhausted and depleted!

Although I didn't place (I have a feeling I came in last because I am still carrying a lot of fat comparatively to other women who competed) its ok. I feel I won in my books. Getting up on stage, doing something out of my comfort zone and letting a select few judge me on my body, well…I think I rocked it regardless!

Have you done something out of your comfort zone lately?

Brunch and Bling!

Friends
I apologise for not posting for the last two days let's just say doing two competitions in one day was tiring! I didn't place but I am OK with that. I won something more important for myself - I completed a goal. I followed through! and.....I can't wait to compete again.

Yup you heard me…I have the itch! For me I really don't enjoy getting on stage, I am shy for the most part and getting on stage makes me do something vulnerable and also helps to prove to myself that I can do it.

I love the training aspect of it and more improtant I love the women who are part of the competitions. Everyone I met was so wonderfully sweet and supportive. Ready to share lipstick, Bikini Bite and words of encouragement. I can't  think of anything better.

I will be posting pictures tomorrow but here are some pictures from the brunch and bling from yesterday.

Love you all and cannot thank you enough for all of the wonderful words of encouragement, support and friendship you all have shown me the past months.

I will still continue to post about my fitness journey, but will also do more fashion posts, food and recipes as well. I can't wait to see what I will do next.

What's your favourite treat? do you enjoy brunch?

Morning Of: Tan Tales

Well Friends

The big day is here. COULD NOT SLEEP! eek! Went to bed at 11:30 PM and was up by 3:30 AM. I tossed around like for an hour and decided it was fruitless. Put on a pot of coffee (only having a small eensie weensie cup with my chicken - which after carb day is not so bad. I highly recommend marinating the chicken in lime juice and cilantro over night, pan searing and then putting in the oven. Its actually TASTY! Also made my DARK French Roast Coffee as strong as I could bear it. Stupid internal clock would not let me sleep in but mostly i have to blame the nerves!

I mentioned to you all that yesterday I went for my Spray tan. Pam was fabulous! so wonderful and kind and sweet and told me which way to turn and hold out my leg or arm because clearly I was an amateur at this and she smelled me from a mile away (I smelled like Jan Tana skin prep so not so bad....but no deoderant here on out!)

We did the tan up to my neck....im not sure if you can see the difference, but my own skin colour now pales in comparison and I look very yellow in face (pardon the puns haha)

 So all is well with the tan, minus me trying to find a pair of loose cotton pants and shirt....Ill be going ot the show in my PJs because I threw out most of my oversized sweats many moons ago...I never really wear sweats. not even to the gym. I wear leggings! I went to bed for a mere few hours and woke up to this.

 I SLEPT WITH MY HANDS ON CHEST!
A) I didn't know I did that.
B) I look like i have a disease
C) Soooo lucky that Pam will be at the show to do the touch ups!

Not too much came off on the sheets so all is well with the world. I am leaving those on the bed for tonight...just in case I have more Jan Tana decided to come off.

Though have to say I am already looking forward to a hot shower : )

Will try to post more if I can!

PS my friend BikiniorBust mentioned me on her blog today. Check it out and other Competitors HERE! Donloree is a force! you all need to be reading her blog YESTERDAY :)

xoxo

12 Hours to GO!

Oh. Dear. God.

Its here! Its finally here! Its about 7:45 PM and in about an hour, I am heading to get my spray tan (Airbrushed with a professional) with the Jan Tana High Definition spray.

Turns out, this was one of the most economical ways of applying the tan so I am SUPER excited. but...no sleeping on my white sheets : ) I'll also be sleeping on a towel and peeing in a cup. Oh yes...you heard me a Cup... :P

Today went by so fast! I had my last round of cardio, groceries, photoshoot and cleaned the apartment. I'm hosting a celebratory brunch Sunday (its also a Stella and Dot Jewelry Party!)

I had some mini cupcakes ordered for the special day. They arrived this afternoon and are sitting in my fridge. Want to know something though? I'm not even in the least bit enticed! I thought it would have been hard to resist because I have been craving cake, but meh? lol Don't get me wrong, the photographer tried them and he said they were delish. Especially the chocolaty ones. But I am just looking forward to my bowl of cereal and cherries tomorrow evening.

In other events of the day:
My Suitcase is packed - for the most part (no shoulder bag because it could ruin the tan). I have my suits, heels, bands, makeup, wipes and cups packed. I also have Listerine and Vaseline in there. Food will be packed in the morning.

