Today was the longest day. The internet was down at work all day (and I was the one on the phone trying to get it back on again) and now I think my blackberry is dead! At least I have cake.
I bought this chocolate piece of heaven on Saturday during my Whole Foods trip with Marina; Bobby and I broke into it last night (it was one of my Valentine’s day presents to him). Then we had it again tonight – it is a chocolate cake with rich fudgey topping.
I wanted to share one of my presents from Bobby:
Sabon soap! This one is a coconut and olive oil base, and it’s vanilla and coconut scented. It’s great for the skin. I adore Sabon and it’s closeby.
After dessert (pictured above) I had dinner:
- goodies: bacon and coconut oil and whipped cream cheese
- healthies: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, peas, and corn
- spicies: cinnamon, chili powder, garlic powder, and Kikkoman ponzu sauce from Foodbuzz (love this stuff!)
I also had some black beans. My acupuncturist told me to eat black beans so I obliged. I topped them with some maple syrup, salt, and more whipped cream cheese (Heather, I blame you for this addiction!). I think I will have to try without the syrup next time – too sugary.
Moving on… I wanted to do an exercise update. I am back to my gentle routine of walking, and I couldn’t be happier. I walk to work in the morning (2 miles) and I try to get in another half mile or so throughout the rest of the day (running an errand for example). I haven’t been doing as much yoga. I did do my DVF exercises (Diane von Furstenburg exercises) 3 times this past week though. They are relaxing stretching moves.
Just goes to show, you don’t have to exercise a lot to stay thin! Moderation is the KEY. (I can say this but moderation is still the thing I struggle with.)
Another cool thing I’m doing right now is soaking my feet in hot water with epsom salts and lavender (it’s a lavender oil that the sweet Clare sent me for Christmas). Both Coco and my acupuncturist recommended this, so I figured I’d give it a shot. It’s relaxing but the water cools quickly and I have to keep reheating it.
I am off to do some work that I did not get done today (no productivity since there was no internet). I’m glad I have blogging to de-stress 
What’s your de-stressor?
February 15, 2010 at 9:48 pm
That cake looks sooo good! What a neat gift that soap is. Blogging is a de-stressor for me too, along with a hot bath and lots of bubbles!
February 15, 2010 at 10:11 pm
oh, that cake looks delicious! and black beans with maple syrup? i’ve never heard of that, but it sounds so good! i’m definitely going to have to try that!
for me, other than blogging, my de-stressor is a nice, long, hot shower! so relaxing!
February 16, 2010 at 12:14 am
Mmm these bowls of yours look so good! And I love black beans, too! Need to try w/ the maple syrup! De-stressor for me is blogging and reading novels!
February 16, 2010 at 12:59 am
It’s funny, much as I love beans, I’m not a big fan of black beans. I don’t know why. Although mixing in cream cheese and maple syrup DOES sound delicious!
I like giving presents that I can share in (such as an I Love You cake)
I walk to de-stress. Or listen to awesome music.
February 16, 2010 at 5:55 am
yes yes black bean is really good for kidney system which is where blood is built, that’s why I’ve been having black bean milk so often lately
hahahha… it’s funny that your so well-known acupuncturist recommend you the same thing that I do. Soaking feet is really relaxing, it helps a lot with sleep (which is very important too, specially between 11-3AM). To keep it warm, I use a special wood bowl to soak feet and have some hot water besiddes to add in. In total you need 20-30 min, or until you feel you begin to sweat! 
oh…. lovely cake. I can imagine how tasty it is.
February 16, 2010 at 8:22 am
I’m always stressed as well, especially living in the city. I find just mindlessly walking, grocery shopping (hehe) or being in the steam room to be good de-stressors.
February 16, 2010 at 12:25 pm
That cake looks soooooooooo good! I had Monday off…. eww they didn’t give you Monday off???
. To relax I take epsom salt baths like atleast 4 times a week (it works for me ) I buy the huge bags and go through a bag in a week. I love anything lavender too. My bf got me a bunch of yoga and work out dvds for my wii fit. The Jillian Micahels one kicked my a** omigod. I am sore today. Anyway I need to try that veggie stirfry with creamcheese it looks so good!
February 16, 2010 at 12:34 pm
I agree — you don’t have to exercise a ton to stay thin. I go for a half-hour walk 3-4 days a week, and I do about 45 minutes of yoga 3-4 days a week. That’s it. I hardly ever sweat. Ever. I feel very healthy and at peace. I used to exercise much more intensely (about 2 hours/day). I’m the same weight now as I was then. I’d actually like to gain some.
February 16, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I think your diet of moderate food and moderate movement are fabulous and inspiring. I saw that you did some Sadie Nardini yoga a while back — I love her yoga! Intense but fun. I’d like to try her fertility sequence.
You and HEAB with your cream cheese…
February 16, 2010 at 4:13 pm
I usually read your blog on Google Reader so sorry if I’m late to this but I like your design.
Do you read 101 Cookbooks? She has a kabocha lentil soup recipe this week and of course I thought of you.
And I love hearing your experiences–I’m totally with you on the “different strokes” theory of foods. I have some vegan friends who’ve never looked better and others who are always freezing and losing their hair. Glad you are able to find what is working for you!
February 16, 2010 at 7:12 pm
Hey girl! I just stopped by your blog for the first time, and I think I’ve fallen in love
Your layout is GORGE. I’ll definitely be following! xoxo Gracie
February 16, 2010 at 7:15 pm
The cake is adorable! And your veggie dinner bowl sounds perf! My de-stressor is running and writing up blog posts!
February 16, 2010 at 7:38 pm
So funny, I ate a can of black beans today too — only I topped them with hot sauce — yours look so much more festive!
February 16, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Exercise and ice cream
February 16, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Cake looks delicious
February 16, 2010 at 9:11 pm
I don’t know whats up with the internet and work but ours wasn’t working today so me=not a happy camper.
I cook, take a bubble or cuddle with my puppy to destress. Sometimes all three, sometimes just one but all of them work like a charm!
February 17, 2010 at 9:14 am
M’m…the cake looks soooo sweet
I love that melted heart!!
soaking feet every night is a great relaxation, and suppose to be really good for girls circulation. Glad you like it!
February 17, 2010 at 11:03 am
I know, I know, I’m totally addicted too! I love that you eat dessert before dinner. Hehe, and that soap sounds amazing. I love gifts like that. Good job Bobby!
Moderation…couldn’t agree more Maggie, and thank you for the constant reminders. I need them!
De-stressor for me is a good pedicure. I love them!
February 17, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Glad you enjoyed the cake! Btw, I tried Spice (actually I tried 2 of them this week!) and I loved it! Thanks so much for the recommendation. I wrote all about it on my blog and credited you, of course!
My favorite de-stressor is blogging… that and talking to friends either through e-mail or on the phone.
February 18, 2010 at 10:43 am
I absolutely LOVE walking and when I worked in the city, I walked everywhere. Now I live out in the sticks, but I try to walk 45 minutes at lunch every day – it really breaks up the day!
Maple syrup + black beans? Interesting combo!
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