Jenn Daily!

Fun Friday – Fit Test

JLieu — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:23:09 +0000

I joined Egan’s Fit Body Bootcamp in late November of last year. Never did I think in a million years that I would join a bootcamp class let alone be passionate about spreading the word how addicting it can be. At first, I always was looking forward to class – and during class I would wonder to myself, “What am I a thinking?” I always felt that I was not going to make it through class. However I always loved the feeling of when I completed class. The sense of accomplishment.

Fast forward to today, it has been six months since I have joined and I am still loving it. My mindset has changed and I wish I could stay for more classes. Each day I feel excited to eat clean, rest early, and train all over again.

Today, we had a fit test for Fun Friday. In 2 minutes we tried to push ourselves to do as many burpees, push ups, and sit ups as we could. My numbers are below:
50 Burpees
28 Push Ups (Not the girly kine)
30 Sit Ups

I totally recommend you come try it out – every Saturday they offer a FREE beach bootcamp. Details below:

FREE OUTDOOR BOOTCAMP:
Ala Moana Beach:
Saturday @ 7am
(meet at lifeguard stand # 1D)

Just Add Water

JLieu — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:41:48 +0000

How many cups of water do you drink a day? According to Livestrong.com, one should drink between 8-13 cups a day. Bloating can be a concern, but the reality is, the more water you consume, the more likely it will help your body flush our the excess sodium

I try to keep a water bottle on me at all times so I can keep hydrated. I usually try to drink about 8 cups, but because I am trying to train and focus, maybe I can make it to 13 cups. Sometimes I mix it up with a ginger lemon tea and other times I add lemon to give it a little flavor.

Pinterest has a million different pins for flavored water recipes. TheYummyLife.com is a great resource to
Below are some mixes I want to try, especially the blackberry sage.

My favorite is the Pineapple Mint Flavored Water (a hint of minty sweetness). Add a sprig of mint to the jar/cup–you can throw in the whole sprig; or, remove the leaves from the sprig, if you prefer to have the mint swimming around and distributing in the jar/cup. Muddle the mint–the goal is to bruise the leaves and release their flavor–don’t pulverize them into bits. Add pineapple pieces, press and twist with the muddler to release juices. Add ice to the top and then water. Stir, cover, and refrigerate.

Do you have any cool recipes to share or ingredients that may make for a good water refresher?

Bike Shopping

JLieu — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:03:38 +0000

Learning to ride a bicycle has been one of the most exciting things that has happened to me since the beginning or the year! I finally am able to cross this off my bucket list! WOO HOO! My fabulous teacher Jamie said that I need to keep on practicing if I want to start riding to and from work.

Since then, I have been obsessed with trying to find the “perfect bike”. I have been looking online to read reviews and sites such as http://www.bicycling.com/beginners. Another site I visited was http://www.timeout.com/london/shopping/how-to-buy-the-perfect-bike, it gives great practical information, but I need to learn more.

I check craigslist.com every day to see if there are any good deals (it’s rare). The Bike Shop just had a sale, but I know I am not ready for anything professional just yet. I googled “hipster bike” to research more about “fixies”. Urban Outfitters gives you an opportunity to order a custom fixie bike online and have it shipped to your house! Pretty cool huh?

Im going to take my time to find “the one”, but in the mean time, do you have any recommendations on brand, where to purchase (online vs. local), and what color is your bike? Are there any must-have features (besides a helmet)?

This is my dream bike! it glows in the dark!

When I googled “hipster bike” this video came up – I couldn’t stop laughing! Are there and good bicycle blogs that you may recommend? Im open to anything as I plan on traveling more and to see the world by plane and bike!

2013 Oscars – Amazing night!

JLieu — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:00:05 +0000

Ahh the Oscars – the night to give excellence for cinematic achievement. Normally I am not one to tube in front of the TV for an award show but knowing that Les Mis was nominated for several awards got me hooked! Below are some of my personal highlights:

FASHION:
As a fashion fanatic, I loved seeing all the beautiful gowns that flowed on to the red carpet. I thought it was kind of funny how many of the men were sporting a beard. I guess L.A. is pretty cold now and they are trying to keeping warm. Charlize Theron really rocked that sexy pixie cut – it makes me want to cut my hair super short! Watch out Sheryl! I might be coming in for another hair cut! Color too!

Anne Hathaway: Congrats to Anne for winning Actress in a Supporting Role. She is one of my favorite actresses and her performance in Les Miserables was unforgettable.

PERFORMANCES:
I think the BEST performance was when the cast of Les Miserables sang, “One Day More”.
Hugh Jackman is sooooo dreamy!!!!! SWOON! Seriously such ana amazing actor and did an amazing job getting into your heart and making you feel how he felt. LOVE HIM!

Other amazing performances include, Dream Girls, Chicago, Adele, Nora Jones, and of course Barbara Streisand.

Adele: Congrats to Adele for winning music and lyrics for “Skyfall”. I love Adele, she is an amazing singer and tonight was no different! I am not the biggest 007 fan, but listening to her song makes me kind of want to watch the film! Her make up and dress were so beautiful!!!