Tomorrow on the MENU:
chicken (Marinated in lime juice and cilantro and baked so it doesn't have to taste like cardboard and one cup of tea for breakfast
Rest of the Day
rice cakes
almond butter
jam
dates
banana
dark chocolate.
Sips of water as needed

Doesn't seem half bad : )

I am soooooo nervous but excited at the same time. Really looking forward to just enjoying the moment. My heart though will have to calm down because I am just a ball of nerves.

Thank you again to everyone who has been here for the journey. I honestly could not have done it without your support. I wont disappoint you guys : )

2 More Sleeps

Friends,

I want to apologise for not responding to comments, and not posting yesterday. My plan was to come home after my fake bake ( i.e. Spray Tan) and get caught up on all the wonderful comments, and blog reading. Instead, I came come home and felt like death. O. M. G. I thought I was going to pass out, had a super bad headache and was really nauseous. It took all my strength to keep my eyes open and from keeping the room from spinning. 

I hadn't changed my diet, other then remove salt. So what could it have been? Turns out it was the spray tan! It was my first time ever being in the Versa Spa booth and I wasn't told anything about HOLDING MY BREATH when facing the nozzle. Apparently, inhaling, could cause you to feel like death that night and the NEXT MORNING TOO!

It's been another go, go, go day. I honestly have no idea how its already 8:13PM. I have been up since from 4:40 AM. I had my last touch up session with the trainer, we went over my band warm up for the stage, cardio, got ready for my first photo-shoot (oh yeah baby!) I will be posting a few of the pics on the blog when I get them. All this was followed by posing (my last session with the fabulous A I love her!), some shopping (I had a Groupon coupon for Old Navy where I scored a two sweaters and a pair of flats sweet!) and, I picked up 5 tanktops for 20 dollars AH-MAZING!

I also cleaned my kitchen and while I was doing dishes, I realised more of my "dishes" recently have been from tupperware...See the stack below. It's time to enjoy my food on plates more often!

Les Tupperware...At least I eat with real cutlery!

A big thank you to every single one of you who has followed me on this journey~! Just 2 more sleeps eek!

One Week Out

As a promise to myself, 

I am continuing with my daily posts until show time. Today was crazy. mad amount of cardio, followed by work, followed by Erykah Badu Concert equals Nini getting home at 11 PM tired and exhausted. And Hungry. 


I've eaten all my meals for today....so cant sneak anything...but I swear, I almost went down to the car where I've stored all my goodies in the trunk because I am SO tempted. HOWEVER, common sense prevailed, and as my tummy rumbles, I am just going to write this post and go to bed : ).

This is what's in the fridge now...yes a COSTCO size jar of pickles are in the back.

On another note, while I was at the concert I received a text from my nutritionist. It totally got me PEEVED! We had discussed me meeting him on Monday morning bright and early for a final follow up. He texted me half way through Erykah's set to ask when I could meet!? Excuse me? How could he have forgotten that we had our scheduled appointment  already (he's done this before and it makes it seem like I am not important)? 

Anyways we rescheduled for Wednesday. I know its probably my emotions that are running high, but I started crying at the concert. And, I still have a lump in my throat. I just feel down right mad/upset/frustrated!

Reminding myself though, its only one more week. One more week.... Serenity now....

What do you do to cope when you're upset?

I feel like Chicken Tonight

Yeah Chicken tonight :) 


Ok does anyone remember that commercial? Have I just dated myself? As I told you all before I am allowed to have a few meals of chicken so I decided to mix up a different options. 

With day 8 coming to a close - Tomorrow marks 7 days if not 6! till stage day!

I've been feeling pretty exhausted these days...taking it as best I can - My knees are starting to hurt from all the cardio and I am not recovering as fast. Its a good thing that I've taken three days off work next week to be able to prepare and sleep! On top of exhaustion, its been really difficult to get through my meals. For some reason I am just not hungry…I mean I am (hungry), believe me but I think it may just be boredom of looking at tilapia.  


Anyways, Last night I prepped three different types of chicken that I will be Pan "frying" or baking in the oven


One: "Chicken Wings" I saw this recipe HERE - Becca is a fellow figure competitor, so thought I might as well try this out! I marinated my chicken in The red hot overnight and then I added some Club House Tex Mex Seasoning and made in a non-stick pan.

