February 27, 2014

TREADMILL TIPS

February 27, 2014/ Laura Liira

Treadmill tips for the attention deficit!!!

Ok, so I know I've bragged about Victoria's mild climate but this whole polar vortex visited us last week and I'm not too pleased about it. We were hit with -5 degree weather and some places got a bunch of snow! We didn't get any snow but I didn't really want to run outside in crazy windy, ice rain, -5 weather...no thank you.

In those times I go to my last resort ...the treadmill. I've had a pass for the y since December but this Friday will mark my last day until it gets freezing cold again (hopefully next December). I mainly use it to run safely when it's pitch black outside and during torrential down pour. But the thing is, I HATE TREADMILLS. I hate them, I hate them, I hate them. Like (probably) all people, I run way faster and longer outside. I'm more free outside, like a killer whale in the ocean...(ok sidenote, I just watched the documentary, Blackfish...scariest thing ever. Orca's should not be in captivity!)

Enough with killer whales though...the truth is, I get hella bored on a treadmill. Especially when I run over 20 minutes...who am I kidding? I'm bored after 5 minutes. And I know I'm not alone in this, so I've come up with some tips that I've used to keep me going...

1. COMPRISE A PLAYLIST THAT KEEPS YOU GUESSING.

When I'm outside, I usually put on my "work it" playlist. It usually works for me by helping me run faster. There aren't a ton of songs, but that's usually ok because I get distracted by people, dogs, the scenery, etc. Meanwhile on the treadmill, I'm literally counting down the seconds in the songs that I know so well. What usually helps me is going to songza and using one of their workout playlists. They have a bajillion songs. The thing I love about the songza playlist is, it keeps you guessing. Being surprised by an old MJ favourite can do wonders for you on a treadmill. All of a sudden, you have energy to push that last km. Music is amazing.

2. PODCAST IT UP.

Now some of you may not be podcast people but for those of you who are, listening to a podcast is a great way of distracting you. Podcasts have the magical ability to take my mind off the run. I usually listen to Pastor Steven Furtick because he's the bomb.

3. KEEP SUPPLIES NEARBY.

The great thing about treadmills is having a personal water bottle holder. I always keep a water bottle (does anyone else find the gym extremely dry?). A towel to wipe sweat would be a good idea too (I haven't gotten around to taking a towel with me, but every time I wish I did!)

4. MIX UP THE PACE.

I found a great treadmill workout a couple months back and used it until THE Y CHANGED ALL THEIR MACHINES TO KMs. It was very annoying. I know we're in Canada and all but I was used to miles so I haven't done the workout for a few weeks but when I did do it, the time flew by. You can find some treadmill workouts on this pinterest board of mine.

5. RUN THE RACE.

And my absolute favourite tip is...pretend you're racing the people beside you. It makes your run very fun. I try to outlast the people beside me and if they get off before me, I fake celebrate that I beat them in the race. I know it sounds crazy but it works for me.

|| This post has been part of my Winter Fitness series. Check out the rest here, here & here. ||

Thankfully our weather is turning around and getting a lot warmer so I won't be resorting to treadmills anymore! How about you? I'd love to know what keeps you on the treadmill. Share your tips below!

xo,

s.s.♥.

February 26, 2014

MY FAVES // SKINCARE

February 26, 2014/ Laura Liira

I got started on a good skincare routine at a young age (thank you momma for teaching me!) I learned that it was important to wash my face every...single...night... as much as I didn't want to (and sometimes still don't want to). I also learned the importance of wearing sunscreen...almost every...single...day. And you know what? I've seen results, so I'm sticking with my skincare routine and you can bet your bottom dollar my future daughters will be taught the importance of washing your face every...single..night...

So here is my skincare (please note this is customized to my skin which is combination/oily. If you don't know your skin type, go to a Clinique counter and find out!)

1. Clinique Rinse Off Eye Makeup Solvent- As you can tell I use a lot of Clinique products...it's mainly because I worked for them and reaped the benefits of gratis (the best thing ever!) This eye makeup remover is a great basic remover. It's not greasy at all and that's what I love about it. If I'm wearing waterproof mascara, I don't go for this one as it's not strong enough.

2. Lancome Creme Radiance- I've used a TON of cleansers in my life and this one is my absolute favourite. Unlike a lot of other cleansers, it ACTUALLY removes the dirt and makeup from my skin. I love the smell of it and a little goes along way so it lasts a loooong time.

3. Clarisonic Mia- Now you don't know clean until you've used a clarisonic. I started using this baby last December and honestly I've noticed such a difference. I found it on sale at The Bay (yaaay!!) and I have not regretted it at all. I've noticed less breakouts since I started using it and my skin is more radiant. I HIGHLY recommend a clarisonic!

4. Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3- I've used this toner since I was 15 and I still love it. Toner preps your skin to receive moisturizer. Basic tip- if you don't tone and cleanse, your moisturizer won't actually penetrate your skin!

5. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel- I use this very basic moisturizer because my skin doesn't have crazy needs. It never feels incredibly dry nor oily. This is a great basic moisturizer to start on. if you have drier skin, start on the lotion, not the gel.

