During my dedicated eating time (yes, I must make a meal break away from my computer, according to my Bestie Evie‘s birthday advice), I actually HIIT before I sit!
While I wait for my chow to cook ~ simmering in the crock pot, boiling on the stove, or nooking in the oven/microwave/toaster ~ I do the following quick set(s), to induce more calorie-burning even after I’m done exercising:
double-duty edibles ~ such as coconut oil to substitute fatty oils in recipes plus is my favorite hair conditioner and also moisturizes skin, as well as removes makeup (according to The Sweet Life)
handy healthy snacks (not fast food) ~ such as apples, grapes (I dig mine fresh or frozen), pears ~ the pear or apple crisp can trigger brain juice flow, don’t ya know #DISPObustAFlow
chill your coffee ~ since I don’t drink as much for heartburn prevention, I store the rest in the fridge until the next day
tote reusable containers ~ mine from Starbucks saves me 10-cents per use and conserves resources (great for my next craving, this flavor-of-the-day: the Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino to redeem my latest Gold Card Reward*)
My everything store is Target because it offers decent prices on clothing ~ including my designer collablimited editions ~ as well as home goods, some groceries, and is my personal fave place for gift registries
You too can check out these Target en Vogue** photos by scoring a copy and scanning with your Shazam app
Lately, my pleasure reading getaways have been simpler to prevent brain burnout (i.e., pictures for eye candy) ~ so no information overload in this rotation
stay fit as you suds up ~ stretch (with caution) as you reach for body parts to clean, and if you’re seated during a bath, I strongly suggest doing water pilates (think table top position with head and feet raised for resistance as you move)
No believer is ever too busy to †pray† ~ even if we can’t take a ½ hour or full hour to meditate, at least devote a few to several minutes or even †pray† before, during and/or after your activities (my Rosary begins my days, and playing the ♪song♫ jump-starts it!)
* Rewards = another way to $ave (discount$ & FREEbie$)
These guidelines will save you in the long one ~ not only for the aforementioned reasons, but also from embarrassment (i.e., killer breath, B.O.) if you run into someone later… We don’t want to be Finch from the American Pie movies who had to go home from school every time he had to release his macchiato! You’re welcome. ✌
With last weekend being full of festivities, we were in great food and company! My LMT girl Lisa and her hubby hosted Fight Night (UFC main event: Anderson Silva post-2013 leg injury) on Super Bowl Sunday Eve! Then I watched the Big Game with my Papa Jun!
Fight Night Feast: {clockwise from top L} Little Caesar’s Pretzel Pizza from yours truly * fruit w/chocolate fondue made by yours truly (Nutella & Philadelphia Cream Cheese) * veggies w/Ranch dressing * slider sandwiches w/Dijon mustard, turkey & cheese (either Swiss or Munster)
Portion control: Lisa sliced the pizza into smaller pieces, so more could be up for grabs!
These slider sandwiches were a hit! Hands down: they scored a touchdown @ this table!
Fun fact: Did you know that you burn more calories than you consume when you munch on celery due to the crunch? Challenge accepted!
After the fruit was gone, a fellow cat mama & I turned to the carrots to dip into the chocolate!
To top off my plate, I had my green drink to toast!
Post-Fight: Rice Noodles w/meatballs ~ looks like this yummy bowl is Lisa‘s version of Pho!
Pre-Game: My Ramen w/Salsa + P.I. Cheese on Toast
Yes’sir, I AM the Ranch B*tch: from my salad to pizza (Supreme from the Hut)
Almond Joy Pie: filled w/Nutella but bittersweet due to the Seahawks’ SB loss
What’s in our fortune on this fine Friday? Here I’ll feature two Asian family-owned eateries in Abilene, Texas, complete with photos. Both of them have been known to consistently earn the Reader’s Choice Award from Abilene Reporter-News voters.
AM Donuts
AM Donuts, Reader’s Choice Award winner, courtesy Elaine Dispo
Reader’s Choice Award-winning donut shop values customers, provides high quality
AM Donuts has assortment of flavors, courtesy Elaine Dispo
By Elaine Dispo
AM Donuts, the only Bubble Tea vendor in Abilene
AM Donuts & Croissants’ 1902 Grape Street location is thinking outside the bubble by being the only known public establishment in Abilene to offer boba tea.
Also known as “bubble tea,” this beverage that traces its origin to Taiwan has tapioca pearls of various flavors, like strawberry, lychee, taro, coconut and coffee.
“It is healthy and adds more flavor,” said Sokol Kim, the wife of owner George Kim, about AM’s smoothie-like drink.
George Kim, AM Donuts & Croissants owner, shows special straws for Boba Tea, courtesy Elaine Dispo
A 16-ounce bubble tea at AM on Grape costs $3.75, which is less expensive than bubble tea in larger markets and other frozen blended drinks of the same size or smaller at other vendors.
The Kims’ business has its loyal customers, many of whom meet at AM Donuts on a daily basis, and take advantage of coffee, baklava, kolaches or other popular pastries, such as cheese sticks and cream horns.
With bubble tea in the mix, Abileneans and visitors alike can be introduced to a commodity from a different part of the world.
AM Donuts has been widely-acclaimed by the city for over a decade, as it happens to be ranked No. 1 in the Readers Choice Awards for several years running.
“We like to take care of the people,” George Kim said. “It is nice to know that the city supports our product and knows it’s good and for our business to grow.”
AM Donuts also has shops on Willis Street, its original store, as well as Treadaway Boulevard and Pine Street. What makes AM on Grape so unique are the boba tea, as well as red velvet cake donuts and chocolate cherry fritters.
