Thoughts of a forgotten mind

There are times in our lives when I believe it’s OK to stop, breathe for a while and enjoy the endeavors which surround us. There are other times when we get consumed by our day to day activities that we don’t give ourselves the chance of enjoying life happenings. It seems that it all comes down to having a balance; having the equilibrium of each aspect in our lives.

Too much work leads to living in a cycle that might lead to a stressed and not happy life, on the other hand too much fun leads to a life where in my opinion not much gets accomplished.

So what is the key for a life well balanced? Is there an ABC recipe I can follow? Will I ever be destined to work and not think about other stuff? Well, these past few weeks I started an experiment, and the first lesson I received was that having a balanced life takes a butt load of work. You need to plan and organize, especially if you have a lot of activities to accomplish in one day.

What I did was some kind of schedule, yes like the one I had as a kid so I could remember all the things I had to do, this includes everything, from waking up at 6:00 AM, through finishing a day perfectly at 10:00 PM. There are a lot of activities I included, but today I want to write about the ones that for me mean having a more balanced life:

Start with Breakfast and that is because throughout the years I started skipping it, but what I have learned is never skip breakfast, it really is the most important meal of the day, I started neglecting breakfast because I wanted to sleep more, but I wanted more sleep because the day before I stayed up late watching TV.

By the way don’t watch TV, I  know this sounds ugly, but really if you want to accomplish things in life don’t sit in your couch for 3 hours changing channels until you find something that amuses you, Is not that I don’t watch TV, but if I have a show I like, I make use of my DVR and tape it, then watch it over the weekends, plus I can skip the ads, which in my opinion are a waste of time and make me fat because I cannot control myself when I see that random Pizza advertisement.

Work Out, yes yes everybody tell us how exercise is great for our mind and body, and well it certainly is. Whenever I stop working out I feel tired, depressed and my mind doesn’t function as it should; you don’t have to join a gym if you don’t want to, there are tons of videos that can help you work out, or you can also walk outside, but do try moving your body at least 30 minutes every day.

Read before going to sleep, something you like and enjoy, it can be something funny, adventurous or spooky, try avoiding topics related to your work, because that time should help you relax and unwind from all the things you already did over the day.

Lastly find your passion, a couple of weeks ago I discovered that  mine is swimming, I used to swim while at college and discovered that was the only sport I did not suck at because a) I didn’t get hit with a ball in the head and b) I didn’t get hit with a ball in the head. The feeling that swimming and being underwater gives me, is nothing I can’t compare so I had added this activity to my Sunday’s it is part of my “me time”.

Christmas Season and Writing Lessons

I love Christmas Season I simply do…I know that for the last couple of years my life has changed and the way I used to celebrate is totally different now (I didn’t have a Christmas Tree last year, cuz I was moving) but I am getting better this year. It is weird how sometimes you think that you have things sorted out but you simply don’t, because life comes and gives you unexpected opportunities.

Christmas season always gives me the inspiration for writing, the feeling of having a little time off from work, focus on the things I enjoy doing and I can’t normally do because I am crazy busy with other things. The feeling of having some “me time” to sit in my desk in front of the laptop and start typing while my oldie but goodie John Mayer tracks go on its invaluable.

This takes me back to my first years of writing, when I was too afraid to publish my thoughts to the world because I was too worried that people would not like it or point it out. Well, now at 30 years I decided that “life is just too short and I don’t care anymore”. I think that motto has taken me more places than I expected, maybe because when you stop caring about what others think is when you really start living and enjoying what you do.

Happy Holidays

Until Next Time

Happy 4th of July from Sugar Ray and Gin Blossoms

Hello everybody, so this is late I know, but still I did not want to miss the chance to write this, so happy late 4th of July, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend I know I did.
I had the chance to attend a free concert!! Yeii. I was so excited to see, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Smash Mouth and Vertical Horizon it was amazing.

Yes! This is Mr. Mark McGrath, blurry because of the excitement!

It was a nice concert, really organized and people were there to have fun!

Gin Blossoms turn came, just amazing!

And that is me, I had my hair up in a ballerina bun because it was freakingly hot that day!

All in all great night and things had to end with some food and what says nothing more American than some Whataburguer just had to eat one.