Nora Jones: Isn’t she just the cutest? She looked gorgeous and the whole looks definitely fit with the song she sang, “

MOVIES I WANT TO SEE:

There were couple of movies that I was not able to see in theaters, one being Life of Pi and Anna Karenina. Hoping to rent it soon! Have you guys seen these films? Any thoughts?

What was YOUR favorite part of the Oscars? Any favorite movie? Actor/Actress?
#Oscars2013 #TheAcademy

The Bucket List 2013

JLieu — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:32:51 +0000

“This life is what you make it. Not matter what, you’re going to mess up sometimes, it’s a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you’re going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends – they’ll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, somg go. The ones that stay with you through everything – they’re your true best friends. Don’t let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they’ll come and go too. And babve, I hate to say it, most of them – actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can’t give up becuase if you give up, you’ll never find your soul mate. You’ll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn’t mean you’re gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don’t, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life’s a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”
― Marilyn Monroe

Ah, Ms. Monroe is so wise. She speaks the truth! Below is an updated bucket list. Many people tell me that I have to put a date to these items but I find it hard as I am always growing and changing, therefore changing my mind. At one time I had “Eat a large pizza in 5 minutes” on my list, but as I grew wiser and realized it was not the healthiest thing to do. My list consists of a lot of travel and taking classes. I feel like I am always strapped for time, and perhaps it I need to reevaluate how I use my time.

What’s on YOUR bucket list?
Jenn’s List as of 2/21/13

1. Be Happy – always.
2. Learn to ride a bike (3/3/13)
3. Run a marathon (2015)
4. Travel to Japan
5. Travel to South East Asia
6. Travel to South America & hike Machu Picchu (2016)
7. Travel to Italy
8. Travel to Greece
9. Travel to Spain
10. Travel to Alaska
~~11. Hike Koko Head~~
~~12. Hike Makapuu with Matt~~
13. NYC: Jersey Boys
14. Travel to Fiji
15. Travel to San Diego and visit the zoo
16. Travel to New York & watch fashion week
17. Travel to Texas to see a Dallas Game
18. Travel to Spain
19. Rock Climb
~~20. Join a running team~~
21. Travel to Ireland
22. Travel to England
23. Travel Chicago
24. Travel to Boston during the winter
25. Ice skate in Central Park with Matt
26. Eat at Serendipity in NYC
27. Go to Napa Valley
28. Watch Jay Z LIVE
29. Go to Disneyland with Matthew
30. Be able to do 50 one-handed push ups
31. Take a graphic design class
32. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
33. Canoeing
34. Go to Vegas with girlfriends
35. Travel to Oregon
36. Take a French Class
37. Attend a Far East Movement Concert
38. Take a cooking class at KCC
39. Run the Cowtown Marathon
40. Dye my hair blue black
41. Kiss a loved on on the Eiffel Tower in Paris
42. Eat at Cafe Duck Butt
43. Plan an amazing shindig for my dirty 30 (10/2013)
44. Eat at Izakaya Shin
45. Run the Kauai Half Marathon
46. Attend a Ted Talk Conference
47. Run Central Park
48. Travel to Maui with Matt
49. Run a race in Hong Kong
50. Travel to Malaysia

2013 Health & Fitness Weigh In

JLieu — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 17:00:49 +0000

Happy Saturday everyone! Hope you have had a great start to the New Year! I have been pretty good so far with my resolutions/goals. Just trying to take each day at a time! One of my resolutions is to log my diet and fitness log daily. Per Bootcamp Trainer Kimi, I have completed by to do list!

FIRST PREP WEEK TO DO LIST:

I have gotten rid of all the bad junk food in my refrigerator and pantry. As a Chinese person it was hard to throw away such yummy treats but it had to be done! I went to the farmers market and picked up fresh fruits and veggies along with organic eggs!

Finally, I have taken down my stats for the Fitness Challenge starting 1/7.

Weight: 121.9 lbs.
Body Fat: 25%
How I feel:
- Sleep: I am trying to get a full 8 hours of sleep each night and to sleep by 9 nightly. (This may vary on the weekends.)
- Energy level: I feel like I have some energy however I feel like I need to build up my upper body strength to then last longer in class along with getting enough sleep!
- Diet: Prior I was eating anything and everything, however I have freshly stocked my fridge with fresh veggies and fruit. I am feel pretty good and love eating clean. There were sometimes that
Food tracker: Im on MyFitnessPal - jennlieu

How are your resolutions/ goals coming along?

Fun Things in 2013

JLieu — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:00:17 +0000

Yesterday I had a couple friends over for dinner and discussed what we were looking forward to in 2013. The main topic we discussed were movies. Most people know that I am always running around doing all kinds of stuff so when I watch any movie – there is a 95% chance that I will fall asleep in the movie. However, it is a new year and I plan to watch more movies rather than sleeping through them! It’s a pretty expensive nap if you ask me!

