What Will Your Summer Be?

The schedule is lightening up a bit, the days are at their longest and my motivation it at its highest.  As I sit down to set some goals I would like to accomplish in the next three months of sun and fun, I keep coming back to to these three things. . .

. . . much reading . . .

   . . . hours upon hours of writing . . .

. . .  and walking.

What do you hope to enjoy and accomplish this summer?  I’d love to hear your plans.

 

Images: (1) Source (2) Word Painting (3) Sabino (4) Ooh Dear Blog (5) PTown

Why Not . . . Take A Walk?

A walk as exercise?  Nah.  Walking is too enjoyable to be a viable way to burn calories.  Or was I wrong?  

These were my thoughts on walking quite a while back when I was convinced that running was the only way to “feel the burn”.   Having been on the track team in college, I was absolutely certain that if I didn’t love to run, something must be wrong with me.  Aerobic exercise must be something I will never enjoy.  

Fortunately, I came to my senses, and finally began to accept the I could walk for exercise especially after reading Mireille Guiliano’s French Women Don’t Get Fat.  Guiliano continually reiterates the benefits of walking throughout her book. “A walk not only uses calories, it can be wonderfully meditative, clearing your head . . .”

For the last five years, I have included walking in my exercise regime, along with strength training and occasionally pilates (I need to do more, but I can’t find a pilates class in the area) and most recently completed the Portland Marathon registered as a walker.  And I have no doubt in my mind that walking 26.2 miles burned just as many calories as running 26.2 miles, only we were on the course a bit longer.

I do realize that many people find pleasure and tranquility in running, but I have never been one.  I personally admire anyone who does run long distances.  It is truly impressive and shows absolute perseverance and determination, but for me, I’ll stick to walking.

On that thought, there are many wonderful reasons to take a walk whether it be for exercise or for the pleasure of simply stretching your legs, chatting with a friend or clearing your head.  Below are a few enjoyable reasons to include a walk in your calendar at some point during this week.

1. Clear Your Head

“ . . . walking remains the ultimate time for freedom of thought.  It’s when I feel my tensions liberated . . . as the promenade of the mind follows that of the body.” –Mireille Guiliano

Had a stressful day, week or event?  Get outside.  Let your body take in the fresh air and release some of your built up negative energy.  While the walk itself won’t solve the problems, it will allow some distance from them.  Often times this separation allows you to calm down and think things through with a clear mind.

2. Always At The Ready

 Unlike many outdoor activities that rely on the weather to cooperate, walking can be done in the rain (throw on your wellies), in the snow (don a warm scarf), or during the warmth of summer (don’t forget your sunscreen!)  The luxury of knowing that a walk can take place at anytime, anywhere is calming in itself.  By taking a walk, you’re often forced to slow down, ponder and take in the reality that is around you whether it be a city street or the beauty of nature.

“It can be a special kind of indulgence, these moments when one becomes aware of really existing, as the images,  information, and the other sensations the world tries to press upon us all recede.  Learning to be comfortable in that space, when it is just you, takes practice.   But doing so diminishes the impulse to lie to yourself or run away.  You won’t want to.” –Mireille Guiliano

3. Chat With A Friend

Something I thoroughly enjoy doing with my closest girlfriends, and mother as well, is walking with them.  Despite our busy schedules, locale or time of day, we can always find time to walk, which ultimately is an excuse to chat.  But by walking, there’s an added benefit – two therapies in one!  

4. See the Sights

   - St. Mont Michel

 Chateau Chambord

Walking is walking no matter where it takes place, so why not take a tour of that museum or Japanese Garden you’ve been curious about?  While visiting France, we went on a tour of the many chateaus in the Loire Valley (one of the largest – Chateau Chambord), as well as making our way up to Normandy to see the nearby St. Mont Michele, and believe me, we walked our lovely little legs off.  Walking really allows you to do two things at once, take in sights and burn a few calories, or enjoy someone’s company and burn calories, or as you will see next, one of my all time favorites, window shop and burn a few calories!

5. Retail Therapy

 On of the most well-know shopping locations in Paris, Avenue Montaigne & Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré in the eighth arrondissement, is lined with some of the most well-known fashion designers.  Here you will find Christian Dior, Chanel, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Céline, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Hermes, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Gucci and Versace.

And since I’m enthralled with Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (I finally watch Coco Avant Chanel last night), I had to include her store front in Paris.  Some day!

 Shopping is a sport in and of itself. And while the exhaustion at the end of such a day is somewhat emotional, it is also very physically exhausting due to what else?  All of the walking from one fabulous store to the next. 

While I’m sure many of you already use this excuse, never be afraid to say you’re embarking on your exercise routine as you swiftly grab your keys, your wallet, all the while dressed in comfortable, yet stylish ballet flats and a fantastic outfit. No questions need to be asked.

6. Find Time To Dream

Nietzsche wrote, “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”

I couldn’t agree more.  Since walking does allow me to clear my head, I’m able to discover things lost in my subconscious and bring them to the forefront of my to do list.  All of those things you want to do, that you dream to do, – I’ll bet you’ll be able to find them on a nice leisurely stroll.

