Spa-aaaah Month

It’s that time of year again BrickGals.  It’s hot as shit, people are cranky, the Heat lost the championship, BrickGuys are stalking us around Publix, and the rain just won’t go away.  While everything else in our life may be at a blah standstill and our hair constantly looks like we electrocuted ourselves, we can for sure hit up the spas in the hood offering Miami Spa Month deals offering a nice respite.  Starting tomorrow, take advantage of $99 treatments through August, or don’t and consider yourself losing out.

Viceroy Miami Spa

• Exhale Mind Body Spa, EPIC Hotel 
• mySpa Miami, InterContinental Miami
• Rik Rak Salon & Spa at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami
• The Spa at Conrad Miami
• Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami
• The Spa at Viceroy Miami

**I’ll be checking out the Viceroy on Sunday, so I’ll give you a recap next week!

 

 

 

Crossfit Tips of the Week – Do What You Hate, Not What You Love

A big bonus of Crossfit Vida Brickell is the resources.  In addition to the nutrition lecture, the box (aka gym) provides Travel WODs (workout of the day) for when you’re on the road.  As a travel publicist, I travel a good amount.  On my most recent trip to Los Cabos, I spent an hour in the gym every day but instead of following the provided travel WODs, I made up my own (which obs weren’t as difficult) and ran the treadmill.  Afterwards I was talking to a trainer and whined that I didn’t like the travel WODs because most included burpees.  I wish he would have slapped me in the face right thur.  I realize now what a whiner I was being, and I vow to keep it in gear from now on when I’m on the road.

Last week, we started our series of fitness and nutrition tips from Crossfit Vida’s BMOC Mike O.  This week, we have two more tips that will help us BrickGals trim the fat.

 

Another piece of advice RE: nuts, if you’ve been craving fried chicken try instead an almond-crusted chicken breast.  Sooo good and soooo much better for you.

Remember, BrickGals get $25 off your first month of Crossfit Vida so come join us!

Sushi Sundays

Is it weird that I always think of The Little Mermaid when I think of sushi? I think ,Yes. Is it weird that a sushi joint in our hood offers 50% off on Sundays? I think, Absolutely F-In Not.

Yes, my BrickGal peeps, Brickell has some of the best happy hours in the city, but even better than a HH is an all day bliss heaven (if you don’t know what a bliss heaven is cause you’re not BrickGal, get ya head outs the gutter).

If you all have learned anything from my previous post on sushi, it’s that I die for tuna. Legit die.  One of the best tuna tartars I’ve had in the hood  is from the very same place that gives back to our residents with 50% off on Sundays – Zen Sushi.

Located on S. Miami Ave. next to Piola, the spot has street (aka outside) and inside seating.  The service hasn’t been fantastic the couple times I’ve been, but the previously mentioned tartar, delectable chicken wraps, blissful cocktails, and Sunday special makes Zen Sushi a must for those that prefer a culinary option perfected across the pond.

食べ物を楽しむ

* Note to all, cocktails are not included in the 50% off on Sundays.  Sunday Funday sans alcohol… I’ll take it (…but not every Sunday…)

Cocktail of the Week: BrickGal-tini

I dunno about you BrickGals, but my week has just flown by.  And thank goodness so!  TGIF!  Tonight has a few things planned, but none more important than BrickGal Cessie’s bday party at the new Kyma Lounge (Epic Hotel).

Kyma Lounge

Join us tonight for some dancing and dranks – both of which a BrickGal dominates.  BrickGals will enjoy complimentary champagne from 9-11pm. Uh yup.

Pregames sure to abound , so why don’t you do it up for your girlies BrickGal-style?  Here’s the BrickGal-tini recipe from our fav Fado who was so awesome to host our BrickGal Birthday Bash last weekend.

1 oz vodka
1/2 oz triple sec
1/2 oz lime juice
1/2 oz cranberry juice

The Challenges of Crossfit & A Paleo Lifestyle

So BrickGals, as we all read tonight, one of our very own is having a little bit of difficulty adjusting to the Crossfit/Paleo lifestyle. While Cess is having some challenges fitting Crossfit/Paleo into her busy schedule (& boyfriend time), my opinion (and true dat that’s what it is) is that in order to be successful and healthy, in all aspects of life, one must make time for themselves.  As a newly single gal (well I wasn’t technically in a relationship), I’m more motivated than ever to prove that MY efforts are paying off.