Ohh and last I went the other day and got gel nails, I have been so busy lately that really I don’t even have time to do my nails, so I thought that this would help, it really did, now I don’t have to worry about my nails, at least for a couple of weeks!!

Until next Time!!

xoxo

Summer School and Other Stuff…

Today I would like to apologize to my Statistics Teacher, because God knows I should’ve been doing homework right now, but hey as a former student right now I prefer writing a post for all of you 🙂

So what I’ve been up to? Well lately it’s been gym, work, school, sleep and that is that LOL. I am proud to say that I am at my day 32 of going 5 days to the gym without missing one day. Let me tell you I’ve totally been feeling the changes and it feels amazing. I believe it is what has helped me keep going definitely.

Yes this is me in front of my bike at the gym at 6:00 am

At work I am in a new position which is very interesting I really like it, but it is very demanding as well, so you can see why I have not been posting a lot, I’ll give it 3 more months and everything will sail smoothly.

Luckily in 3 more weeks I will have 2 weeks off from school which is amazing and will give me time to catch up in my posts and videos.

For now this is it I hope that you are enjoying your summer, I now I am right now because we have been having such a lovely weather right now, it’s been raining and between 80’s to 90’s I hope it lasts more 

Until Next Time,

Friday| Take a Deep Breath

Hey everyone, happy Friday, I know probably many of you are just starting their weekend (so jealous!) so be happy and be safe. Today I just wanted to take some time and update, because I’ve been missing a bit, so I said Tomiko take a deep breath and carry on, I will not deny that I am a bit (ok A LOT) tired, but still I feel pretty good.

I did complete my entire week of going to the gym at 6:00 AM (12 days now) which makes me feel pretty energetic throughout the day. Also, I have a new position at work, so this has had me studying a lot; there are so many new things and I’ve been running up and down, it’s been a bit of hectic, but at the end of every day I just sit and say to myself:

But returning to the weekend part, this one will be my last one before starting school again (decision I took by choice!) and I wanted to show you my outfit. Nothing says more relaxed than a pair of shorts, some sneakers and a t-shirt.

And while I’ll be sporting this outfit I will be working on future posts and some video ideas I’ve been having (so stay tuned for those). Also expect my May Favorites soon!!

PS: Something I also noticed today (due to our month end closing at work…duh!) is that June is coming!! I am pretty excited because My B-day is in June so I always love my birthday month is like a huge celebration for me even though I never have a BIG party I just love it.

Until Next Time

xoxo

Exercise, Money and Am I a Student?

Hey everyone, so if you are a current assiduous follower of this blog of mine, you might have noticed that I have not been posting a lot. Well basically I’ve been running up and down here and there with a lot of “interesting” things, and today I wanted to share them with you.

Well, first of all you know I’ve been working out in my fitness/health side for some time now, and somehow the past months I got stuck in my weight and was not feeling good. I just knew I needed a change, so one day at 4:00 AM I decided to give a big turnaround to my routine. I started working out early in the morning!! Now this is a big challenge, because my working hours are from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, so I started getting up at 5:00 AM and going to the gym.

This has been a BIG challenge and I’ve been trying to get USED TO my new schedule, which I won’t deny is a bit harsh, BUT the feeling I get every day after I leave the gym ready to start a new day is PRICELESS. No wonder I heard that working out in the mornings is the best thing. On my weight I have not seen big changes, but my clothes are loose now and I feel great, which is the most important thing.

On the other side, well I think I am going back to school (wait, I am going back to school)…I still cannot believe it. Two years ago I finished my Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and I felt that was time to go for my Masters, it all happened very sudden and I’ve actually been given a great opportunity that I cannot reject. So yes, I will be a student again. Not a full time because with a master is very different and this one is great because classes are only on Saturday’s so this will not mess with my weekly goals.

So where does this leave my blog and my YouTube channel? Well I’ve been giving it some thought and I will definitely not be leaving it because I love it, this is my hobby my escape and something I truly love doing, and I know school and work are first (after all they pay my bills and the stuff I review for all of you guys! ?) but I have to be realistic and I know that I will not be posting every day as I used to. Hang in there posts will be juicier!!. Plus thanks to these new activities I have now tons of new Post Ideas for all of you, so it is a win win situation.