6. Clinique Super City Block SPF 40- Sunscreen is one of the most important things you can give your skin. Let's get this straight, the sun gives you wrinkles. If you don't wear sunscreen you could 1. get skin cancer 2. get lots of wrinkles. Wear sunscreen.

|| SHOP MY SKINCARE FAVES ||

Clinique Face Moisturizers · Clinique Skin Care · Clinique Eyes Eye Makeup Remover

So there you go, there are my skincare faves...! What skincare products can you not live without? Let me know in the comments below, I'd love to know!

xoxo,

s.s.♥.

February 25, 2014

ONE WORD 2014 // SARAH

February 25, 2014/ Laura Liira

Today's post is from my lovely friend Sarah. I've had the privilege of knowing Sarah for a number of years. She has a beautiful heart for Jesus and an electric personality. You just can't help but want to be around her!! I'm extremely jealous (and inspired) that she's embarking on a 3-month trip around Europe this Saturday! Here she is...

Hi, I'm Sarah!   A dark-haired, green-eyed gal who is blessed to live on this glorious island, work in the advertising industry and have adventures on the side.

When Laura first shared on the One word concept, I found myself inspired to do something similar and spent some time reflecting on what God might have for me.   Rather than just one, I have two words on my heart for this upcoming year:

FAITH & COURAGE

In a few short weeks, I will be hopping on a plane and flying across the world for an extended time of rest and adventure.   I need to take some time out to focus, and have been planning this trip for a year. With a departure date looming, these words are intertwined in my heart, and often whispered as a simple prayer.

No matter what the future holds, I will need both faith to believe, followed by courage to act.

On the night of my 30th birthday (just a few days after I had settled on my words), Luke started singing "Give us courage, give us faith..." during a moment of responsive worship.   A smile crept across my face, knowing with certainty that these are my words for 2014!   Bring it on.

Sorry about the day late post..I was very busy this weekend, hanging out with 300 girls at Illuminate (our teen girls' conference) and then hearing our senior pastor preaching his last sermon as lead pastor at GT! Posts on both those things will come soon :)

xo,

s.s.♥.

February 20, 2014

VANCOUVER

February 20, 2014/ Laura Liira

Thought I'd share some photos of my quick trip to Vancouver last week. Now James & I weren't the only ones celebrating. My good friend, Courtney & I got to celebrate our 4 year friendiversary! Four years ago right after Illuminate, I went to Vancouver to visit Rachel to shop and rest. It also happened to be the Olympics. Rachel was living in a cute suite in Kits with her friend Courtney. Now Courtney and I knew each other but we weren't "friends friends", just more acquaintance type friends. Unfortunately Rachel had to work most of my time there, but Courtney magically was off. You might think it was coincidence but I'm thinking God wanted us to be friends, ha. We joke that Rachel left Courtney to babysit me but it was actually quite beautiful because we became good friends because of those three days! We went on many olympic adventures and had a bunch of fun together. Courtney is now one of my besties (and was one of my bridesmaids) and I love her to the moon and back.

Courtney and I went over on the 9 ferry last Wednesday as James had to catch a later ferry due to school. We celebrated our 4 year friendiversary over beignets at 49th Parallel. (oh my gosh, I'm still dreaming of those dang beignets.) It was a quick but wonderful date as she had to jet off to babysit the Norman kiddos and I had to begin working on the models.

James and I decided to celebrate Valentine's Day a little bit early and stay in a hotel instead of the usual friend's floor. It was a good choice. In the morning we ate a delicious breakfast at Cafe Medina and then scouted Top Shop. To be honest, I was definitely disappointed with their Spring collection. Too many weird colour combos and Asian patterns for my liking. We had to catch the 1pm ferry back so we didn't have enough time to go to Zara (sad times, sad times indeed.)

Man, I love visiting the big city. I really wish we could get around to visiting more. Why does the ferry have to be so pricey? #buildabridge

Happy Thursday :)

s.s.♥.

p.s. all these photos were taken on my iPhone and most appear on instagram, if you don't follow me you can do it here :)

February 19, 2014

OVERNIGHT WAFFLES

February 19, 2014/ Laura Liira

On Christmas morning I ate the BEST waffles I had ever eaten in my entire life. Better than any waffle that I have tried in a restaurant. For realz.

They were perfectly crunchy on the outside yet soft and scrumptious on the inside. My mind and taste buds were right out blown. I could eat those waffles for days on days on days.

I got the recipe from my sister in law who had made them on Christmas and when I starting planning my One Word brunch, I knew I HAD to make these waffles for the ladies.

They're called overnight waffles because you make the batter the night before and then leave it on the kitchen counter to work its magic. That may sound freaky to those of you concerned with "food poisoning and all" but I've had these twice and so far, I'm good to go. They're really, really, really good so please do yourself a favour this weekend and make these puppies.

recipe from smitten kitchen

To eat these the best way possible, make sure you have toppings on toppings on toppings. We had nutella, cookie butter, whip cream, fruit, syrup and butter.