Over the next several weeks, our bud Mike O. at Crossfit Vida is going to break it down for us with nutritional and fitness tips to help us stay on track.  I mean what did we learn tonight on The Bachelorette, love (in this case fitness) is a marathon not a sprint.  We shouldn’t trust things (aka Bentley) that start hot and heavy, because they’ll end quick and leave you looking like a fool on reality TV.

Our first tips are some of my favs.

Crossfit, Cardio, Paleo & Frustration

It’s time to get real Brick Gals- and here comes the ugly truth. I’ve been slacking with Crossfit for almost the last two weeks. The truth is I’ve had quite the busy work weeks lately with events, press trip planning, client meetings and all sorts of PR girl stuff that will reasonably convince you that I’ve had a legit excuse to be M-I-A.

But, the truth is I’ve been frustrated and confused. Don’t get me wrong, I am loving Crossfit, and I love the rush and feeling I get from it after and I most definitely feel stronger. I can surely lift a lot more weight than I did than when I first started- and that’s awesome. But in actuality, I’ve gained almost 3 whole pounds. I know it sounds ridiculous, and Mr. Osuna has repeatedly asked me to throw away my scale- but for someone who has struggled to maintain a healthy weight- the scale has become my BFF- sorta like my weekly reality check. I’m sure a lot of you can relate!  OK so muscle weighs more than fat- but I feel bulkier- not trimmer and it’s really pissing me off!

I do miss my cardio- and even though Crossfit kicks my butt while I’m doing it, it’s been so hard for me to let go of the notion that I need 45 minutes of cardio a few times a week.  And don’t get me wrong, Crossfit sessions are no joke, but I do miss a kick ass spinning class, or a nice long run. Am I crazy Brickgals? Am I the only one who feels weird initially starting Crossfit and letting go of cardio? I must not be the only one who has trouble letting go of that Stairmaster!

And because I’ve gained a little, I’m beginning to feel that maybe for ME, I need to do some more cardio in addition to the death session (Crossfit).  Maybe I’m wrong- I sure hope so!

I know the majority of any weight loss program has to come from nutrition. In the beginning, I was really good with Paleo, and I admit- I take full responsibility for the lack of sticking to it consistently.  But in all honestly, straight up I’ve been HATING this Paleo lifestyle. Aside from the fact that it can get extremely expensive- I am BORED BITCHES! I mean how much meat, almonds, leaves and avocado can I eat? And no- I don’t have time to bake all these crazy Paleo recipes- this girl’s got a life- and it isn’t in the kitchen!

Plus, I miss my fiber one, my yogurt and those delicious Skinny Cow ice cream pops. WTH!  It’s really hard to get adjusted to- and even harder to stick to!  Does anyone else miss some good old corn on the cob? Or worse, some simple shredded cheese on their salads? Please tell me I’m not alone!L

I am frustrated when I think, how can eating whole wheat bread in the morning with your egg whites be bad? How can eating yogurt and a banana be the death of me? Why must I feel so guilty for having my latte with GASP- fat free milk? And most importantly- I need to fulfill my sweet tooth craving- and a microscopic piece of dark chocolate isn’t gonna cut it.

I made a promise to myself- that I’d take this 90 day Paleo challenge- but it’s been ridiculously hard, especially for a busy girl like me always on the go. Picture me at a client dinner saying, “I have to pass on the appetizers because my coaches say plantain chips will slowly kill me”- yeah not really an option in the PR world where I have to constantly be socializing.

I’ve also had a tough time figuring out portions with Paleo. I mean I’m used to portion control, measuring ounces, cups, tablespoons etc-I guess I am having difficulty understanding  how I can suddenly eat 3 burgers minus the bread and call it healthy?! I don’t get it.

I went back to Crossfit on Tuesday, for the first time in almost two weeks and I’m super sore again- and that’s the best feeling, because I truly feel that I pushed myself.  I am determined to get back into it, and I am getting my butt in gear with Paleo again so wish me luck! But um, it’s my birthday next week- anyone wanna bake me a Paleo cake?

BrickGals Birthday Party

• What do BrickGals like more than shopping? Drinking, excessively, w/ shots.
• What do BrickGals like more than drinking? Sex (obsies w/ one committed partner).
• What do BrickGals like more than sex? Birthdays (Until the age of 30).

That’s f-in right BrickGals, it’s our birthdays and we’ll party if we want to.  This weekend marks the big 26 for both BrickGal Jen & I and we’re doing it up BrickGal style.  While our whereabouts will remain a mystery post- Crazy About You dinner on Friday, Saturday night belongs to our fav hood spot, Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant.

There’s been talk of Britney, BrickGal banners and maybs some boomboom with the BrickGals, but now I bring you one more special treat. Fado has been gracious enough to dole out complimentary BrickGal-tinis (props to GM Tim for coming up with the name).  All you have to do is “Like” us on Facebook.

BrickGals Jen & Meg

See yous in the hood!  Bricks 4 life!

I’ll Take That with a Side of Frenchman – La Sandwicherie Brickell

Finalemente mes amies!  If you Brick Gals haven’t been clued in, La Sandwicherie has finally made it to Brickell.  The South Beach staple hit the S. Miami / 8th St plaza last month and has been offering up the big 3 (no not Lebron, Bosh or DWade) – some delish sands, salads and shakes – ever since.  Since BrickGal Jen Bunny had never experienced the delight, I took her last weekend for a post hangover bite (any night that starts at T Rd dolla happy hour ends in a hangover, hands down).  So, yea, she fell in love. Duh.  The bread, to die for.  Fresh ingredients, straight fire. BrickGals favorites include any sandwich with the fresh mozzarella and their special vinaigrette (almost as much luv goes to that vinaigrette as Britney – if you don‘t know to whom I‘m referring, KYS).  La Sandwicherie is super cute inside, decked in French décor and a vibrant bar for ordering and eating (or for chatting up the owner who’s a super sexy Frenchman with the accent to prove it).  So, my Brickell ladies, head on in to la Sandwicherie and tell Alex that BrickGals sent ya.  Can’t make it in, they deliver (hot Frenchman not included).

Twice the Happy Hour Fun – Gordon Biersch Brickell

What does a BrickGal love more than Happy Hour with amigas?  Double happy hour with the opps to meet some quality BrickGuys.  A few places have been popping up around the hood offering both early and late happy hour specials, but no one does it better than Gordon Biersch.  Get outta work early and want to hit the vino?  Check, discount on that.  Want to take on Jose and Jim while catching the Heat take on the Mavs? Yup! Gots that too!  From 4 – 6:30 and 10-close, Gordon Biersch offers domination drink specials (think $1 off beers, $2 off wine and $5 cocktails).  Another bonus, the food is f-in amazing, and honestly when some plates are priced at 5 bucks, really, its like why the f not?  Those dang Southwestern Egg Rolls are so kickin incredible, and the mini pizzas (I’ll take BBQ Chix please) may not be on your diet but they definitely taste amaze balls.  Super bonus, Gordon Biersch is in the heart of the Finance District (boys in suits? Yes, please.) as well as a guys guy place to catch games.

Save the Tat-Tas Saturday at Tobacco Road

On my way to work ce matin (“this morning” for you non-Frenchies), a creepy old man in my apt elevator told me that my floor smells like onion bagels. Listen Guy, maybe I just like onions with my eggs.  Suck it.

I made the most perfect omelette this morning. This is not it, but you get the picture.

So, if anyone had a morning like this BrickGal (even worse than the onion guy was someone trying to f-up my chi during Crossfit), you’ve been thinking about T Rd’s happy hour dolla drinks for the past 5 hrs.  BrickGal Jen Bunny, on the other hand, has been dreaming of the sweet nectar for the past week (props to all those other smarty McSmartpants med students who took their Shelf 2 this am).**  For those around the hood tonight, BrickGals will be on the loose so buy us drinks. Why you ask should you participate in our fun?  Well for the Brick Gals reading this, you shouldn’t (unless you want to be nice).  For those BrickGuys who I’ve been hearing have been religiously reading BrickGals since its inception, I’m talking to you. We’re nice people, and we’re girls.  Just do it.

BrickGals Jen Bunny & MiamiMeg

Now, back to what I’m really supposed to be blogging…  Brick Gals who will be alive tomorrow evening (yes, for some, it takes a full 24 hrs to recover but not us), Tobacco Road will be throwing a Hoedown, heralding the anniversary of the 19th Amendment which granted us BrickGals the right to vote.  (Even though I post polls on the Facebook page and very few take advantage of offering your opinion (blah), I guess in this piece we will allow you to still cast your word.)  We aren’t going to get all political here, because, to be honest, i’m more worried about what type of liquor will be included tonight for the dolla drink (please be vodka, please be vodka).  Party goes down from 6pm – 2am. Beer & Cocktail specials, 15 freakin delish food trucks and a mechanical bull riding contest (“Straight Fire” as BrickGuy Kevin would say).  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research through the ‘Save the Ta-Ta’s’ organization.

This BrickGal must say, the Road is fuckin’ clutch this weekend.

** I was just informed Jen Bunny is already drinking. 1 pm people. Who has the problem now, bitches?*