7. Make A Dog’s Day

 Sometimes walking by yourself can be daunting if you’ve never done it, but if you’re walking your dog, your neighbor’s dog or your friend’s dog, you’re never really alone.  Besides, you’re making the day of the pooch at the end of the leash.  Trust me.  If any of you have been following my tweets, some of the greatest smiles I get are from walks I have with my dogs.  Their happiness is infectious.

8. Reason For Reward

“On weekdays during my first two student years in Paris, I used to walk between the Eiffel Tower and the Sorbonne, a different route going and coming.  On the weekends, my roommate and I, both provincial girls discovering Paris with very wide eyes, would spend Saturdays walking six to eight miles, stopping only for lunch and a five o’clock ice cream – that little weekly reward.”          -Mireille Guiliano

And one of the benefits of engaging in a walk is the treat at the end of the journey –a reward of sorts.  Whether it be sitting in one of the many les jardins in Paris or stopping by your favorite coffee shop, take a moment and savor what your eyes, ears and mind have been engaged in during your luxurious walk.  

Out of curiosity what are some other ways in which you incorporate walking into your life?  I look forward to hearing from you.  Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Images: (1)Fine Art (2) Image Source (3)Charisma Gallery (4) Castles and Chateaus, Travel Pod

(5)  Destination 360 Image Source Fashion Traveler (6) Polyvore (7)Photo Bucket (8)American In Paris

Kitchen Therapy

We’ve all heard and been advised that letting stress build up without releasing it is unhealthy in a variety of facets in our lives.  It can affect our heart, our emotional stability, or even our ability to find a  peaceful state of mind.

So what are some healthy ways of releasing it, letting it go in a productive manner?  Hopefully you have many avenues that you can choose from when a stressful day, situation or time presents itself. One of my “therapists” shall we call them, is exercise.  I just put on my walking shoes and walk like a woman on a mission.  Not only does this relieve my stress, but it makes my dogs’ day – a twofer! 

Something else I find that helps is yanking weeds out of my yard.  Just that motion of aggression, which in this context is a positive action, creates such a healthy release of stress. 

And one of my favorite “therapists” that not only helps my budget at times, but also lowers my stress level is cooking.  The satisfaction that is derived from creating a meal from scratch is a simple, yet cathartic pastime to partake in. 

(Courtesy of Raghill Social)

Yes, making the decision of what to prepare can sometimes be an obstacle that is irritating, but once the decision is made, the rest is utterly enjoyable to me, even the grocery shopping.  Now I am one of those people who in the creative stages envisions the most decadent meal and imagines the end product of what I am about to concoct in my kitchen to rival that of the revered Julia Child.  This, I must confess, (I’m about to shock you, I know) is still only in the dream stages, but it is enough to inspire me and propel my grocery cart around the store, looking for just the right ingredients that will create the most succulent flavor and savory smell my palate has ever enjoyed. After all, if I can have control over the meal I am creating, at least I am in control of something! You get the idea.

Just last night, I was craving comfort for no other reason than I was exhausted, good exhausted mind you, but exhausted all the same. Hoping to also come up with a meal that was somewhat healthy, I reached for a recipe I could depend on. 

Just this last summer I happened to be watching Rachael Ray’s talk show, and she made the most creative, yet simple dish that I just had to try.  Chicken Caesar Pasta. Yumo!

This is a dish that is all inclusive – carbs, veggies, protein and probably a bit more fat than is desired, but remember what part of the objective was – comfort food!   I have served it warm and cold, and both are just as tasty.  And quick . . . oh my goodness, less than thirty minutes and you have yourself a meal for at least four people. 

Just out of curiosity (because we can never have enough ways to de-stress) what are some of the best ways you’ve found to unburden your worries?  I would love to hear from you. Hopefully this day is full of appreciation for all that you do, because we all know it feels good to hear a genuine thank you. What not get the ball rolling by letting, pay it forward so to speak. Here’s to a wonderful day!

Ingredients

• Salt
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Ground black pepper
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigano Reggiano
• 1/2 head romaine lettuce, finely chopped

Preparation

Place a large pot of water over high heat and bring up to a boil to cook the pasta. Once at a boil, add some salt and the pasta, and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Right before draining, remove and reserve 1 cup of the pasta-cooking water. Drain pasta thoroughly, return to the pot and reserve.

While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 turn of the pan of EVOO, about 1 tablespoon. Season the chicken with salt and ground black pepper, and cook in the pan until golden brown and cooked through, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside. When cool enough to handle, chop into bite-size pieces.

While chicken is cooking, place the egg yolk, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor with some salt and pepper. Pulse the processor while drizzling in the canola oil. Add the sauce to the pan of cooked pasta along with the Parmigiano Reggiano and reserved cup of pasta water.

Return the pan to medium-low heat and cook until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the pasta is coated in sauce, about a minute. Remove from the heat, toss with the lettuce and chopped chicken, and serve.