Since Sasi Living is all about fitness, fun and fashion, I felt that it was necessary to share my latest fitness endeavor. Last Memorial Day I completed the Capital of Texas Triathlon. It was my very first tri and honestly, not the best experience, but not the worst either. That being said, I wanted to give it another go. So, this May I will be participating in the Galena Triathlon.

I’m currently training (or trying at least, I’m actually sick right now) and loving it. The training plan is actually what got me motivated to do another one in the first place. I love the challenge of training plans and I also love the variety. At the beginning of January I decided I needed to freshen up my workouts. So, for fun, weird I know, I started a tri training plan, without any plans to do another tri. After keeping up with the training for a month, I decided I should just take the plunge and sign up!

Last year’s tri was challenging because I honestly had no idea what to expect. I did the tri through Team In Training and if it weren’t for my amazing coaches I don’t think I would have made it. Not to mention the panic attack I had during the swim–not cool. This year should be different for a few reasons. First, it’s a shorter distance. Last year’s was Olympic distance, this year isn’t a traditional sprint distance, but is shorter than Olympic distance. (660 yard swim, 17.4 mi bike, 4.3 mi run)

Also, I’m really hoping that this year I can leverage my experience from last year to carry me through. There really should be no excuse for the same jitters as last year since I know what to expect. Additionally, this year I’m so much more excited than I was last year so that should help a lot!

To see my training plan you can check out this link. I have modified it a little bit, specifically adding BRICK workouts (bike-run workouts) during the weekend and not doing bike mileage over 25 miles.  So far so good, but we’ll see how I fare after I’m done battling this cold.

That’s right–I’m leaving Chicago for the sunny Tucson skies! I will be attending The University of Arizona this fall to start my PhD in Communications! I’m so excited, and a little nervous, especially since I will be a TA! I can’t even imagine teaching a class in a few months, but I’m definitely ready for the challenge!

This also means that I am leaving my current job. In fact, this is my last full work week (so expect lots of blogging!)

I have tons of other updates for you, but I really wanted to get a quick post up about what’s been going on. Sadly though, Project 365 totally failed, as I forgot to take pictures for a few days and then just couldn’t get back into it. I’m going to try to start again soon, so stay tuned!

Lastly, I’m so sorry for my absence. Waiting to find out about school was taking over my life and literally making it impossible for me to think about anything good to write. I’m so happy to be blogging again!

February is national Heart Month! Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US and responsible for 25% of all deaths?! That’s startling huh? Also, heart disease is the leading killer in WOMEN. So, what can you do to help decrease your risk of heart disease? I’m so glad you asked

First, I want to propose a challenge. This month I am asking all of you to log one mile per day. You can fit this mile in however you’d like–walking, running, biking, skiing, hiking, the options are endless.  If you’re already logging one mile per day, then for every day in February I’m asking you to log one more–go the extra mile. Let’s remember that physical activity and a healthy lifestyle are essential in preventing heart disease, and with all of us putting in a mile a day, we are all decreasing our chances of heart disease. Who’s in??

In addition to the one mile challenge, here are some other things you can do on a daily basis to help prevent heart disease.

• Brush, Floss, Rinse–keeping your mouth extra clean is very important in preventing heart disease. There is a direct link between oral health and heart health, so keep those gums clean!
• Stress OUT–no, don’t get stressed, get the stress OUT of your life! Stress management is vital in maintaining your health and keeping your heart healthy. Use any tactic you like–from a stress ball, punching bag, meditation, or even a good loud scream, it’s most important to keep your stress levels low.
• Eat Right–Eating healthy is a great overall health tip but also does wonders in preventing heart disease. For recipes and tips be sure to check out the American Heart Association’s nutrition guide.
• No Smoking! Kick your nasty habit. There’s really no excuse for this one and the info speaks for itself. It’s in your own best interest to quit smoking and to stop endangering those around you with your second-hand smoke too.
• Spread The Word! Please spread the word about the dangers of heart disease and the many ways to prevent it. So many people don’t understand how their daily lifestyle effects their overall health, so please, get active and spread the word.

Don’t forget–this Friday is National Wear Red day!

This weekend I had the opportunity to cash in a wonderful birthday present from my best friend Lisa. A crepe cooking class! We were originally supposed to take this class in November, but then the bf got hurt. So, thanks to a timely Groupon, we got to re-schedule.

Our Ingredients

On Saturday at 5pm we arrived at FliP Crepes in Lakeview, Chicago. A little place on Halsted, this French cafe was holding the secret to my heart–the perfect crepe. With a few French instructors and three other couples, our skillets were ignited. On our menu was the traditional Crepe Suzette and a banana-chocolate crepe. Yum!

First, we made our batter. This batter was seriously good enough to drink, and according to our teacher, that’s the first sign of a successful crepe. We used brown eggs, wheat and white flour, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, rum and soybean oil. Then, we pured the first crepe. Everyone was nervous, but fortunately, our instructors warned us that our first crepe would likely be crappy. A crappy crepe however, is normal, even for the most experienced masters. Whew!

Lisa lighting Suzette

After flipping about 5 crepes, it was time to meet Suzette. We peeled and zested our oranges, and then added unhealthy amounts of butter and sugar to the mix. Before I knew it, Lisa was at the front of the table igniting the mix for the perfect crepe Suzette. Delish!

We ended the class with a wonderful banana chocolate crepe wrapped up like a little French coin purse and a serious sugar high. Lisa and I both left laughing and talking about what a wonderful time we had getting to know our classmates and our teachers.

