Posts Tagged chere

This ‘n That

Mar 12

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Weight Loss | No Comments

**First things first, my heart goes out to everyone affected and suffering as a result of the quake and tsunami in Japan. I cannot fathom what anyone over there must be going through and can’t wrap my head around how one moves forward. How a nation moves forward. It makes me feel so small and helpless to be over here…sitting in my warm house with light and food. I can only send positive thoughts.**

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I have lots to talk about tonight. Yeah, yeah it’s Saturday night and I should be out and about right? I just love you all so much I NEED to blog and tell you all the good stuff I’ve learned this week! So sit back, hand off the mouse or key pad and listen in…

The other love of my life, Gardein, has just introduced a Meatless Burger. For real. I’ve not tried it of course as it’s so new I can’t really find it here but the Internet is all a-buzz about it and BIG things are expected! I will say however, that in My Guy and I’s opinion, for what it’s worth, we think Presidents Choice Worlds Best Meatless Burger really is the best. This new burger from Gardein has to a) knock our socks off and b) be reasonably priced. While the Presidents Choice burgers aren’t super cheap, they do come in a pack of 4 frozen patties so they last for awhile. I find Gardein sometimes priced too high, so I’m really hoping the burgers are more affordable. (Hopin’ and Prayin’)

I’m back on the quinoa train. I LOVE THIS STUFF. I have been making up a batch at night (1 cup quinoa to 1 3/4 cup water, simmer for 12 minutes, fluff, cool) and then mixing up with whatever chopped veggies, some salad dressing etc and have it as a cold ‘salad’ for lunch. The beauty of quinoa is it’s more than a grain…it’s a PROTEIN. It really is perfect food. This is the food you want in a disaster situation…this is the food that will fuel you…perfectly cooked quinoa should have a slight bite to it and you can see the separation of the kernel a bit. It has a nice subtle nutty flavour to it. I noticed while grocery shopping today, the price of bulk organic quinoa has come down significantly. Funny because it seems everything else has gone UP…

Running out of lunch ideas? Making sure My Guy and I both have nutritious and filling lunches each week day can be a chore. It’s great if we have leftovers from the night before but that doesn’t ALWAYS happen. This weekend I’ll be making up a batch of burritos to stick in the freezer for those times when we forgot to make something….grab ‘n go. This is obviously a more healthy option than buying those frozen little burrito-things at the grocery store full of preservative and salt! I buy multi grain tortillas- the big ones, and whip up a batch of rice. It’s fun to change up your rice; so maybe make Spanish rice one time and just add tomato paste and some chili’s to the rice water…I like to saute up peppers and onions, get a can of re-fried beans ready and begin to assemble. I always top with a bit of cheese and some chili or enchilada sauce; not so much that it makes it a gooey (and fattening) mess, but enough to act like the “glue” when you heat it up later! These burritos have saved me on more than one lunch…

This weeks goal? Get to the gym and/or run at least 4 days out of the 7 coming up. I’m so down on myself and this is exactly what I tell others not to do….do not beat yourself up. Problem is I feel I should know better. I am upset because I lost alot of weight years ago and have slowly put just enough back on to be uncomfortable in my own skin. Very uncomfortable. So I challenge everyone out there, to get up off the couch this week and get MOVING.

That’s all for tonight…

Tags: blog, chere, chere michelle, cheremichelle, gardein, goal setting, japan, meatless burger, presidents choice, quinoa, tsunami

Being Smart About it…

Nov 6

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Nutrition, Weight Loss | No Comments

Ok yes, it’s Kelly Osbourne BUT she did lose some weight and looks fantastic! I don’t know if she did it all on her own, or had a mess of personal trainers and crap we regular folks can’t afford, but in this this article she tells us some simple (translation: common sense) tips on how she did it. I don’t care who you are; if you’ve got a weight loss story and your tricks could be helpful, I’m gonna listen. You know? So go Kelly!

I know it’s “Hollywood” and no doubt she’s touched up, but I’ve seen the other pics and this girl, no matter how much we love to hate her, LOOKS good. In the article she mentions one way to cut out calories is soda. As North Americans we love our damn soda…and those are empty calories folks. Personally, if ‘m going to drink my calories I’ll save them for the Honey Brown Ale when I have a burger or a glass of our current fave red (see wine blog)…save them for when it counts I say….

But back to Kelly…another great tip I thought- get rid of your microwave. It’s too easy to fill your freezer with those less-than-good-for-you frozen meals that say they’re healthy (when really they pack a whollop in calories AND fat). Sure it’s easy to pop something in the microwave for 3 minutes but answer me honestly- are those meals remotely satisfying to you?

I look for inspiration where I can find it…I don’t care who is inspiring me or what they look like. If they’re doing something I think is great and can maybe teach us something, then I’m going to lean in closer for a 2nd look.

My struggle continues. I lost myself this past year and gained some weight back. I’m looking for ideas in all corner…and within. Choose your calories well.

Be well.

Namaste.

Tags: calories, chere, chere michelle, kelly osbourne, kleri tea, lose weight, soda, weight loss

What I’m Excited About #2

Nov 2

Posted by Chere Michelle in Eating Right, Healthy Living, Nutrition | No Comments

It’s that time again folks! Here is a mish-mash of stuff that I’m excited about this week…

San Francisco, I love you. Kudos to the powers that be in office for the most recent ban that involves one of my fave-places-to-hate, McDonalds! What have they done now you ask? City Council has decided to BAN HAPPY MEALS (and other “meals” as supplied by these chain fast food joints that offer toys with meals over a certain calorie and fat %). It’s just one little step to making healthy food more accessible to all; especially low income families that eat out at McD’s because it’s affordable…and yes, for the damn toy. I think this is a HUGE move and if other cities can get behind it and enforce the same ban on all other meal-deals for our kids, then we might be on to something…

I’m one happy camper when I stumble upon sites like this. My head was spinning at all the reusable options for lunches, leftovers and more! The name says it all: Life Without Plastic. Yeah man.

Remember back to grade school…did you carry a lunchbox? I remember the start of each school year and the huge decision that faced me…what lunchbox THIS year? This site, Lunchboxes.com, has something to satisfy every desire and every memory. Trust me. I lost myself in this site today. Over and over…

I don't love Hello Kitty, but I do have a soft spot for nerds.

I wanted to talk about Vegan Lunch Box again…I love this lady. And her little Schmoo. Looks like she hasn’t written much LATELY but her blog is a riot to look through, the pics will wow you and make you believe, maybe, just maybe your little one WILL eat their lunch after all. If you’re not familiar with Bento Boxes you really do need to check this site out, or go straight to the source, Laptop Lunches.

Oooh. Ahhh. So pretty. So organized.

Bran Buds. For real. I put them on all my OTHER cereals….yet to try them on salads. But super crunchy and nutty. Is it sad I’m excited about Bran Buds?

Yup. This really gets me going.

Tags: bento, blog, BPA free, bran buds, chere, chere michelle, fat, Hello Kitty, lunch, lunchbox, weight loss

It’s Better with Someone…

Sep 9

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Keep Moving, Weight Loss | No Comments

Don't do it alone...

So I’ve given myself an hour to write tonight…I’m not 100% comfortable still in my ‘writing’ area but it’s shaping up slowly. A work in progress if you will…

I mentioned I’ve gained some weight back lately and My Guy and I decided to work together more vigorously at getting out and working up a sweat. (mind out of the gutter please!) Just knowing I have his support makes a world of difference. I don’t know if the average person, like my co-workers for example, can tell I’ve gained weight but I certainly can and that’s the issue. I’m not totally happy in this body in it’s current shape- so I need to fix that. It’s so much better to have a support system, and have that person you can go out and do things with. If you’re struggling to lose weight, or to even start on a fitness regime- grab a buddy. I can’t stress how hard it is to do this on your own…

When I lost over 50 lbs several years ago, at the beginning of my journey…I started alone. I had just left a relationship, moved to a new neighborhood and was depressed at the recent changes in my life. I felt I had nobody to ask to help me, and so I struggled through alone. I won’t lie…it was hard. Looking back I feel pride I did it yes…but I remember alot of loneliness during that time. There were people I could have asked but I didn’t want to ‘burden’ anyone. I know now, a true friend would NEVER think it a burden to help someone on a path to being more happy and healthy.

Having My Guy to come home to, and walk with or run with just gives me that added little kick-in-the-butt I need. After all, us BOTH getting out and moving only makes our relationship stronger….right?

I’m back to marking on my calendar with a funky little sticker, when I do get out and get my heart racing and blood flowing. I suggested this a few years back when I needed any little thing to keep me going…and I still stick to it. Looking at the calendar covered in smiley faces and seeing my effort laid right out in front of me really makes me feel good. Life is short and we gotta take care of the little things that make us feel GOOD. Plain and simple…

Grab a buddy, get out, get moving and feel how good it can be. Remember baby steps and go at your OWN PACE…

Love CM

Tags: blog, blogging, buddy system, chere, cheremichelle, diet, fat, healthy, healthy living, thankful, weight loss

I Love This…

Sep 5

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living | No Comments

Love seeing kids putting their thoughts to video…great parody, loved every second of it! (I’m serious) Now this probably will only appeal to those who know the North Shore…

Tags: blog, California Gurls, chere, Katy Perry, North Van Boyz, vancouver

Do You Love Where You Are?

