No-Fail Homemade Gifts

Happy Valentine's Day!

Incase you forgot...here are some quick easy homemade gifts for procrastinators, including me for posting this last minute. My apologies! If you're still desperately looking for something, here it is. You'll get them thinking you worked on it for a week!

Very cute and simple. Hard to believe it as a last-minute gift! Just enlarge the image, place a paper on your laptop screen and trace the outlines. Cut the solid lines and fold along the dotted lines. Glue it on a blank sturdy card and if time permits, you can decorate it by adding glitter on the pop-out letters or a photo in the heart! 

Raid my kitchen and you'll find a cupboard full of tea. It's a freaking tea party in there. No joke. If you're a tea addict, this is something painless you can put together. All you need is a variety of colored or scrapbooking paper. Attach a love or inspirational quote on the back envelope! 

Very creative instead of the usual candies. Pick up a box of chapsticks, index cards and ribbons from a drug store. Or for the athlete in your life--energy bar, gel, headband, travel size goodies or anything small that would fit. Use scrapbooking paper or newspaper to cover the ugly lines on the index cards. Cut two slits in center for the ribbon and tie a bow in the back. Easy!

For the man in your life, forget lovey-dovey cards, chocolate, pinks, reds or something that would remind them of February 14th. I may be wrong but I believe most men are simple creatures. They don't think like women do so just pick up something he can use in the long run. It could be as thoughtful as a basket of stuff he's running out of like deodorant, shave cream, razor, toothpaste, his favorite beer and stash in a couple lottery tickets. Another way to a man's heart is through his stomach... cook him his favorite meal. 

Okay, I know I probably should've posted this a couple days in advance because those are... kind of not procrastinator-friendly but too brilliant not to share! Just take a look at it for next year perhaps?

Hard-Boiled Heart Egg 

Perfect for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day breakfast-in-bed!

Heart Sealed in a Cupcake

 Surprise your little ones with your superb baking skills!

Red Wine Lollipop

What!!!!! 

Eco-friendly Yoga Mats

Thought I'd share--JadeYoga plants a tree per mat you buy. A bit pricey, but it really shows their commitment and contribution in keeping the earth in its pristine condition. My reverence for nature all began with running; the more I spent time outdoors, the more I realize the great psychological and physiological benefits you reap simply by being outside. So I, therefore, require a well-kept environment to keep me going in life whether it's running, cycling, hiking or out doing the activities I enjoy the most and return the favor by striving to go green. What's better than splurging on a recovery product that gives back to the earth and for yourself?!

Training Ground Scenery

One of the many reasons why I love Tucson. A few Blackberry snapshots from Friday morning's Phoneline Trail run at Sabino Canyon. Pardon the poor photo quality. The view is exhilarating and even better in person!

Nectarine Pizza with Basil and Balsamic

I don't normally make pizza at nights but when I saw this, I thought hell yeah. Maybe it's the high quality image that makes it look so yummy, I don't know but anyway, I went ahead and made it last night. I put together two balls of pizza dough which makes 18", about 8 regular slices enough for 4-6 servings. Add 1/4 cup wheat germ and/or flaxseed to the dough if you'd like. I didn't like the idea of having no meat so I added prosciutto and they were just perfect as a "substitute" for salt. The cheeses I used--mozzarella, ricotta, goat cheese and Parmigianno Reggiano. And fresh basil is a must. No exceptions!

One Tough Mother

The Plank

Ever feel stuck at home with your kids and wishing you could do something good for yourself and at the same time, give your little munchkins all the attention they crave? For many new parents, exercise time is limited and harder to get into especially with sagging energy and motivation levels due to a full day of handling little children on mere sleep. You can still squeeze in a little something while you're on mommy- or daddy-duty. If you have a few minutes to spare and happen to be playing with your kids in the living room (by kids, I mean ages 2-6, maybe 7), have them sit on your back while you do the plank (see above). They'll find it fun and think you're playing horsey while you're busting a sweat.

Don't get mad if they bounce on you! They're finally helping their mommies get fit after long baby bump months of stretched out and weakened core muscles! For beginners, start with 4 x 15 seconds hold for the first week and in increments, build up by a few seconds to a minute as weeks go by... maybe two if you're feeling determined.