**Did you know that instead of Groundhog Day the French celebrate Crepe day? It’s the same day, but rather than waiting to see a furry shadow, you whip up some crepes. Then, with a gold coin in one hand, you flip your crepe and make a wish. Cute huh?

Thanks Lisa!

Winter Luxury

Back to Work

JOY

Post-holiday recycling

Union Station

Imo's Pizza in STL

EnterTRAINment

Kyree: http://kyree90.wordpress.com

Katrina: http://www.flickr.com/photos/southernbama/sets/72157625190584309/

Lori: http://www.flickr.com/photos/beautifullytwisted/sets/72157625243032093/

Melissa: www.flickr.com/photos/melissavincent7

Mindy: http://justaonegirlrevolution.com

Rhonda:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=294679&id=668067447&l=5900631262

Yesterday while chatting with some co-workers, I learned that there was such a thing as a “sugar cream pie.” What?! I couldn’t resist looking up something that sounded so delicious. To my surprise, this actually seemed like a pie I could make. So, without further ado, I made my first pie last night!

While I highly doubt the nutritional value of this pie, each slice is a little piece of heaven, so I encourage everyone to give it a try and enjoy in moderation. One of the best things is that this pie is SO easy to make, and you probably already have the ingredients. I followed this recipe, and decided to buy a graham cracker crust instead. (I’d highly recommend a graham crust)

The main ingredients are white and brown sugar, flour, heavy cream and a little Vanilla extract. That’s it! The prep time was even sweeter. I went from nothing to pie in about 10 minutes, but I’m sure an experienced baker could do this in about 5. The cook time was only 40 minutes.  However, you do have to let the pie cool and then refrigerate before indulging, so the overall time is longer, about 3 hours.

How does it taste? AMAZING! Seriously, this pie is to die for. The texture is just like creme-brulee, but the flavor is more like vanilla toffee. It’s hard to really put into words, but trust me, I don’t think you, or your sugar pie honey bunch, will be disappointed.

Enjoy!

Last week I was reading about the benefits of the PEAK 8 workout in the Chiropractor’s office. Since I’m always desperate for a new workout to help curb the monotony of the “dread-mill” I decided to give it a whirl.

Here’s how the PEAK workout runs (like my pun?)

• Warm up for 3 minutes. (I walked at 4.0 on an incline of 7)
• Run as fast as you can for 30 seconds (I ran at a 9.0)
• Recover for 90 seconds. (I walked at 4.0 on an incline of 6)
• Repeat Run/Recover 8 times
• Cool down for the remaining 3 minutes (I walked at 4.0 at an incline of 5)

Honestly, it was easier than I expected, but mostly just because I had built it up to be complete torture in my head. It did however, get challenging near the end and I found myself counting every second.

The benefits of the PEAK workout are worth the pain though. If you do this short workout at least twice a week you can dramatically decrease your body fat. More than that, you will burn a high number of calories in a short workout. (Bonus!) The PEAK workout will also help you improve your muscle tone, speed and overall performance.

Don’t worry if you can’t do all 8 reps right away, this workout allows you to build up to the PEAK. You can also lengthen your warm-up and cool down times.

And, the absolute best part is that the total running time of this workout is only 4 minutes! (Of course, if you’re nuts, can you jog during your recovery periods.)

For more info you can check out the PEAK 8 Facebook page. Give it a try and let me know what you think. I’m a fan!

While it may seem crazy, I think that K-Cav has actually proven to be the charm Chicago needed. Cutler is constantly criticized for his decisions on the field and often dismissed thanks to his “scatter-brain” attitude. For seasons we have watched him fumble, drop and pass away our wins. However, this season, with rumors of his romance flurrying, it seems he has regained a more precise focus. With his team behind him, the Bears have collectively assembled to be a tighter team. But, could Cutler’s focus be attributed to his new stress-relief off the field? I think so.

Maybe a hard-hitting, strategic chic is exactly what Cutler needed to understand the “game” a little more. K-Cav has never been a girl that’s easy to tie down, but it seems Cutler has successfully completed a pass. She is being spotted all over the city and is even tweeting about her new love. So, unlike other celebrity curses, it seems that K-Cav has brought nothing but charm to Chicago.

What do you think? Will this successful romance help Cutler lead the Bears to a cheesy victory on Sunday? Personally, I think that K-Cav will help Cutler remain focused and I’d love to see her in her Bears gear this weekend.

BEAR DOWN CHICAGO!

Dreams of drowning or struggling in treacherous waters may represent your fear of being swallowed by forces hidden in the depths of your unconscious. You may be proceeding too quickly with your opening of the unconscious. It may be helpful to talk your problems and fears through with a friend. They may be able to throw you a lifeline and help you ‘keep your head above water’. The dream also shows how you are being overwhelmed by your emotions. You may fear sinking financially or be drowning in your difficulties.

It’s probably most upsetting because this definition isn’t too far off from the truth. I am someone who likes being in control, I enjoy planning ahead and “covering my bases.” I typically think of all possible outcomes regarding a situation, even catastrophic events and totally unrealistic possibilities, both good and bad. However, right now, I feel like my life is stuck in limbo. I am anxious to move forward with some ideas I have in the works, but everything is in the hands of someone else right now. It’s scary and exhilarating simultaneously, and truly making me a nervous wreck. Hopefully, I will be getting some good news in the next few weeks so that I can start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

While I did drown for the second time last night, I also had a dream that I was BFF with Atlanta Housewife Kim Zolciak–is that my afterlife?? One can only hope

I’m hoping to be back in action soon, pray that I get inspired today or tomorrow!! Right now I just feel like this: