Venice Revisited

Forgive me for neglecting my blog for so long. I also realize this post is long long long overdue (special emphasis on the long part. )

breaking news first.

I'm pregnant.

Yes. I'm serious.

No. I'm not joking.

So folks, for the few who read my blog.... I was infanticipating the whole 4 months I was gone from blogging.

So, VENICE. I really love this city. You can't really take a bad picture here.

It's so far from the the "big" city. For one, there are no cars and the streets are really the side of alleyways. Which for me adds to it's charm. (you get trasport from the vaporetto or water taxis)--- which kind of reminds me of the movie "The Tourist"

You can also walk from Rialto to San Marco without getting lost. There are quite a lot of signs on the buildings the have arrows indicating (VIA RIALTO or VIA SAN MARCO)


During the day, San Marco could be a like a marketplace... full of tourists. I also got a sampling of the high tide flood. They set up raised platforms for the tourists to walk on. It was quite interesting to see them. (for one who is so used to floods in our country)

flooding during high tide

I  decided to catch a sunrise while I was there. Boy, I had all the place to myself - except for a smattering of tourists arriving from the airport, I was all alone (give or take 3 people)

sunrise at the grand canal. a cruise ship entering....

early hours of the morning... San marco all to myself

great view of the canal

I had a nice time taking pictures of the square without a lot of people messing up the view. I also had a nice time looking at the store windows and taking in the displays... ranging from mini masks, limoncello and some handmade venetian mini shoes

goodies!!!

I was planning to go the other side of the Rialto to visit the local market but I was pooped from walking for 2 whole days (plus waking up at 5:30 am) so I skipped the early morning wake up and just had a sunset stroll. If you walk enough around, you'll get to see some very interesting shops.

The side if the rialto is peppered with restaurants. You just have to ask if they charge an extra service fee if you eat at the tables. (which could add a bit more to your bill). I found the food in Venice quite excellent. Especially the seafood. We had the local sea bass which they actually prefer to serve grilled, and you can really taste the freshness. We also had a lobster pasta dish at some restaurant on one of the side streets. It was quite good really.

one of the cute "hole in the wall" rests you'll pass by

lobster pasta. yummy!

local seabass. very fresh!

If you're wondering if I did the gondola... the answer is no. (I was with my dad and it costs 100 euros. -- plus I already rode it once. so, that was enough for me)

I just took some nice pics of them and tourists on the various canals I passed by.

One of the things I saw was the amazing selection or glass pens (drool!!!) and the various stationary shops that riddled the city. It was so quaint to just buy these things because I know it will be a long time before I get a chance to but the "real thing" again. They also sell miniatures of the venetian houses (cute, but where do you put them?? unless you have a palace)

journals, paper and all those wonderful stuff..!

If you're wondering... bought myself some wax, stamping seals, some stationary and several glass pens.

Here's a wide view of the city (taken from the top of the cruise ship we were riding) Both of these are from the grand canal looking over Piazza San Marco (you can see the little people swarming all over the place)

For now, I hope you enjoyed the pictures. Ciao!

The Butterfly Effect

After going on a long trip. I am back. I have so much to tell that it will take me a few weeks to squeeze in all the posts.

First things first.

News! News!...

I walked as a MODEL in one fashion show. By golly, and this after coming back from a cruise with an eat all you can buffet... you can imagine the pressure! GAWK

From previous posts, I already told you about how I lost weight on the Cohen program

Coming back from my trip, I scrambled to find a suitable gown to wear. It had to be red since I was put in the red group (some of the others were yellow, blue and black). Fortunately, I had a designer friend who lent me a gown that was used for a previous fashion show... and it was GORGEOUS.

One thing was, I wasn't thin enough (model sizing and all) to fit into it. (panic!!!!) I scrambled all my arsenal. (I avoided carbs, dairy, salt and sugar for a week).

OCT 18..... D DAY....

I did finally fit into the gown with no unsightly bulges. OH... and did I mention that the dress was a SEE THRU LACE creation? yup. nothing you can hide in that dress for sure.

One thing about this fashion show, is that it is like a graduation of sorts for most of us who have NEVER EVER been thin nor even considered ourselves model material. I know ALL of us were nervous, we have never been center of any spotlight... moreover, we tend to hide ourselves behind our husbands, kids or furniture in any picture taking activity and here we are... going out to prance in front of hundred of people... with cameras ... and spotlights. It's enough to give you nightmares and cold sweat.

Of course the fashion show is like a display. A display of results of how hard we worked. Some of the beautiful people with me were amazing in their transformation. From a grubby caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly. We were ALL butterflies that night.

We had rehearsals the Sunday before the event. even then, we were nervous. the morning of the event itself, I woke up early and tried remembering all the tips the stylists taught us... back straight, chin up.. walk and smile smile smile. I had 5 inch heels... good thing was that it was very comfortable and my feet didn't hurt until the last hour before the show (9:30 am call time... 7pm show.)

prepping the stage

We had morning catwalk practice on the actual stage and then, we had a final run through for the whole show. After lunch, it was a mad house of make up and hair.

hurry!

At 4pm, we had another run through and backstage picture taking... (by this time, I had a light salad for lunch amid kenny rogers chicken and 5 stacks of pizza backstage.. as I said, this dress was unforgiving).

the red team

At 6pm, we could hear some people were already coming in the venue. I could feel my armpits sweating. (thank you rexona... you didn't let me down! hahaha). I had touch ups to my hair and makeup and rested my feet (my toes were cramping up... it's not easy to be a model I tell you!!!)

7pm, we were getting more nervous as the "time" was nearing. I could see the others practicing their walk, some were at the mirror, practicing their pose. Some of my fellow models took "shots" of alcohol to calm the nerves. (I can't because I break out in hives when I drink). My feet were cramping and sweating at the same time. *dread* I tried to "walk through" the walk in my mind, where to stop. how to turn (I had a train and was afraid to trip on it) and to relax, pause, and smile. We were advised to not rush the walk to give opportunity to the photographers to take our pictures. (the advise was to count 5 seconds for the pose).

How can you smile when you feel your lips shaking? 

Here are some of my fellow models.

Younger, prettier.. AMAZING.......!!! (can't get enough of using amazing...!)

Watching all the ladies (and men) just reminded me how we can all be butterflies. It only takes a decision to change and the will power to see it through. 

walk the walk, talk the talk

strike a pose... VOGUE, here I come.

*note*- not a few chickens died for the boa. hahaha

My ONE and ONLY model moment. It felt like I was in the Ms. Universe pageant to be judged. Walking down the runway, the lights on you, you hardly see anybody. You just hear the screams of your friends. (thank you for all those who screamed.!! hahaha)

It was an experience. 

Thank you Cohen for this life changing event and for the new me. Till the next post guys. 

*discalimer- Cohen did not provide and/or approve alcohol during the event. The bringing in of booze was by personal choice

WOLFEX 2012

First time to get invited to a launch as a blogger. Joining COHEN gave me an opportunity to meet a lot of people (some involved in the food industry)  (see previous posts)

One, a former editor of a food magazine, invited me to a launch she was hosting of a new sweetener.

WOLFEX 2012 - (world food expo) just the name is like giving me ideas... (wolfing down gaboodles of free food samples!!)... and me, just in the middle of finishing my program

Just so you know, it was my first time to go to a FOOD expo (most of the time, I accompany my husband to CAR shows!) anyhoo...

Entering the venue (which was huge), I could see a lot of "sinful" booths... like...

sausages galore.!!!!!!! (I used to have a weakness for hungarian sausage)

and....

Gelatoooooo!!!!!...

excuse me while I wipe away the drool... (take note, the have my favorite-- ferrero rocher flavored!)

my oh my!!!--

there were roast Calf there too and all kinds of franchises like dim sum carts, popcorn carts, plus a host of new products. I avoided most of these with a vengeance.

Some products worth mentioning are:

COCONUT SUGAR  - a glycemic index of 37 (w/c is a lot better than regular sugar)

not sure on how to use this though. ( calabasa= pumpkin, camote = sweet potato,  )

they have granulated (for coffee) and finer one (for baking)

The coconut sugar costs about 300-350/ kilo pack. This is a lot more expensive than regular sugar, but if you want to try something healthier once in awhile.. why not?

Special Mention:

the new snack of choice!!!!- very healthy and no sugar added!!! - For Cohen people, you can have this on maintenance. (available in local groceries, about 70 pesos/ pack).. they also have a taro, jackfuit, banana and mixed fruit variety 

verdict: delish!!!

almond creamer (dairy free/gluten free) for coffee. haven't tried it but it looks interesting!

I bought one to try out with my gluten free vanilla cupcakes. I was wishing it would whip up firmer, some of my taste testers said it was fine. I could add more sugar (waiting for the confectionary version of the sugar free sweetener that was launched) to give it more oomph but opted to stay within range

This is also a almond milk cream (also dairy free). They said you can use this to make ice cream, shakes and such. (It has sweetened, sugar free and unsweetened version). the only problem with this is that it is quite expensive (300 pesos/box.. about $7-)

FRUITTI NUTTI - (DISTRIBUTOR OF THIS) - tel 9759689, 234-0872. they are located in santolan road. they also have various nuts and dried fruit.

After losing all the weight, I wanted to adapt a healthier lifestyle.. specifically doing GLUTEN FREE recipes. (planning to experiment on this on my other BLOG)

I also saw a lot of cooking stuff that were on sale, like silicone mats, specialty coffee machines and even a booth where they sell "subasta" (cheap) plates

It was a nice trip and to be invited "special" for an event. wooohoo.! My husband liked the DELIMONDO corned beef booth and got to try some bread too!

super delicious as per hubby... he bought several cans

my bread is better.. he says.!

Wolfex is a test of SELF CONTROL... in both eating AND buying (do I really need this??).. there is so much to see and try. There are also a lot of business opportunities (franchising) for those who are interested...  Hope you get to go to the next one!

