What I learned from running

I have never been a runner. I remember when I was in elementary school, we'd be forced to run laps as spring turned to summer. Teachers would always stand by the finish line, watching us with their clipboards on one hand, time-stopper and pen in the other. As we'd cross the finish line one by one. they'd write down our finish time. Almost always - I came second-last (thank goodness for another girl or boy who was either suffering from asthma or was slightly over-weight). I remember dreading running more than anything! I would have rather played soccer. I think I hated running when I was young because I hated the feeling of being out of breath! I felt like my lungs were going to explode.

Fast forward twenty years …
and now I love running.

Who would have thought?
That same feeling- where lungs feel like they're about to burst- is actually very comforting.
It makes me feel alive

So running has taught me that...
1. When you think you can't do it, you actually can when you set your mind to it!
2. When you accomplish running a certain distance, you always want to do better: run longer, run faster. After reaching whatever goal you have, you want to set a bigger goal and work hard towards it.
3. If you want to do well in something, you have to be consistent! Taking a week off running and trying to run the same way as your last run is hard!

Thank you running, you've taught me a lot.

My goal is to eventually run 5K and 10K runs.

Do you run? If so how often and do you have any running routines?

Money & reward

Saving money is hard. Agree? Every time I managed to save some money, there was always a big bill waiting to be paid off: insurance premium, computer purchase, and car maintenance. Now I'm finally able to see my money grow! I do want to save my money for something big, like a house in the future, but there is still my student loan to repay, and it seems like my monthly contribution is only making a small dent. I would ideally like to pay it off within the next 4 years, but that would leave very little room to save money for a house. I wish there was a life-coaching courses in high-school so that I would be smarter about money management. It's great to be able to make money and buy what you want, but trying to save that money for a big goal seems like a difficult journey. In order to remain sane while saving money, I've decided on a compromise: for every 10lb I lose I buy myself something that I really want within reasonable amount. At least I'll be getting fit and rich; though I do worry about falling off the jogging and diet regiment. I try to keep reminding myself that- you never regret after a workout, but do if I miss out. Such is the life of a twenty-something "freelance" worker. How do you manage to save money? Share your tips and help me get richer.

Classic vs. Funky

I often have trouble deciding if I want to take the classic (the safe route of choosing a classic style) versus choosing a funky style I'm momentarily in love with. Knowing myself, I probably will get bored of the funky style; however, I can't stop thinking how great this bag would brighten up my look. But for practical reasons, perhaps classic will always win.



vs.




Or a happy medium…



What do you usually go for? The classic style or the bold, colourful, pattern of the moment?

Goal- in five years

I have a new goal; a very ambitious one.
It is to buy a home/condo in the next 5 years. For this to happen, I will need to save at least $800 a month, put aside in saving as a down-payment. It is very plausible for this to happen; however, my financial situation being unpredictable (pretty much being self-employed), I will need to be prepared for possibly hitting a brick wall from time to time - still- I will make this happen! This is why people get married… seriously putting two income into buying a house does make more sense. But I can do this!

Pretty, simple, classy bedroom

All images and products courtesy of Pottery Barn

Love the details in the headboard. I would really like to have that headboard + duvet cover (Hadley Ruched Duvet Cover)! I am inspired to redesign my bedroom with an airy feel, but within reasonable budget. After a catastrophic spending this month, I'm restricting myself to spending money on the only necessary stuff.


Does spring call for a change for you?

Summery weather

Doesn't this popsicle just look so delicious? I just saw this in my inbox from Williams-Sonoma for $49.95. This would be perfect as a desert after home BBQ party.

I really want to try to make Strawberry-Banana PopsRecipe

Slices of fresh banana are frozen inside these cool strawberry pops.

Ingredients:
1 cup strawberry juice
3 oz. plain yogurt
1 1/2 oz. honey
1 large banana, cut into 1/8-inch rounds
Directions:
In a bowl, whisk together the strawberry juice, yogurt and honey until the honey is dissolved.

Prepare an ice pop mold according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For 2-oz. pops, place about 5 banana slices along the sides of each slot, then insert the sticks. Slowly pour about 1 1/2 fl. oz. of the juice mixture into each slot, reaching just to the fill line. Tap the pop mold on the countertop to release any air bubbles. Freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the mixture is solid, 7 to 20 minutes. To test, insert a toothpick near a stick.

Remove the ice pops from the mold according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Repeat to make the remaining ice pops. Makes six 2-oz. pops.

Williams-Sonoma Kitchen.

Time flies~

Notice how when you are busy time just flies! Well, that's how my life has been feeling as of late! I can't believe it's already March! Spring will officially arrive this year on March 20th! Anybody else excited for some change of weather?

I would love to be here right now, where ever this is:



This spring I really want to plant something in our front and back yards! I've been wasting my mornings, and it may be a good plan for me to start getting into gardening.

I wish my garden looked like this! It's like a paradise- a getaway from reality and into fantasy, doesn't?


Credit: Butchart Gardens, Victoria B.C.

And also grow my own vegetables:


Credit: Pinterest