2019 Winter To-Do List
This time last year I was standing on Lake St. Clair among fishing shanties, this year that is not the story at all. You see, it has been an incredibly mild winter thus far in Michigan. Cold temperatures are finally starting to set in, and you can bet snow and ice are right around the corner. In the meantime I have decided to share with you my Winter 2019 To-Do list.
Winter To-Do List
1. Dine inside an igloo (plastic ones are popping up all over Michigan and they’re so cute)
2. Watch a winter sunset over the water
3. Try snowboarding
4. Go snowshoeing through a state park
5. Enjoy pizza by a fireplace
6. Hot tub under the stars while the snow falls
7. Romantic weekend in a cozy cabin
8. Go snowmobiling
9. Try new restaurants and ‘eat around the world’
10. Have a game night
11. Go ice skating
12. Take a snowy hike
13. Go on a carriage ride
14. Take a hot yoga class
15. Go bowling
Restaurant Review: Johnny Noodle King
Ramen is a staple for anyone in college, right?! Wrong! While away at college many of my friends and fellow students would eat ramen, this girl… not so much. My roommate would chow down on ramen, and I would indulge in my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, because there was no way I was eating ramen noodles as a meal. Last week while I was at the North American International Auto Show with friends they decided that after the show we would go to Johnny Noodle King.
Johnny Noodle King is basically ramen noodles with a grown up price, and if I wasn’t paying 25 cents for ramen in college I sure was not going to pay 14 plus dollars for a grown up version. Another thing to know about me is that I really dislike pasta, so going to a place with noodles wasn’t what I was excited about. However my goal in 2019 is to try new things and not say no – therefore I went to Johnny Noodle King.
Despite my avoidance of pasta and ramen I ended up giving Johnny Noodle King a try and order the Chicken Pho with Ramen Noodles instead of the Rice Noodles. Chicken Pho comes with chashu chicken, scallions, onion, bean sprouts, cilantro, basil leaf, jalapeno, lime, fish sauce and rice noodles (I got ramen noodles instead). I was actually really impressed with the meal. First the amount of food was unreal, it was about three meals for me. Second, the taste was absolutely amazing. Even if you avoid ramen like me, I highly recommend giving the grown up version a try – you definitely will not regret it.
DesB Timeless Workout Plan
Can you believe January is almost over? It’s crazy, right? If you’ve been following along you know that I am not a fan of resolutions, and that this year I decided to talk about my intentions instead. If you missed the post you can check it out here.
Recently, there was a little saying floating around online that I am sure you have seen, it says… “I’ve decided my 2019 will start on February 1st. January is a free trial month.” January has been a slow month for me, and the old me would use that as an excuse, but not this girl. I am done with excuses. January is NOT a trial month. I may be struggling a little bit getting into habit this month, however it doesn’t mean it was my trial month, there are still days left to make moves to create my best year ever. That’s why yesterday I decided to start a completely new workout plan.
Most of you know that I am a huge fan of Tone It Up, and have been doing there programs for years. Currently they have the Love Your Body Challenge going on which I am a huge advocate of. If you follow my fitness account you know that I took a break from TIU for a little bit to get real about the food I eat and have been following what Lauren Gleisberg offers. That being said, it’s a new year and it’s the perfect opportunity to give a new plan a try. That’s where DesB comes into play.
Haven’t heard of DesB before, no problem I didn’t either. But I love her instagram, and the fact she isn’t gimmicky, and that’s why I am giving her brand new TIMELESS Plan a try.
What is TIMELESS?
TIMELESS was created for anyone looking to get into the gym or looking to break past a plateau. Which means right now is the perfect opportunity to give it a try.
The guide is a 6-week plan with a 4 day/week workout split with an optional 5th day that focuses on total body toning and fat loss.
You’ll be working
Glutes and Hamstrings
Biceps and Shoulders
Back and Quads
Chest and Triceps
with the optional Plyometric and Ab day.
Once you finish the first three weeks you will go to a new split with new workouts that follow the same layout you have come to know during the first three weeks.
For those who want to follow along check out my stories on @erica.terry, follow my fitness account @petitefitnessista and check back here every Tuesday for an update. I will give you my real thoughts on the plan, if I’m seeing progress, what I like and don’t like, what I’ve been eating and more.
For the next six weeks, and for the first time ever I am giving you a complete inside look into my fitness routine from the ground up.
Week One: Monday, January 21
Week Two: Monday, January 28
Week Three: Monday, February 4
Week Four: Monday, February 11
Week Five: Monday, February 18
Week Six: Monday, February 25
Each Tuesday I will give you a rundown of that week. If you want real time thoughts, see what I am eating and more make sure you follow me on follow me on social media.
On Tuesday, March 5 I will share my before and after pictures with all of you, as well as give my final thoughts about the plan. Putting this all out there will not only hold me accountable, but will also help me feel more confident with myself and what my body is capable of doing.
I cannot wait to share this journey that I am embarking on with all of you. If you have any questions, special requests, please feel free to let me know.
Mitten Crate
Speaking of made in Detroit, have you tried Better Made chips before. They taste amazing and the recipe hasn’t changed since the company opened in 1930. Better Made is actually my favorite potato chip company and I especially love to pair the chips with a good old PB&J sandwich.
Bodhi Tree Switchel is an age old tonic used by farmers to cool off after working in the fields. Popular in the 1700’s Bodhi Tree Juice Company’s is delicious and refreshing. I receive the Ginger Turmeric Brew, and it was definitely a refreshing drink. The company is out of one of my favorite Michigan beach towns, Grand Haven.
Germack mixers are the perfect snack for on the go. Made in Detroit, Michigan they’re an essential part of any Michiganders road trips.
Guilt Chocolates bon bons definitely look too pretty to eat, but they taste even better once you accept that you have to eat these delicious treats. Made in Redford, Michigan – I highly recommend giving these little chocolates a try.
Mackinac Jerky company makes beef jerky the slow and traditional way. This process ensures that everything is tender and delicious. Made in Cheboygan, Michigan I highly recommend giving Mackinac Jerky a try on your next road trip.
5 Tips for a Stress Free Auto Show Experience
The North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) opens to the public on Saturday, and is sure to be busy. For those of you that do not know the NAIAS takes place in Detroit, Michigan at the Cobo Center. Being the motor city, you can imagine how big of a deal the auto show is in Detroit. Tons of people talk about the show, what their favorite cars are, who makes their favorite, what they want to see…etc. What I was surprised to learn while talking to people across the metro Detroit area was a lot of residents actually have never been to the auto show before, and if they had been it hasn’t been for years. Everyone had their reasons, but there were a few that really stuck out. Parking, planning and dress seemed to be the main concerns. I truly believe the auto show is an amazing experience that everyone should check out. That’s why I am going to give you my top five tips for a stress free auto show experience.
1. Purchase tickets at YOUR convenience. You can easily purchase ticket vouchers online or buy your tickets at the door. Therefore you can go when it’s convenient for you, and you don’t have to worry about paying for tickets in advance that you may or may not use. Being able to buy your tickets at the door is great because if something comes up you don’t have to worry about money being wasted, and let’s face it none of us want to waste money.
2. Parking. Now this one might take a little bit of planning. Lots and garages that are closest to Cobo fill up quickly, however there are plenty of lots within walking distance. Lots near Cobo Center are going to be prime parking spots and can cost you upwards of $30 or more. If you don’t want to drop a ton of money on parking, park further away from the venue and take the People Mover over to Cobo Center. Just make sure you bring enough quarters, the people mover costs 75 cents one-way, per person.
3. Eat before you arrive. Detroit is a foodie city from comfort to Caribbean you can find almost anything that you’re interested in eating. There are also plenty of restaurants within walking distance of Cobo Center that you can try once you have parked. Of course, if you want convenience there is a food court within Cobo as well as some snack food. However, be ready to pay premium amounts for the food that probably isn’t going to be as good as something you can find around the city.
4. Dress code. What you wear doesn’t matter, you can wear jeans if you’d like. However, ladies if you’re like me I know you want to dress to impress. Not to mention have a killer outfit for taking pictures next to some serious stylish cars. Keep one thing in mind though, this place is BIG and you will be doing a TON of walking. Which means you don’t want to wear your cutest shoes that are going to cause you pain. In most cases you’ll be spending at least a few hours at the show. Make sure your shoes are comfortable, really comfortable – there’s nothing worse than blisters and unable to walk because you’re uncomfortable.
5. Be patient. I’ll be honest it’s going to be crowded, and I definitely know how frustrating crowds can be. I am 4’10” so I feel like I constantly am saying “am I invisible?), because people are always running into me. It’s easy to think that everything is about you, and your personal experience at the auto show. Just remember everyone is there for the same reason as you are – to check out the cars. Remember to take a deep breathe and be courteous and polite with others.
Fashion meets Food 