Some of my top movie picks are:

One of my favorite movies that just came out is Les Miserables, check out the trailer below – it is a TOTAL must see!

Other things I am looking forward to in 2013:

Learning to ride a bike
Eating home lunch 4 times a week
Finding a career/ position that I am passionate about
Attending Egan’s Fit Body Bootcamp regularly
Sleeping at the same time regularly
Summer weather to start swimming
New Lululemon designs (guilty pleasure)
What are you looking forward to in 2013?

New Beginnings – 2013

JLieu — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:26:11 +0000

Two days ago was technically the start of the new year, however I started off in bed sick. New Year’s Day went like this – sleeping, spending time with family and more sleeping. I think my body was telling me to rest. Today I woke up, refreshed, and ready to reflect to plan the next year.

2012 Recap

Looking back I had a very busy year, full of change. Change in career, friendships, relationships, and fitness.

I have been fortunate to have met many new people through work and my work outs. Everyone has been so inspiring and I am truly blessed to be surrounded by great people!

In November, I signed up for Egan’s Fit Body Bootcamp on a Groupon deal and from there my life had changed. I felt positively physically and mentally. I love the classes, people, and of course the results. One of our trainers, Kimi had given us a 2013 challenge. A list of things to do before the New Year. I have gotten to check most of those things off the list but as we speak I m still cleaning out my pantry. It is hard to give up those guilty pleasures such as gummy candy! LOL!

2013 Resolutions

In 2013, I would like to write more, spend more time with family, friends, focus on fitness and health, and save for the future.

1. Write More: I would like to post at least 3 times a week
2. Spend more times with family and friends: I plan to spend one day with family and one day with friends per week
3. Focus on fitness and health: I will plan my meals out on Sunday and have weekly weigh ins to keep my health plan up to date. I will continue to work out daily for at least one hour.
4. Save for the future: Keep logging in my purchases and expenses daily. Dine in more – eat out less!

What are your resolutions and how do you plan to keep them?

Today is a new day!

JLieu — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:47:11 +0000

“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams. ” – Oprah Winfrey

Today is a brand new day – there have been many changes happening in my life, from work, family, friends and fitness. Knowing that everyday is a new day to make a difference and a new adventure is what makes life worth living. Sometimes there are days better than others, but all in all – it is what you make of it! Hope you have an AMAZING day!

A wedding reception, birthday party and a diet.

JLieu — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:01:53 +0000

This weekend I learned a pretty big life lesson – trying to please everyone will not please anyone at all.
Yes, of course I have been told this to me numerous amounts of times and of course I have told myself Jenn, one day, saying yes to everything will come back and haunt you.

Well – karma decided to work its magic this weekend, I had my nieces first birthday to attend to along with a friend’s wedding reception. Before discussing my plans with the other half, I had told both people that I would be able to attend. I looked at my gmail calendar and thought yes I can attend two events in one night. If Superman, Spiderman and Batman can all attend more than one event in one night, fight crime, so can I (with out fighting crime)!

As I arrived at the first event, it was running late – uh oh…I swear the invitation said 3PM.

I decided to make the best of it and stayed as long as I could until I had to jet off to the wedding reception. I wasn’t even dressed up yet and I had to take time in between to straighten my hair, get my brows done- and ZOOM – we were off to the next event. I texted my cousin as I left the party and when she responded, my heart broke. I felt horrible that I left a family function that was once in a lifetime to go to another event. But at that same time I felt like I couldn’t miss my friend’s reception – after all, people only get married once, right?

When I arrived to see the bride and groom they looked fabulous – everyone did. As I sat down to talk to a couple of my friends, they asked what I did earlier in the day I told them about the party. “Why did you leave? It’s your family!” said one friend. “They would understand if you had family stuff!” said another. SIGH. I felt guilty. I knew I had to go back to my cousin’s party – but I was at a reception. How was I going to make this tough choice? In the end, I knew that I had to be with my family – because family comes first right? After mingling for about 45 minutes or so I told the bride and groom I had to go, they seemed a bit disappointed but I hope they understood.

My cousin’s creations for Alex’s first birthday!

We whisked away back to my cousins house and things seemed to still be going, kids running a muck and my family trying to pack up the food and sweets. I started to help clean when my cousin kept insisting that I try the cake, macaroons, salad etc etc. (Side note: in a Chinese household you cannot say “no” when someone is putting food on your plate.) I started to eat till I was about to burst then started packing the rest of the food up in to-go boxes.

While I was cleaning up and packing, I thought to myself, I know I made the right decision to come back, family is family, but I also felt that with all the food I ate, I need to go on a diet too! I started the paleo diet this week.
So far it is day 3 and I have cheated 2 times. On day 2, I wasn’t feeling 100% and had chicken noodle soup and today I had a Subway sandwich. It is only the beginning as I know this is not a fad diet, but rather a lifestyle change.

The time I took cleaning up at my cousins made me think I need to re-prioritize and clean up my own life before trying to be in everyone else. Family and friends, thanks for putting up with my crazy schedule! xoxo