On my No spending month let’s say that I’ve been a little overboard with my expenses (just see my YouTube Hauls) but now that my birthday is coming well let’s say that It will be over for some time, maybe until winter comes. But I have managed to keep my savings in good condition still and keep moving forward!!

Wishing you all a happy Weekend!!

Until Next Time,

xoxo

Very Inspiring Blogger Award

I have been nominated for the very Inspiring blogger award, I really want to give big thanks to the wonderful Marisa from Wear Your Vitamins for nominating me I really appreciate it, please go and check her out she has amazing and very informative posts plus a cool YouTube Channel. Now for this award you need to:

• Display The Award logo on your blog.
• Link back to the person who nominated you.
• State 7 things about yourself.
• Nominate other bloggers for this award and link back to them.
• Notify those bloggers of the nomination and the award requirements.

So my 7 random facts:

1. I’ve always wanted to have long hair since I was a kid (and this year is happening), my mom even saw a wig for me using old sheets, it was kind of a small hat with two long braids I just loved them.

2. I’ve been using glasses since I was in middle school, and I am totally blind without them. I seldom wear contacts but cannot handle them for long.

3. My name is Japanese, my great-grandfather was Japanese, and although my dad says we have family in Japan I’ve never been there (it is in my bucket list though).

4. I am learning to cook, believe it, I am 28 years old and I am not the greatest at the kitchen. But I can cook the yummiest lasagna (it’s my signature dish).

5. I am not a gardening lady, at all, I love flowers and plants but I do tend to kill them (even if I follow instructions), the only plants I am able to keep are bamboo’s I have one at work and one at home and they are simply beautiful.

6. I hate voicemails, there is something about voicemails that make me cringe, if you call and I don’t reply send me a message, because if you send a voicemail I will not listen to it.

7. I just discovered audiobooks, and freakingly love them now I can listen (read) while going to work or working, dang at this rate I will be able to read much more books this year.

And now for the nominees:

For polishing your blog, writing skills & more:

Write With Warnimont

Excellent DIY’s:

Zim on a Whim

Cool Reviews and fashion:

A Thunder Heart

Makes me want to visit Japan:

Japanamanda

Great stories that make me want more:

Shortstoriesby

Learn about downsizing beauty products:

Barely Organized Chaos

Thanks again to Marisa for her kind nomination and please go and support her blog and channel 🙂

Until Next Time

xoxo

Why Having Categories in your Blog Matters?

Has this happened to you?

You are at WordPress reading what’s in the blogosphere and discover an exciting new blog, you read a post that caught you and you want to see if the blogger has other similar posts. This happens to me more than 2 times a week and while I can find categories in some, others just don’t have it.

Having a categories section is a strong tool in your blog, because odds are people will find your blog due to the one of your most read posts. But, if they liked that post they might come for more, and if they can find them easily this will give you kudos.

Amazingly adding categories in WordPress it’s very easy, and there is even a widget you can add in your blog page for your viewers to find what you write about. If you are starting your blog and don’t have too many posts I would strongly encourage you to go now and start your Categories section.

“Using widgets for your WordPress blog is a savvy move”

In my case I did have some categories since the beginning, but as my blog started growing and the topics I write about started diversifying I needed a more structured plan.

Something these past 2 years of blogging has taught me is that if you want to have an organized blog where your viewers can find all you write about you need to put some brains in planning your categories.

For instance, you can see that I do have some main niches in my blog, but from those “main niches” come smaller branches that are more specific to the topics I write. Maybe Jane* subscribed because she loves reading my makeup reviews, so whenever she wants to go and check more she can just go to my categories and check out all the reviews I have done, or maybe Joe* likes my Personal Development posts, well he can just go and click my Personal Development category and he will have a lot of reading to do.

It takes some work but it’s worth it

When I first started thinking about giving good order to my categories was basically last week, after 250 posts, so in this case it did took me longer to achieve the results I wanted, but as I said before if you are just starting invest some time in doing it because you never know when this might be handy.

Do you use categories in your blog?

xoxo

*Jane & Joe were just names I used for the example. But if they exist hi! And thanks for stopping by.

Is Willpower Enough for Losing Weight?

A friend once told me:

If you really want to be healthy and lose weight you need to follow this equation:

Now it sounds simple, but in my head and looking at my background I thought that things were different, I mean I thought that 80% was the exercise and 20% controlling what I put in my mouth. Well that hasn’t taken me any farther so now I am under an experiment.