Aside from classic glazed donuts, AM also offers the maple bacon bars and an array of new baked goods. George Kim, coined the “AM Delight Do-sant,” inspired by the New York-style cronuts.
“The kitchen is my department,” George Kim said. He pointed out that AM’s efforts “to be as smooth and quick as possible to maintain the quality” pays off because “people like fast service and quality.”
Since AM on Grape opens as early as 5:30 a.m. and closes as late as 5 p.m., Kim and his team “make that commitment to do it.”
Chocolate-filled croissants recently joined their bakery selection of both savory and sweet treats.
Sokol Kim, brought up the idea of the chocolate-filled croissants from her time in France back in 2003, after she earned her bachelor’s degree in Cambodia. Her tour of Europe also led her to Denmark, and after she completed her master’s degree, she moved to the U.S. while pregnant with their daughter.
Previously, Sokol Kim’s career was in law that involved human rights at the international level. Now she works at AM Grape while attending school to become a Registered Nurse.
“Education changes life,” said Sokol Kim, who appreciates the support of her husband’s family and her family in Cambodia in her pursuit of a health care career while still supporting her husband’s business.
Many of the AM Donuts customers can agree . After all, the Grape branch is conveniently set on the north side of Abilene near Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University and Hendrick Medical Center. Therefore, Wi-Fi comes in handy for students and workers alike, and the TV provides a relaxing environment.
A visit to AM not only appeals to the taste buds, but eye candy also surrounds the space. The storefront has Asian-inspired pieces, such as the welcoming Buddha and a bamboo wall, in addition to classic art and recognized superheroes, including Batman, Superman and Marvel Comics characters. Some memorabilia have even come from the customers as gifts.
Due to the abundant space of the building as well as generous parking, George Kim envisioned “potential” of “not only a business but also a social network to hang out: an environment for everyone to enjoy, feel comfort. I think it’s important.”
Other than the boba tea and other special menu items exclusive to AM Donuts on Grape, George Kim’s service philosophy may be another reason why AM has earned the Readers Choice Award: to have “a relationship with our customers, make them feel connected.”
China Star
Beef & Broccoli + Kung Pao Chicken in the House!
Ever since my family moved to Abilene, my parents have frequented this Chinese buffet place for lunch or dinner.
Succulent Spring Rolls
Many of our family friends have held parties there, and my parents love to pick up take-out from there.
Hot & Sour Soup Warms the Soul!
The owners still recognize us when we go there for Sunday brunch after church.
Almost two years ago exactly, I judged this Skills USA speech tournament, in which the students presented their interpretations of the word “champion.” What does it mean to you?
For me, a champion is someone who takes a winning approach to life, even in moments of defeat, one who still demonstrates good sportsmanship and holds her/his head up high without giving up. Last night, the NFC Champs won the “Big Game,” but the AFC Champs still are champions in my eyes because they still maintained a championship attitude. The heart of a champion does not feel like a loser even when it is beat.
This is what I aim to accomplish in my dissertation research and after I earn my Ph.D.: to show coaches that genuine leadership is based on developing their players into champions in life, not just in the game. I myself also am practicing this championship lifestyle by persisting along the way…
Before I get back to writing my study, I am about to go beast mode for energy. Speaking of which, here’s some comic relief that I posted on my friend’s Facebook last week:
My Buddy: How does a guy get man boobs?
Yours truly: By not working out their #pecs! #Dudes with #moobs must hit the #weights & work on their #BenchPress both #flat & on #incline for more #definition + try the #ChestFly… Go #BeastMode!
My Buddy: Thanks, Elaine. I’ll diet hardcore the next couple of weeks…
Yours truly: ¡El gusto es mío, mi amigo! I just sent ya an invite to the #BestWorkoutForMen #app for #iPhone which is the #male version of the 1 that I contribute to: #PrettyFit. Best wishes on the #diet but I hope you also add more #exercise into the #mix so that way you could #reward yourself w/a #YOLO (i.e., #PanDulce) every once in awhile…
Other winners in my life include my Double A-Team, Asia and Annie, who my good friend and spiritual mentor, Bishop Mike, has so graciously blessed during his leadership of the Diocese of San Angelo, before his retirement and the ordination of Bishop Sis one week ago. Here are A&A‘s and my heartfeltValentine’s greetings and their photo full of love:
♥LOVE♥ is in the air & on the way, so we pray …
For you to have a HAPPY ST. ♥ VALENTINE’S ♥ DAY!!!
Warmest Wishes Sealed with a Kiss & ♥HEART ♥felt Hugs
XOXO from: Elaine + the ♥CUPID ♥ Cats Asia & Annie
… who would do the Cupid Shuffle, but they’d rather stay comfy & content on their ♥LOVE♥ bed!!!
♥Now, Asia is joining Annie on the Cardio Cat Challenge, as her New 2014 Resolution is to exercise more, Dr. Price’s orders!
Welcome/Mabuhay/¡Biénvenidos! I am a USAF brat who was born in Germany and grew up State-side while celebrating my Catholic and Filipino heritage. ☼Sunny☼ DISPOsition Elaine’s Eye Candy/DISPhotos ~ I love GOD & His creations, so I take photos @ any given opportunity. Elaine DISPOrts ~ I am passionate about sports, which is my research focus on my ... Continue reading →
A visit to AM not only appeals to the taste buds, but eye candy also surrounds the space. 
The storefront has Asian-inspired pieces, such as the welcoming Buddha and a bamboo wall, in addition to classic art and recognized superheroes, including Batman, Superman and Marvel Comics characters. 
Some memorabilia have even come from the customers as gifts. 
The Elaine Dispo Journal 