Two: Harissa and Tagine inspired chicken with cilantro  (I love me some spicy food so this will be baked and stuffed with Zucchini yummmy!)

Three: dash of olive oil, paprika, salt, green onion - I am going to stuff this with some broccoli florets - rappini and mushroom that I had going on the stove

What's your favourite way of cooking chicken? I am always looking for recipes!

Bread and Peanut Butter

It's about 11 PM here and I have now been up since 4:45 AM, worked 12 hours, had a leg workout in the AM and a cardio workout after 915. I've also managed to roast some asparagus, broccoli and make my eggs for tomorrow because its going to be a mission to get out of bed tomorrow for arms and hamstrings haha! 

But I promised myself I would blog every day for the next 9 days for my sanity and to get out some of my last minute emotions and frustrations.

First! a happy moment! look what I found? high protein bread people! Bread. O. M. G. how amazing is this? Apparently they make BAGELS too! so Naturally, I bought a loaf, gave a few slices to my trainer, and the rest is sitting in my freezer for post competition. 

Second: uhmm HELLO HEAVEN.

yes friends that's DARK CHOCOLATE peanut butter with a bit of whey infused in so two tbsp is 10 G of Protein! Alas it too has to wait because of the sugar content in it but can I get a YUM?

Other then That Today has been pretty difficult. Tomorrow is supposed to be carb load up day, but I am holding off until Sunday after that its fish and chicken until Thursday and Friday will be another carb up day...

SOOOOO close but right now it feels so distant. I wish I had one more week to train, but at the same time I want it to be here to morrow so I can just eat my shredded Wheat with Almond milk already Geez lol.

Ok its time for me to finish the Rest of my packing for tomorrow. HOpe you all had a great Thursday! TGIF tommr baby!

Shoe Shrinkage and Grocery Growth

Today I was asked a question posed by on of my readers and though it would be good to share!  Bright Smile asked me whether my grocery bill got more expensive since Prep training?  The Short Answer: Yes....The long answer....read on my friends!

While my feet have been shrinking, my grocery bill has been increasing. 

I feel an bit like Cinderella because I have lost my shoe walking on a few occasions now. Its like that will pretty much all of my shoes, flats, sandals, heels…Flip flops or the only thing staying in place right now. So I have resorted to stuff the front of my shoe because I refuse to spend any more money right now. I purchased all this stuff for tanning and its burned more than a hole in my pocket ….so tissue it is.  And I finally have Petite Feet! Not small enough to steal borrow from Auntie R…She's a 5.5 and I'm now a 7...

can you see the gap at my heel?

Back to my Groceries: It's not necessarily because of all the fish and chicken and other forms of protein (though it does add up), its also because I am adding other things into my diet that I never had before and that requires going to specialty food stores, like Organic foods. I have invested in a good coconut oil because I cook with it for the most part and I LOVE the taste. Did you know that you can cook with coconut oil at high heat temperatures but not so much with olive oil?

At the same time, I am incorporating things like Omega Oil, Flax, chia seeds, Salba, and other forms of flour (for baking later) that cost a pretty penny. At the same time, I have invested in a lot of seasoning. Club house has been one of my favourites to work with but I have also tried other great additions - like Harissa. In addition to that, egg whites, Greek yogurt, natural peanut butter, gluten free breads and cereals are more expensive than your average box of cereal so, my I may feel a bit of a hole burning through my pocket, I feel its worth it. I feel better with what I am eating and I know I will be eating this way post competition too for the most part. Costco has been a great life saver. I find buying in bulk has helped to reduce a lot of the costs. They have a great Organic Quinoa available and when I was drinking almond milk, I could buy it by the case.

Finally, I have pretty much stopped eating out, do not spend money on alcohol and all other disposable income has gone to things like my competition suits, tanning supplies etc. so in a sense it does even out!

I still have to answer one posed to me which I promise I will but I thought it would be best to answer when I back on a "normal" diet in 10 days If you have any other questions let me know!

TMI, Tight Belts, and Tilapia!

So Day 11 is officially (well almost) over.

10 to go! Eek!

First up I wanted to talk about my love affair, or not so much with my BFF tilapia. Yesterday at work, I wore a pretty high waisted skirt with a pretty tight belt (Ok I am taking the long way around to get to the point - bear with me). 