Sep 4

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness | No Comments

I’ve lived in quite a few cities…it’s not like I just moved from town to town…ok well maybe I did…but hey, I got to discover my country. I lived in several of our wonderful provinces, but I never for one moment, lost sight that British Columbia was my Home. I always knew deep down my travels would lead me back here, to the Island or the Mainland- that wasn’t the issue, it was just the ‘coming home’ part of it.

In all the cities I’ve lived in, I never hated any of them; they each had a certain charm…but there was this invisible string that somehow kept me connected to BC, to Vancouver in particular, so that I never felt far from home.

I can say with 100% honesty and clarity today, I love where I am and where I live. I wouldn’t trade living in Vancouver for anything….this city has the best of everything and, it’s unbelievably gorgeous to be in. It may rain alot, and our winters are often ‘green’, not white…but to any Vancouverite, that’s part the charm. If we want ‘white’, we can go up any of the many mountains and ski hills that are on the North Shore.

The cuisine is varied and eclectic, the neighborhoods diverse and the range of entertainment available- astounding. Vancouver truly is a world class city. I’ve moved to the suburbs and to the Valley over my years back home and never was I as happy and fulfilled, as I was when I lived IN the city itself. I’m relishing a move back now, into the trendy Main Street area and My Guy and I are lapping up all this funky neighborhood has to offer. Just walking down the the street awards us with endless heritage homes, one-of-a-kind cafes, fascinating characters and the tantalizing aromas of local patios offering up lunch…

I’m happy where I am. My Guy and I are about to begin an exercise regime that will take us both walking/running up into a local park…we have both made a promise to support one another in this…and just the simple act of walking through my new neighborhood brings a smile to my face. This is what I’ve talked about people; loving where you are NOW and making the most of it. Get up and move! Get out and see! What is outside your door, is literally there for you to walk into and discover.

If you don’t like where you are, or what you see when you look out the door- how can you change it? What steps can you take to get to where you need to be?

Answer me that. Wait, no…you owe yourself the answer to that…

Love CM

Tags: blog, blogging, chere, cheremichelle, community, happy, healthy, main street, soma, vancouver

I’m a Vegetarian so no, I don’t want any Fish OR Chicken…

Aug 16

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Eating Right, Healthy Living, Vegetarian | No Comments

Here's one guy who deserves HIS label!

I get this all the time…I ask servers in restaurants if they have any vegetarian specials (usually after they spend 2 minutes telling me about the fantastic steak deal that’s on…) and they point to the menu and say, “Of course! We have chicken and fish and…” At this point they usually stop in mid-sentence because I’m banging my head against the table muttering something like, “Vegetarians do not eat fish or chicken! Vegetarians do not eat fish or chicken!” I look up from the table to see the innocent, wide-eyed look of a deer caught in the headlights. The poor souls haven’t a clue.

I don’t eat fish or chicken. I do however partake in the occasional dairy product and I say ‘occasionally’ because to do so more, hurts my tummy. Alot. I don’t call myself a Vegan because I eat eggs, and I eat cheese (sure one could say Lacto-Ovo)…a Vegan eats NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS WHATSOEVER. Being a Vegan is a very strict practice and it’s one I tried to stick to, but alas, I didn’t make it. I’m happy with my choices now…I’m just not happy with all these silly labels floating around out there.

If you are eating LESS meat than you used to, fabulous. I’m ecstatic for you that you’ve made that decision, but do you really need to call yourself a Flexitarian of all things? So this would mean practicing Catholics, who have long since abstained from eating meat on Fridays, are Flexitarians too? Hmmm. Opens up a whole other chapter doesn’t it? I love that people are practicing eating less meat, but does there have to be a name for it?

I have even heard this gem thrown around: West Coast Vegetarian (they eat fish). Call me crazy but in my dictionary, that type of person is usually referred to as a Pescatarian. I’m not sure if it’s cool to have a label to identify what you eat or if people think maybe we Vegetarians are lonely and need the company?

I’m usually not this rigid….but lately this one has been really, really bugging me. I’m trying to relax about it…in the meantime, go see what all the fuss is about over Meatless Mondays and see if you can incorporate it into YOUR lifestyle.

But for heavens sake, don’t make up some loony label for it!

Tags: blog, chere, chere michelle, flexitarian, meatless, meatless monday, paul mccartney, pescatarian, peta, vegetarian

Realistic Goals

May 29

Posted by Chere Michelle in Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Weight Loss | 5 Comments

Goal Setting. Ouch. Those 2 words diets and fitness regimes always bring up…

This is where things can get tough. Setting personal goals can be really challenging because we don’t want to fail and often put extremely high hopes on ourselves. The key to reaching your goals is to search within yourself and really ask what you want, and what YOU can do. Setting realistic goals will make achieving them easier because you can see the end and you can visualize the result.

