If you're looking for a no frills strength gym in Austin, be sure to check out Hyde Park Gym. Whether you're training for bodybuilding, powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting or strongman, this place has the equipment you need.
Read MoreI had been training hard for the past year and a half before I decided to leave home. I had just come back from a year off work and I was slowly getting adjusted to training and working part-time. My numbers were going up and I was finally beginning to feel like I knew what I was doing. The gym no longer intimidated me. I felt strong. I felt empowered. And most of all I could snatch and clean and jerk. I had a routine and I loved it.
And then I decided to go on a trip of a lifetime and long-term travel.
Read MoreSelfies can be therapeutic. Especially when you are a recovering self-hating girl who’s trying to find the beauty within herself. That’s me, a girl who is trying to love herself, a girl who is trying to reclaim her self-esteem.
I have negative body issues that I battle with every day. I've often been told that what I see in a mirror doesn't match how others view me. It used to be the case that with every photograph taken of me, it could make or break my day. A bad photo would leave me feeling vulnerable and shy. Negative feelings would take over and I’d start to feel awful about myself. But a good photo would cheer me up. It felt as if finally my outside matched how I felt on the inside: beautiful.
Read MoreI have officially re-entered the world of journaling. I have been a long time journaler and have experimented with old school mediums like pencil/paint/pen and digital mediums like LiveJournal/Xanga/blogs. Even though the medium might be different, the idea is the same: jot something down so that you can take note of it later.
When I quit my first professional job, I was left with lots of time on my hands. After I got my sweat on at the gym, I spent the remainder of my days crafting up a storm. I stumbled upon Zentangle and instantly fell in love. Suddenly my house was full of acid-free paper and dozens of Micron pens. And out came my Etsy shop. The business was successful and I started selling my artwork locally in San Francisco shops. Fortunately, and unfortunately, after a year I found myself with a full time job and less and less time to dedicate to my artwork.
“Jot something down so that you can take note of it later.”
October 21, 2012 - My first art show
I had already proved I could run a successful business and had what it takes to market myself. Now with my full time job, my priorities shifted. I was also focused on trying to live a healthier lifestyle which meant more time at the gym. My artwork got bumped. Over the next few years I kept trying to revive it, with little to no success. My heart wasn't in it.
However, last week something unexpected happened. My sister-in-law came to visit and she had mentioned that she had gotten into bullet journaling. I remember the kickstarter project, but hadn't paid too much attention to it. After a quick glance at #bulletjournal on Instagram I had decided that this was for me. I knew that this was going to rekindle my love for ink drawings and all things geometric. And with this #nomadictravel happening, I knew that I already had so many collections and lists that I wanted to write.
Finally, after a day of deciding which notebook, I finally settled on a Leuchtturm 1917 Forest Green A5 Hardcover Dotted notebook. It's practical and adorable. I also picked up a few other supplies to help me along in my journey. Now my full arsenal for bullet journaling looks like this:
Overlooking wonderland lake
“And one day she climbed up a mountain only to discover that the beauty she was looking for was within her the entire time.”
All of 2015 was dedicated to CrossFit, Olympic Weightlifting and my epic journey to lose weight. I was off to a rocky start at the beginning of 2016. I was desperately trying to lose weight and nothing was working. As plans for nomadic travel starting coming together, my stress levels were ridiculous and I couldn't seem to control my sleeping and my eating.
Fast-forwarded to now: it's almost mid-September and I'm finally getting into a good rhythm. I've found a great gym here in Boulder and have even met some awesome people! But more importantly I've been learning to balance my love for the gym and my love for the outdoors.
When I first decided to venture out of San Francisco, I knew that I wanted to stay fit and get outside more. I also knew that as my priorities would change as I started traveling. My taste for the outdoors have gotten stronger and as a result my lifting goals have taken a back seat. And I have to learn to be okay with that. I've been lifting at lighter weights and lower volume, but I'm still training. I'm making sure that my body doesn't forget how to do these dynamic lifts. And I'm also making sure that I push myself with my hikes. And lately I've been exploring more local and experiencing the open spaces that Boulder has to offer. I have one more month here in Boulder and I'm excited where my adventures will take me.
Traveling is difficult, but preparation is key. As my time here in Boulder winds down, I've already started to plan ahead for Austin. That means looking for a gym and adding to my hiking bucket list. Luckily I think I've already found an awesome gym!
“There are two kinds of climbers, those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.”
At the end of the trail
Start at the Chautauqua Trailhead that leads you on a fire road through a meadow. This part of the trail slowly climbs up and you aren't protected from shade here. After passing a few confusing junctions, you will have to scramble up a rocky and loose boulders. Be careful here especially when it is crowded. The views here are spectacular.
As you keep climbing you will reach a tall (around 8ft) rock face with grooved notches. Carefully climb up and enjoy the view. Continue climbing on the narrow ledged switchbacks until you reach the spectacular views of Flatiron 3.
We went in early September and the sun was shining. Shortly when we arrived back in Boulder, the weather made a quick turn. Make sure to be prepared for all weather conditions. The parking lot does fill up fast so come early. See below for a map of where you can find overflow parking.
From Boulder this is a very easy drive!
Visit https://goo.gl/maps/rdFiFvtyrxo for map link.
rocky switchbacks
beautiful views
boulder scrambling
right after we climbed the 8ft rock face
gorgeous view
my friends at the top
Special thanks to my husband Josie and my friends Kerry, Yvonne and Carleton for joining me on this beautiful hike. All photos from our hike on September 3, 2016.
With so many arches to choose from within Arches National Park, Delicate Arch tops many people's list, including mine! I was so excited to find out you could hike to it. And with such a short hike, this made it very doable in a short amount of time.
Read MoreHave you ever had someone tell you that you can’t do something? I have, multiple times. And each time my stubbornness has driven me towards action. It’s like someone lit a fire under my ass and I find the strength and courage to do what I have to do to prove them wrong. But when my own self-doubt creeps in, it is difficult to have that "prove ‘em wrong" mentality. Instead, I find my big ego cowering in a corner whimpering “I can’t.”
Read More"Hiking eases my mind and allows me to take in the beauty."
Start at the Long Lake Trailhead and follow signs to Lake Isabelle. The parking lot only holds about 30 vehicles. Come early to avoid crowds. If you can't find parking, you can park at the Brainard Lake Recreation area, but this adds 2 miles to your total trip.
The trail passes Long Lake. The trail follows along South Saint Vrain Creek. When crossing Jean Lunning Trail make sure to follow signs for Lake Isabelle and Pawnee pass.
Read MoreSummer is always on my mind. And even if it's freezing or raining outside I'm dreaming of ice cream, popsicles and ice cold beverages.
Luckily for me, I caught the tail end of the summer season here in Colorado and I've definitely been enjoying it. Sun here in Boulder means hiking and visiting the Farmers' Market every Wednesday to pick up my favorite bread and all of the fresh squeezed juice I can drink.
Last week I had this amazing alcohol-free basil mojito lemonade and it was perfectly refreshing!
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