Reaching the Finish line... LITERALLY

As you may know, it has been several months of me doing the Cohen Diet. I have been so pre occupied lately that I have been neglecting blogging. 


It started from this blogpost- HERE


updated 2 weeks later  HERE 


Finally achieving something HERE 


Funny thing about it is, I was running (as exercise ) about a year before I started Cohen-- and during that time, I also gained about 8 lbs! (I was already overweight even before running). The final straw was when I saw the pictures that came out when I did a run with my friends. I could hardly recognize the person in the picture. Was it really me? (horror!!!)


Ok. ok. you might think I am vain. But I think we all have a screwed up view of what we really look like in REAL life. I always think I am a bit chubby but overall, I am fine.. I can take decent pictures and still look good. (but, I am THAT person that when someone says picture.... I usually position myself behind somebody and have only my head showing.... hahahaha)   HOWEVER.... this picture was just horrible. It was a eye opener. Who is this person??? I thought to myself. She looked old, bloated and the hips!!! (OMG).. (glad I was smiling though)

YEP.. that's me... about 4 1/2 months ago. Ok, got back up from falling from your chair? If you are wondering if I had any problems (health wise), I was pretty clear on that area. No high blood or medical problems of any kind. Just this feeling of going 40 and getting fat.


So, June was coming and I haven't exercised for the whole 4 months I was in the program. My friend who is a runner signed us up for a FUN RUN. I agreed on the basis that I was nearing the end of my program (nearing goal weight, which in turn will prompt me for the next phase of the program which is REFEED... where they add more food on your allowed intake-- all this on the basis of blood tests you had on the precious months weigh in.. etc etc.. it's pretty complicated)


So, the fun run... I signed up for the 5k run planning on just coasting. (run-walk).. not the full on run I used to do before where I was opting for a PR (personal best) time. Just finishing will be an achievement. ( I didn't want to over exert myself since I was not eating carbs-- might faint)


I tried on my old running clothes and they were quite loose on me. Honestly? It felt REALLY good. By this time, I had lost 30 lbs (with about 3 lbs to go to graduate).. clothes size?? small.. (can you believe it?) shirt size? (extra small.. depending on the brand)


here is my running pic : TADA!!!!

here is a side by side one..

note: the pink water holder couldn't fit me before, and I was wearing my HUSBAND'S water belt in the first picture.. and even then, it was on the very edge...

I finished the 5k in 43 mins. Happy all the way.! I honestly could not believe I could do this. But with perseverance - we can finish anything we set our mind to. I even went to the US and all the parks with my handy weighing scale (for food) and my basket of packed lunches (which I cooked in the hotel via microwave). I shopped for my food in the local groceries and made do with canned tuna, cabbage coleslaw and salads. Of course there were road blocks and stumbling blocks.. (like that apple crumble ala mode!!!) but you have to dust yourself off and get back to the program. Do not say it's too late or there is NO HOPE.-- because someone said... when there is life... there is still hope. (right??)


One of the things I found with all the conversations with other "cohenites" is that you must stick to the program FROM THE ONSET. Because when you start cheating straight off the bat.. it will be harder for you to stick to it till the end. Mostly because as you near GOAL weight, you get so ravenous. Aside from this, being a girl also affects your appetite so much. Especially during "that time of the month" .. it's like you could eat your shoe in hunger. My only consolation during these times was coffee and the allowed coke zero. It helped me tide over the hunger. (although I was not a soda drinker before).


I also discovered a lot more recipes (from others in the program-- that you can cook without using all the soy sauce and additives) that still tastes great. The thing is, you really have to cook. If you have the meals delivered... it won't be the same and I think you would not be able to stick to your eating plan as strictly. (some people are asking for delivery service... )


As of this writing, I am planning my REFEED week. I was off the refeed for a week when I went to a business trip to China (too complicated to do when you are traveling)


here is a "fashion" photo--

one thing though... losing weight also prompted me to buy new clothes!!!


my credit card bills are sky high... When before, I did not want to try on clothes because I always feel disappointed... now.. everything I try on looked good on me... like what it would look like on the mannequin.! How can you argue with that? Before.. when I try on things, some would make me look too fat, fit lousy and make my hips look big.. noowwww... woah mama!!! no more log like legs or sofa like hips.. KA CHING!! cash register pls!!!


Sale season currently ongoing... (NOW, I have to psych myself to avoid buying more clothes... self control girl... self control!!!)


Now.. to REFEED and MAINTAINANCE. I finally reached the finish line.


PS- this is the LOWEST weight for me EVER!.. not even this thin at my wedding. I think I was this weight maybe.. age 12?


PPS- finally bought a 2 PC swimsuit. (rawrrrr!!!..hubba hubba)... not yet worn. maybe I'll try on the trip I am going to go to in September... currently too rainy (monsoon season here) for any swimming.-- just wearing it in the bathroom!!! hahaha.-- maybe next project is to get those rock hard abs. GYM time!




PPPS- for those wanting to know more... you can reach Cohen philippines HERE