A good example of an unrealistic goal is, “I need to lose 50 lbs. by summer time”. And let’s say summer is 4-5 months away. This goal seems so far in the distance and the amount of weight is astronomical to me at this stage in the game. Personally, I want to set a more realistic, reachable goal such as, “I will lose 5-10 lbs. THIS MONTH and exercise EVERY OTHER DAY for at least 20 minutes.” I know I can work at this goal because it’s a) short term, b) the lbs. to lose is within reason and believable and c) I’ve given myself a little extra with the goal of exercising every 2 days. Which one would you set for yourself and KEEP?

In your journal, write down 5 goals you would like to set for yourself and look at how to incorporate them into your life as soon as possible. This is where your daily affirmations come into play too as you can reinforce your goals daily through them!

Tags: chere, cheremichelle, diet, exercise plans, fat, fitness, goal setting, goals, journal, weight loss

Inner Peace and all that jazz

May 27

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Eating Right, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Weight Loss | No Comments

Welcome to my new site! I hope as many people who stopped by my other blog will find me here and drop by…your comments and emails mean so much to me

I wanted to touch base regarding my yoga class the other night. It’s a basic class to practice Hatha and after Zumba taking a beating out on my hips and legs, this was a much needed ‘break’. I absolutely loved it and forgot how wonderful yoga truly makes me feel. Doing it at home is somehow not quite the same as being in a room filled with other people, all breathing in sync and the sound of silence. I totally and completely re-connected with myself….and it was amazing.

Some people think yoga is all “weird” and for “hippies” but if you haven’t tried it, you may find you really like it. I admit it can be challenging at first in the sense that you REALLY have to pay attention to your breathing because this is what yoga is centered around. It’s about bringing yourself, your mind to a different level of consciousness….one where you are simply at peace. Once you focus on your breathing and learn to enjoy the quiet and intensity, yoga feels amazing. None of the moves are extremely strenuous nor do they require super-strength but they do require focus and patience. You can only do what feel comfortable doing. Yoga isn’t about the end…you will never ‘finish’ so to speak.

Tags: chere, chere michelle, diet, harmony, inner peace, lose weight, sanctuary, tranquility, weight loss, yoga, zumba

So why do I blog anyway?

May 25

Posted by Chere Michelle in Blogging, Healthy Living, Inner Happiness, Weight Loss | No Comments

I was sitting here tonight thinking, “what on earth can I write about?” It’s not that I don’t have ANY ideas, it’s that I simply have too many ideas floating around in my head and I’m unsure of where to begin, or what topic to pick.

I was reading a post entitled Why Blog? from Melissa over at Sugar Filled Emotions and like her, I originally started blogging as a form of creativity and to let my emotions out. I’ve always been a “writer” and the written word is so much more eloquent and descriptive than words could ever be. Of course I had other reasons to start blogging, and that was to share MY story. It took me a long time to feel confident about the weight loss and how I did it; but once I did I wanted to shout it from the roof top!

Simply put: I love reading blogs because they are real and they are full of raw emotion. I realize everything I read I need to take with a grain of salt if I’m doing specific research, but I could never judge another person’s feelings. It takes guts to open yourself up and expose your inner soul (and mind!) for the entire world wide web to critique.

Nile Flores, over at blondish.net put down some of her thoughts on blogging and I found these hit the nail on the head. What resonated the most was these words: “Blogging should not be a chore. Write about what you want and when you want to.” I thought about that and it’s so true. If a blogger is finding the whole process tedious and mundane- it’s probably time for them to to put their blogger hat away and take a break. I get excited when I have something to share…I get excited when I receive emails from others who are on their own journey to lose weight or to just be happier in their lives. I love this! One little problem? My blog isn’t nearly how I want it to look…and I’m struggling with that. It will get there in time…I must trust in myself and *be patient.* Right???

Blogging inspires me to keep going on my own journey because it is one, that will not be over for a really long time. Sure the weight may have come off, but the doubts, the insecurities and depression are still present. Those are the things I take ONE DAY AT A TIME and learn to conquer day day. Blogging helps me do this.

So why do I blog? I blog specifically to SHARE…and inspire others. This in turn reminds me daily of where I am in this life, and how I want to proceed down the road. Ultimately I want:

- To inspire others to be the person they truly want to be
- To help people lose weight
- To help others learn to live healthy and as a result, to live happy
- To help myself as I continue on my own journey to being the person I have always dreamed of being
- To connect, communicate and share with the others around the world

I am ever thankful to those who read me and continue to email and support me through their words.

In a sort of nutshell, that’s why I blog.

Tags: blog, chere, chere michelle, community, diet, lose weight, weight loss