How I Stay Motivated to Work Out

It's been nearly two months since I've started embracing my new routine and hitting gym nonstop. I push myself to make it to the gym at least 4 days a week. And for me, that's a lot. At my one month mark I lost a total of 6 lbs, which was a happy surprise. My jeans fit a little better, and better yet, I feel stronger, happier and more confident. (Those endorphins are real, guys - get out there and collect them.) Of course, just like everyone else, there are good days and bad days. There are days I really don't want to go to the gym - maybe it's a long day at work, or I'm just being flat out lazy. Yet, one thing has always been the case - I have never regret a trip to the gym. It's my happy place. For the one hour I'm dancing away at one of my classes, I'm solely focused on the here and now of my class. I'm present and everything else (work, to-do list, stress, etc.) disappears. It's just me and the gym for 60 minutes straight. So, how do I stay motivated to go to the gym on days I maybe just want to go home and veg out? Read on to find out my some of workout secrets.

Food Friday: Elena Una Filipino Cuisine

Elena Una 3347 Fillmore Street

Have you ever had Filipino food? It's okay if your answer is "no" - in fact, most people I know haven't had it. I'm half Filipino, so my answer is an enthusiastic "yes!" In fact, I can't imagine my life without having enjoyed such a cuisine. I grew up eating the usual suspects - pancit, lumpia, halo halo - and some of the "unusual" suspects - kare kare (my favorite!), dinuguan, tuyo, buro, and bistek for breakfast. I've always wondered why Filipino food hasn't become more mainstream, because (biased opinion coming through), it's really, really good. The flavors are hearty, and though the food may not be on the healthier side, it's full of culture and to me, it tastes like home. In San Francisco, there's not a whole lot of Filipino restaurants around. In fact, before Elena Una, I only knew of one long standing restaurant in the Mission, along with one pop-up, also located in the Mission, and a food truck here or there (Hapa SF, is that one still around? And Senior Sigig). Then, last year, Elena Una came along. I first found out about the restaurant during one of my walks home - I saw the sign: "Filipino Asian Cuisine," and stopped right in my tracks. Could it be? Truth be told, I was skeptical. Could it really do Filipino food right? And, in the Marina of all places? I was skeptical, yes, but nonetheless, very excited to try it out.

Stacker Style: Super Woman

In my book, wearing a cape is enough reason to call yourself a super woman, so here I am in all my super woman glory. I don't own too many capes; and come to think of it, of the capes that I do own, all of them are black and white. Hm, mental note to also step out of my black and white comfort zone and start wearing more colors. Anyhoo, I grabbed this cape late last year during a crazy Black Friday sale Nordstrom was having. It was a sweet $35 price tag, so I said, "Yeah, let's do it!" Seeing how it's now March, it took me longer than expected to finally wear. But, better late than never - even if Spring is right around the corner, ha. Things I love about it: it's chic (meaning it's great to just throw on when I need to look a little more put together), it's versatile (just because I'm wearing it with black and white doesn't mean I don't see all of its potential!), and it's bad ass (hello, super woman strutting her stuff over here!). So, what's the verdict? All in all, not a bad way to spend $35.

Stacker Style: Snow Leopard

I've been looking for a way to wear more of my closet treasures, especially those that are a little louder than I'm used to. Take this leopard coat (which you've now seen twice!). I love it, because I love, love, love leopard, but, I've had trouble styling it because it's so darn loud. And this top? I love it for it's classic appeal - it's also pretty damn chic and kind of makes me feel like I'm this hip Brit walking the streets of London. But, its big bow kind of also stresses me out, because what do I even wear it with? Well, after realizing that I have a ton of cool stuff in my closet that I bought for a reason, I came to the conclusion that I need to wear them. Thus, came this outfit, which you're now seeing on your screens.

Food Friday: 3rd Cousin

3rd Cousin 919 Cortland Avenue

I'll be the first to tell you that I don't spend much time in San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood. It's pretty much on the opposite side of the city for me, and without a car, it's a bit of a trek. That being said, I live by the saying, "Will travel for food." So, no distance can keep me away from great eats. Cue, Bernal's 3rd Cousin, a New American restaurant serving California cuisine. I'd never heard of it before, but after being invited to experience the restaurant's tasting menu, I quickly looked up photos of its Uni Creme Brulee on Instagram and my stomach couldn't wait. Nor shall yours after reading this post.