More and more people have been making ways to earn money via the internet. And Instagram's popularity paved the way to become a medium for online retailers. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of online shopping. I like seeing and feeling a product. However there are a few online retailers i find interesting enough to make me want to purchase. I've only bought just one bag from Farah (owner of Iamshopaholicmom). The design is great. I've gotten compliments whenever i use it. But i found the strap to be a bit thin. So i decided not to order anymore. Too bad too 'cause i love her designs. So when i heard she was having a Pop Up Bazaar i knew i couldn't pass up on this one. Luckily i had a few engagements within the area giving me THE PERFECT EXCUSE to shop. Haha!

Take a look at what i looted :)

Dove Real Beauty Sketches

Dove Real Beauty Sketches [Parody]

Fix You cover by Gabrielle Aplin

Alive by Gabrielle Aplin

Her music was introduced to me by a good friend. He was so hooked on her voice (who wouldn't) and her song Power of Love. I on the other hand was not easily in love with that particular song but i did loooooove her voice!

It's very mellow and her music is so laid back.

The videos i featured in this post are obviously favorites. 

But please do check out her other videos specially

"Please don't say you love me"

and

"Panic cord"

at

Gabrielle Aplin

The first four days of May was well.... a let down. I was much too busy and too tired to squeeze in a tiny bit of exercise. I jogged that week once and that was it. Not much considering what i posted at the start of the month. But i'm slowly picking up the pace. 

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Ceasar salad and Lemon zest fruit tea. 

The salad was a generous serving which got me through until dinner!

I had a meeting Friday night (May 03, 2013) at Greenbelt 5 so that made it impossible for me to squeeze in any exercise. Yes yes that's not really a valid excuse but it's so darn hot in the Philippines. And i'm not really a morning person. But i am going to try and work on this - Morning work-outs! No promises but i will try. Haha! So i got there early and decided to have a late lunch. I got a salad. Naks! It was tempting to see all those cakes though! Specially the blueberry cheesecake! Thankfully i had the strength to restrain myself. Yey me! 

Sunday (May 05, 2013) i had a nice long walk. I had to join a sort of procession as a favor for a friend so i guess i can consider that exercising. Haha! Seriously though it was a looooooong walk. 

Come Monday afternoon i had to commute going to Makati. I'm so proud of myself on this one. It might be considered shallow by some but for years i've gotten used to driving around. And if ever i did commute i would always have someone with me because i didn't know what bus to ride or where to get off. So Monday was the day i braved the streets of the metro and rode a bus. See i hate bus rides. Commuting in general. The pollution i guess is the main reason. Lack of discipline of PUV drivers and proper bus stops are included as well. Its so difficult! Nonetheless, i made it to my destination in one piece and more importantly i did not get lost. Yey me! I had to do a lot of walking though. And when i say a lot, i mean A LOT. You guessed it i again considered it my exercise of the day. Are you now getting the picture why i titled this post "cheat weak of May"? Haha! No legit work outs but mind you though all through this week i stuck to my one-meal rule for carb intake and cheat day which was Saturday. 

And Tuesday. Glorious Tuesday. I finally had the opportunity to jog again. This time with my cousin Des. I made it to two laps! Finally! Considering her route included an two uphill tracks. Nice one cuz! I'm still easily out of breath though but at least i'm getting active.

All in all i'd say i did a pretty good job. But this week's not over and tomorrow is another day. I hope i'll be able to get some work out in tomorrow! ;)

I ended the month of April with a good night jog with Erika (my summer jogging buddy). I felt sore the day after but not as sore as the last jog. Yey me! Sadly though i still  have not regained the kind of endurance i had back in my cheering squad days. Baby steps! I will get there i know i will. 

Reflecting on how i've done with my "program", i did relatively well in changing my eating habit. I lessened my carb intake, opted for healthier options and resisted fast food delivery in the middle of the night (except that one night which i absolutely regret!). The Be Active! segment of the "program" not so much. Not that i failed miserably but often times i let procrastination get the better of me. I'm ashamed to say that for the entire month, i have jogged only twice. I did ab, butt and arm work outs at home but not as much as i really should - once a week on an average. Not enough!

• I did not establish a cheat day. I was so consumed with attaining the target physique, i completely deprived myself with certain foods that i was so used to. I ended up having insatiable cravings and breaking the streak. My eating habit was unregulated. I found myself compensating for days that i missed eating certain "bad" foods.
• I did not create a work-out schedule. I went with the flow and worked out whenever i felt like it. A definite no no specially if you're really trying to get FIT! 

Solution:

• Stating the obvious here, i will now establish a CHEAT day. This will either be a Sunday or a Friday. But not to occur twice in a week. This does not mean i'll stuff myself silly but i will allow myself to eat fast food, ice cream, sinful pastries, etc. Carb intake is still allowed for one full meal with exception to dinner. 
• Work-out schedule: Jog and mat work-outs twice a week. Monday, Wdnesday and Saturday seems like good bets. I'm being realistic here. I know i can never work out everyday. Haha!