This experiment started last week when the hubs and I felt really down and with no motivation for working out or taking care of our meals. Until he was like ENOUGH I can’t take it anymore, and I was like yeah sure…(in my mind I couldn’t take it either but I was just craving some desert that I didn’t want to listen).

Does this situation ring a bell to you?

After that declaration we cleaned our fridge (with all my pain) and made a healthy groceries list. We redefined our goals for losing weight which resume in:

• We will lose at least 2 pounds per week (until we reach our personal goal)

• We will weight weekly and take our measurements once a month.

• We will go to the gym at least 5 times a week (1 hour minimum).

• We will not eat any junk food, processed food and Sodas are way out of limits.

• We will eat more Veggies and Fruits (that is how we get our sugar from).

• Dinner after gym will only be salad and a small protein portion (tuna or chicken).

Ok at this point I was going to cry LOL. But took the determination of saying, if you want different results you have to do things differently.

My first week just went by and let me tell you my experience, I did have some freaking cravings which are not fun, these cravings were due to the fact that I was in the junk food cycle, you know, the more you eat that type of food the more you desire it. BUT the gratification of seeing my weight in the scale this past Saturday was WORTH IT, I lost almost 4 pounds (even though I must confess that I did cheat twice over the week, but I don’t care).

I am not saying that I am over it, and that from now on things will be easy as pie, but if last year was the time when I became from an exercise hater to a person who enjoys it, this year will be the one when I will become a person who enjoys eating healthy.

In my belief, although willpower is important while conquering losing weight or any other goal (because you have to say NO to the good to say YES to the best), I also think that the words commitment, patience and perseverance play a big role. Why? Well because losing weight is not a thing that happens from one day to another, you have to let go of old patterns and develop a new way of life, which makes you a patient and perseverant person, and you do have to be committed all the time, is not like “I eat healthy on weekdays and have 2 free weekend days to eat what I want”. No it does not work like that, if you do that you are only fooling yourself.

Now, I am starting week number 2 now I want a Krispy Kream donut, but that’s OK because I am human, so what am I going to do? I am going to my fridge and eat a bit of chopped strawberries before hitting the gym. It is all about the choices, and though it takes willpower, I don’t want to restrict myself, because if I do I will fail. So I am just weighting my options and taking the best one. I know a donut right now will bloat me and will give me energy for like 10 minutes, while strawberries will be fresh, low in sugar and will reduce my craving for a longer period.

Jonathan Adler for Barnes and Noble

This past weekend I went to Barnes and Noble, I needed to do some research about a paper I am working on and the smell of coffee and great books always inspires me on moving forward. Anyways, while walking in the store all the sudden my brain had this “blinking alert” to a small isle full of color and pretty things. You know me I am a sucker for cute stuff and school supplies, so I had to go and take a look around.

The isle said Jonathan Adler for Barnes and Noble, this name ring a bell on me but I was not quite sure, until I got home and googled it. Yes ladies and gents, Jonathan Adler the potter, designer, and author has come with the Multi Flowers and Multi Alphabet Collections sold currently at Barnes and Noble.

These collections include a lot of stuff from Journals, Stationery, Cases, Totes, to Desk Accessories. Everything in the collection is lovely and highlights Adler’s inspiration for Global Pop Culture.

Prices themselves are very inexpensive, I actually had in mind about buying a Moleskine planner (which I was not able to find), but when I saw their little journals I was like WHAT, they are expensive…but that is another story.

So I ended up getting (yes I bought stuff)…

• Multi Alphabet Mini Key Ring ID Case.
  I was in desperate need of one of these, when I go to the gym I don’t take my purse and I hate taking my wallet; so this little case is perfect it fits my ID, cards and some spare change (just in case), for only $6.95 you cannot go wrong.

• Jonathan Adler Multi Flowers Journals-Set of 4.
  As I said I wanted to buy a Moleskine planner, but I saw these and for $9.95 I could not say no, they are beautiful, very well made and are perfect for making notes on the go. I would say these make a great option if you are under a budget.

All in all, I fell in love with this collection and I would really recommend if you want to go and check it out.

Until Next Time,

xoxo