Let your kids bounce or jump on you all they want. If you fall, suck it up and get back up. Come on, it's only for a few minutes out of the 1,440 minutes you have in a day. Don't despair. If they tell you to move, accept and suffer. Crawl on your forearms and toes. Listen to them so you confuse your muscles to get better results. BUTT DOWN. Do not cheat! You'll know you're way too up high if your kids tell you to lower down to make their horse-riding experience more pleasant. Make it a routine with your kids. 3-5 times a week? 30-Day Challenge?? Whatever works for you. Do as much times per week, sets and minute duration as you and your kids please. If you're feeling feisty, more photos below to crank up the challenge a notch.

Your little Jillian Michaels might even ask you to play horsey again. Accept it as a reminder that you should at least spare a couple minutes few days a week to strengthen your midsection. Another great reason for this... b-i-k-i-n-i season!

One Leg Plank

One Shoulder Plank

Favorites

If you know me well, you'll know what I normally wear these days. Running shorts, yoga pants, sneakers, flip-flops, sweatshirt, sweatpants, tank top or a t-shirt. Yep, that's me. I don't really get a chance to dress nicely on weekdays where training take up the majority of my time.

I do get bummed at times seeing my sister get all prettified for work or see cute styles in magazines I can't really splurge on. Instead, I splurge on workout clothes to make up for the loss! So today, I'm going to dedicate this entire article on fashion for the gym rat. Yeah buddy. Go ahead, laugh it off or get an idea of my favorites. Sorry guys, I have no idea what's in store for best picks for men (except for possibly #5, 6, & 7) but you might find this as a guidance in finding great gifts for your fitness fanatic girlfriend, wife, sister or mom. (Hint: <3 Day) Here are my top picks:

1. My number one favorite--Nike Tempo Track Running Shorts. I have these in lots of colors and can't stop buying more. Been wearing them ever since I started running! Gotta love the built-in underwear and the material is so lightweight. You'll feel naked and forget that you have them on. Best. Shorts. Ever. 

2. This tank top is good for the all-around athlete. The cut and material hugs you all in the right curves and allows you to move freely. You will feel great. Good for a hot active summer day or running errands in a light jacket.

3. For the person who hates wearing shorts and like a pair of breathable, form-fitting capris, Nike also has these in whimsical colors if you're looking to capture attention!

4. Another great top. Nice design--perfectly fitted, not too tight or loose. 

4. For the yoga fan--these shorts are perfect for sweaty sessions as intense as Bikram! 

5. For the neutral runner who love a good pair of flat, lightweight racing shoes. These are UBER comfortable and I'm already onto my second pair! **Make sure this is your kind of shoe. Go to a running store and get your gait analysis done.** (This color is for men. Women have black, light blue, hot pink and orange-pink.)

6. For the endurance athlete who need fuel in hand for long runs, your hips will befriend this fluid belt. I got mine recently at the PF Chang Marathon and Half Marathon Expo and fell in love with it instantly. It doesn't ride up and down at all like my old one does! 

7. If you're looking for a cheap running watch, this retro watch is fun to wear. When my high-tech running watch broke, I bought this watch in blue from Target the other day (for only $19.99!) as a temporary watch until my other one got fixed. Not sure if Target still sell those but I found the main website where you can get one. I still have mine as a back up and it's still a bargain favorite. Loving the bold colors! 

So far, they're pretty much the gears I strongly recommend... stay tuned for more later on! 

A blog I'm loving right now...

This blog is pure genius. It blends food and photography. If you're a vegan or just like looking at food like it's art, you'll find this one intriguing. I'm not vegan or anything but sometimes I find myself in the mood for dishes like these, just to try something new.

And I'm a sucker for cats. Be sure to scroll down all the way to the end of some recipes, especially the Two Minute Coconut Cake and you'll see this cute tabby. I actually have it set as my desktop right now. It brings a smile on my face every time because of my tabby, Tiger, who passed away last summer. He's a little devil yet so lovable and hard to resist!

I'm also following Vanessa Rees on Pinterest. More great recipes to try and spectacular photos in her collection!