This belt was tight. Most of the time a good thing. Yesterday...not so much.

And I ate fish. I ate fish and I ate asparagus and then after all of that, I went home, changed in to work attire two. By the time I got to my destination I cold feel a little rumbling. Now perhaps my tilapia and asparagus were "stuck" in between my ribcage and belt because for a better part of the day, because that night, I was, well...having a bit of tummy troubles...TMI (too much information)? I do apologise. 


During this nightmare, I was having one of those moments where most people would say "oh I am never drinking again" I was having an " Oh I never want to see, smell or come near tilapia again...EVER" moment. I mean thinking about it right now is sort of making me gag (I'm lucky today is carb day - so no fish). 


After having a bit of a meltdown with the nutrition guy, I was able to convince him that for my sanity and stomach I MUST have chicken again! FOLKS this is epic for me. I have been living off white fish for a better part of 3 weeks and honestly at this point sometimes too much of one thing can be a good thing turned EVIL (i.e. my love-hate relationship with tilapia). So for 8 of my 10 days left, I get 1-2 meals of chicken instead of tilapia - Hallelujah! Cannot wait for the next 10 days to be over so I can say BUH BYE to tilapia for the better part of the summer FOR SURE.


Its way past my bedtime so I will continue to post of the next 10 days - the last LEG! :)

Canada Post - Delivering a Bucketful of Gratitude

If there's one thing I would like to say to all of you faithful readers out there is THANK YOU! Thank you for your faith in my abilities for keeping me on point and on track in this last leg of journey #1 as a figure competitor. 

I am so lucky, to have readers like you. I am less than two weeks from show date and I WILL get on the stage. Not going to lie, I am freaking out slightly, but so happy to have all of your support behind me. Though I may not be at the level of some of the other fabulous women there, I will be the best version of myself to date, and that's something I HAVE to be proud of and AM proud of. 

Two weeks today, I will be celebrating my victory with a brunch! Yup! If you ask me what my favourite food group is, its brunch. The next 13 days will be on point until I can enjoy some fabulous french toast, eggs (with yolk!) fruit (I plan on being in a fruit coma - bring on the cherries, peaches, watermelon and grapes), oatmeal made with milk (mmmm delish), cupcakes, a celebratory mimosa and amazing group of friends to share it all with. 

Can't wait to toast with all of you as well, my fellow online friends...Sending lots of love and positive energy back to you as you have done for me. 

And....onto the outfit....Another Dress borrowed from Aunty R....Here is our little deal. I take her clothes, get them altered, wear a few times and give back. For me its like having a wardrobe on consignment. and it keeps things in BOTH of our closets rotating (though I have to say I get a much better bargain than she does ;P) 

What I am Wearing
Dress: Borrowed from Aunty R (Bought at the Bay on Sale and it sat in her closet for a good 2 years because it was too big!)
Sweater: Tristan and America (mine ;) at least 5 years old)
Belt: J Crew
Shoes: BCBG Girls (I wear these a lot, you can see them here, and here)
Necklace: Aldo worn here

Feeling Green

Ok People

Home stretch....HOME STRETCH?! ALREADY?! Had my progress pictures in the SUIT and I have to say I was happy. I like the way I looked from the front and side (as my nutritionist concurred) but he also mentioned to me that the back/butt area didn't look so hot....

So, now what? Do I still go ahead and compete? I WANT TO I really do... Even though technically I know I wont look as great at the other women? What do I do? I know I still have 2 weeks, but will that be enough? I am feeling a bit sick - to my stomach that is. :S Maybe a bit GREEN to be exact! I am going to give the last leg my all. Closer to competition date I will make my decision...

Going with the green theme, a while back I decided to make Kale chips. In theory a great idea. In reality - well t o me it tasted like dirt. And yes I did wash the kale thoroughly and I seasoned as well I could (lemon salt and pepper and paprika)....They looked great, but tasted awful. Any tips from my fellow Kale Chip makers?

That's my Sea salt you see on the cookie sheet.....

Going with my Green Theme, Time for my Outfit....Wore this a few weeks back - I haven't taken pictures recently but Let me know what you think!

What I am Wearing
Jewellry - Coach
Dress - borrowed (Auntie R)
Shoes - DYNY Flats (outlet shopping) 
Sunglasses - Michael Kors