Archive for August, 2012
Best Time Of Day To Run
2August 31, 2012
in Running
I hope you’ve enjoyed FitVEDA. I know I have! I have no plans to continue vlogging every day but I do plan on implementing more videos to my repertoire than I have in the past. For my last FitVEDA vlog I shared a bit of my early morning run from this morning.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
True Food Kitchen Phoenix
8
When I started researching vegan places to check out in Phoenix one restaurant that was continually recommended was True Food Kitchen. This past weekend D and I were able to meet up with fellow FitFluential Ambassador Madeline from Food, Fit, & Family who was visiting family and check it out.
The True Food Kitchen menu is based off of Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory diet. Per their website the diet, “isn’t meant to deprive a healthy body of great flavors, it’s meant to take popular trends in cuisine and pair them with healthy living.” Sounds good to me and worth a visit.
There are 2 True Food Kitchen locations in the Phoenix area, both located in upscale shopping areas. We checked out the location at Biltmore Fashion Park. The location is very easy to find as it’s seen from the road. Paid parking that can be easily made free after validating a chip from your dining/purchases is available. In addition, there is a free lot on the opposite side of the shopping park.
I absolutely loved the openness of the restaurant with it’s brightness and open kitchen. There were literally people preparing food several feet from us. They definitely don’t have anything to hide in their kitchen.
Upon quick glance of the menu I found a couple vegan options to choose from and had a tough time deciding between “Andy’s Favorite ‘TLT’” and the “Teriyaki Brown Rice Bowl”. D and I decided on a light lunch we shared Andy’s Favorite “TLT” which Tempeh, Lettuce. Tomato. Avocado, Vegenaise, and Whole Grain Bread. We had the choice to pair it with a kale salad or sweet potato hash and went with the hash.
I thought it was delicious. D on the other hand thought the meal was good but not something to write home about. Although D is still a meat-eater he’s open-minded about vegan food and is willing to try almost anything vegan. I have to give him props for being willing to try so many things that many others wouldn’t.
After eating finishing our meals our checks arrived on these nifty boards. Something so simple, but unique.
I’d say our experience at True Food Kitchen was unique and I would visit again. Although I must say the prices are a bit steep for the amount of food you receive. I understand it’s healthier food and often that comes with a price tag, but $10 for a basic sandwich is a bit much in my opinion.
I was extremely stoked to meet up with Madeline so I not only know her from her blog/FitFluential but in real-life too. I can’t wait to meet up with her the next time she’s back in town!
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Looking for more vegan food in Phoenix? Check out the rest of my adventures.
Running With Dogs
1August 30, 2012
in Running
Do I run with my 3 pups? Find out!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
I Talk Weird
3August 29, 2012
in Simply Happy
So often I’m asked, “You have a different accent. Where are you from?” Today I tell you where I’m from and how I’ve acquired my accent.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
To Race Or Not To Race
24August 28, 2012
in Running
As the fall season quickly approaches so does the decision of what races to run. Racing in the winter? Yep, I now have that option out here in Arizona. It’s crazy to think that I’ll be able to run outside without the worry of having to battle snow and/or sleet. The big question is…what races should I run? The bigger question is…should I even run races?
As you know, in my 5 years of running I don’t have a huge race resume and I definitely don’t think races make an athlete. Do I like running races? Sure do. Who doesn’t like the bling?
But quite frankly, since arriving in Arizona, my runs suck. I’m still battling 3 mile runs at a slower pace than I’m used to. I knew it’d take some adjusting, but I had no idea it would take as long as it has. Would I even be able to train for a half marathon let alone actually run one? The only thing I have going for me is my persistence and everyone saying, “The best weather is yet to come and you’ll love running.”
After having such big race plans for this past spring/summer and not having them pan out due to injury and our move, I must admit I’m a bit gun shy of putting down any money with the unknown future. Unfortunately money is not really on my side right now so this concern is pretty big for me.
With all that being said, here are the races that I’ve been eyeing…..
Xterra Trail Run Arizona Series
Lady’s Speed Stick Women’s Half Marathon – November 4th
Fiesta Bowl Half Marathon – December 2nd
Rock N’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon – December 2nd
Hot Chocolate 15/5K – December 9th
Tucson Half Marathon – December 9th
Rock N’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon – January 20th
Sedona Half Marathon – February 2nd
Arizona Half Marathon – February 17th 
Phoenix Half Marathon – March 2nd 
Of course I would only choose one or two…if that. What are your thoughts? Ever raced any of these races? Would love to hear your feedback!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
What Do I Cook For My Non-Vegan Husband
2So often I’m asked “What do you cook/serve your non-vegan husband?” Today I answer the question.”
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
How To Stay Positive
0August 27, 2012
in Simply Happy
Where do I find inspiration and motivation? How do I pick myself up when the world tries to push me down? Find out.
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Buzz: Phoenix Music Scene
5August 26, 2012
For those that didn’t hear, D and I have both acquired jobs. They are not our dream jobs but we are grateful for the opportunity for work and will continue working towards making our dreams come true. Although at times we feel we are taking a few steps back we realize it’s all part of the adventure and continue on.
If you can’t tell from my reviews, we have been embracing all there is to do in Phoenix. Last weekend was no different as we were hoping to hit up the local music scene. A quick google search led us to Crescent Ballroom’s Los Dias de la Crescent. We ventured to downtown Phoenix and found a large festival with 2 stages of rotating bands, vendors, along with authentic food trucks. 
The first group to take the outdoor stage was Flamenco por la Vida. I had never experienced flamenco dancing in real-life before. I’ve been missing out! Want to see what flamenco is? Check out this video to see. I want to take lessons now…
The night continued to get better and better as we went from inside to out, listening to the variety of bands. From DJs laying it down, to an authentic mariachi band, and a brass band making us feel like we were back in New Orleans…it was a fantastic evening.
Hands down, the best band of the night was definitely Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkestra. Wow. The best way to explain them is “indie mambo”. There are no words to describe the energy that was flowing from the stage.
When purchasing our tickets for the evening we also received 2 tickets to Sergio Mendoza Y La Orkestra’s CD release party that was held yesterday, 8/25. After such a fun evening last Saturday we took advantage of our free tickets to watch them once again. Even better? Flamenco por la Vida was once again on the playbill for the night. Hot dang! In addition, Y La Orkestra brought their full group to perform. Absolutely awesome.
Needless to say last night was even better than last week. Last week we spent $29 on tickets/parking. This weekend we spent $14 on parking and purchasing their CD. Not bad at all….especially for such entertaining adventures.
If you can’t tell, we are having a blast finding things to do and can’t wait to make more experiences and adventure to Flagstaff, Tucson, and beyond!
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
Do You Nap?
0August 25, 2012
in Simply Happy
Do you count on naps to re-energize?
Keep Smiling and Be Grateful =)
