Live Healthy

Plant Life

Today is my flushing day on all my plants in LECA!

Got up super early and spent 4 hours of my Saturday :)

It’s super HOT in Seattle starting today.

So thankful we have portable AC now.

It’s going to be a HOT & SWEATING photoshoot throughout this weekend and next week!

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

The New Normal?

Half year is already past and it’s almost end of July.

I love my July because it’s my Birthday even though I don’t really celebrate it.

I am having to adjust many things now with this corona virus.

Really hoping that they come up with the vaccine ASAP.

I am just thankful that we are still healthy and have a job to support my family.

We are so happy that we can start shooting again, oh we missed this so much :)

My husband and I would really love to be out and start doing some landscape photography!

Life is good, thank you.

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2019 Winter In Seattle

This will be my first winter in Seattle and I am kind of excited about it :P

Since I live right next to the rail, I wouldn’t mind the snow either!

My husband and I still haven’t had the chance to go visit downtown together but we are planning to do that on Thanksgiving weekend (crossing my fingers).

It’s been quite dry here in Seattle this year which I don’t mind, but I do like the rain and I am patiently waiting for the rain.

I really hope my Christmas this year will be heartwarming for both my husband & me.

We came a long way…

My goal before this year ends : update my photography website!

Less than two more months left til 2020!

I am so thankful for everyone around me, especially those who helped me when I am struggling so much.

Thank you and thank you :)

Intermittent Fasting

OK, lets talk about intermittent fasting!

I have been on and off for the past 7 months on this and I am quite happy with it.

I fast from 8PM(evening) to 1PM(lunch), so my eating time frame will be 1PM to 8PM for 7 hours.

I eat just about anything and everything including some sweet snacks too.

I don’t limit myself with what kind of food but I still try to eat healthy for the most part.

I always try to have enough protein, vegetables and fruits, it’s a number one priority in my diet :)

I eat really big lunch like a huge salad with chicken breast, along with fruits and snacks, I become so full to a point where I can’t eat anymore.

Then I go home and eat something light and easy before 8PM.

It all works out great, sometimes I forget and eat after 8PM but it’s OK!

Best thing about IF is that you don’t have to be so strict, just go with the flow!

I know it’s a little tough at the beginning when you are not consuming anything except for water, but trust me, it gets easier.

So for those of you who want to try the intermittent fasting, don’t get discouraged, if you messed up your schedule, no worries, it’s not the end of the world!

Eat healthy and be healthy :)

Adjusting… 

It’s been crazy but seems like I am adjusting to my new place well.

Only ten days of living in Seattle, I got to experience my first hit and run while my car was parked on the streets. I guess it happens quite often here and that’s why my insurance raised my price too :P

Anyhow, I am really enjoying the easy commute to work and home.

I also started my 8 to 5 shift and it’s been great!

Oh and all the sunlight I get from my windows???

My place is filled with plants now :O

Life is good!

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

Intermittent Fasting Day 1

I have been so bad for the past few months,

I’ve gained few pounds here & there and my kangaroo pouch is coming back!

So I have decided to start IF today and it’s going so far so good!

I broke my fasting with a banana at 1 PM, then my lunch at 2:15 PM.

Had my smoothie, fruits and veggies from 3 PM to 5:30 PM

I am now making my gourmet Pho for dinner, planning to eat before 8 PM and I will be done for today!

I am really looking forward to this new habit!

If it all goes well, I’d love to stick with it :)

Also, my husband will be doing it with me together, so I am really excited about this!

Only side affects I had was mild headache throughout the day, not sure why because I had my black coffee this morning but hopefully it won’t be bad tomorrow,

My total intake calories after my gourmet pho dinner is about 1300 today so that’s pretty awesome.

I took some photos of my hideous body today so, I will update on April 1st!

My starting weigh today is 113.4 lbs. waist 31 in.

I drink at least 3 liters of water per day.

Yay! Let’s do this!!! :P


©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

2018's Last Day!

I cannot believe today is the last day of 2018!

It’s been one of my most difficult and also a productive year ever.

I am really thankful for everyone around me and all the goodness that happened around me.

I believe all things happen for a reason and there is always right time for things to happen.

I have been patiently waiting for this and I am more than grateful for where I am.

Thanking endlessly for the shelter, food and great health I now have.

I ask no more, well,,, I lied…

Maybe a reliable car? LOL, which I am working on :P

So here are my goals in 2019.

  1. Reliable car

  2. Hearing Aid

  3. More Hikes

  4. Vacation

This is all I can think of now but if I remember, I will add more.

I don’t know if I can follow through all the list this year but let see how things go :)

I hope everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR! And be thankful for everything you got!

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

Feels Like Winter!

My shoot today was amazing!

It felt like winter for sure :)

All leaves had fallen off the trees and color from the branches are definitely showing.

Really loving this color.

I always tell myself to bring a tripod but I keep forgetting :(

So only hubby again.

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

August Really???

My week goes by so fast that when I sit and think about where I am,

What happened?

It's end of August already :P

I am trying to take advantage of this summer weather and hike as much as I can,

But the smoke from the wild fire is stopping us :(

Hope everyone is safe around all this fire!

 

We went to Rattle Snake Ledge hike last week and it was so easy!

I really need to challenge more than these easy hikes I go with my husband :P

 

Trying  to keep myself strong and think positive as always.

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

Oh My! June Already?

I can't believe it's June already!

I am already into my second month at my new job!!!

All is going great, great environment, friendly co-workers, I can't wish anything more.

Last night, I met this cute doggy charging towards me at the park.

Life is a hurdle and we just need to keep running and embrace what we have!

Be happy everyone! It's JUNE!!!

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

~A New Chapter~

On Monday the 7th, I will be starting a new full time day job! Yay!

I am still pursuing what I love to do which is photography & stylist, but for now, I am happy and thankful for this new opportunity.

I always think there is many given chances throughout our lives and this is one of it!

I know I will be busy but no worries! I will still be around :)

I am really enjoying the fresh green everywhere around me!

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

My Life & Veggies!

Call me crazy, but I am so fascinated by preparing my veggies nowadays that I can stand in the kitchen all day long.

Knowing this will last me only less than a week, and I have to do it all over again, but I am still happy!

I know it's not easy, but make it a habit, eat healthy, live healthy, and be happy!

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

Jump Rope Exercise?

Early last year, when I started working out, I tried doing jump rope and it was quite brutal.

I was a bit too heavy and stiff, I couldn't even jump few times, seriously!

Looking back, I was so motivated to do any workouts but my body didn't quite cooperate with me. My mind and body were acting two different ways :P

Anyhow, now that I am about 20 plus pounds less, I tried it again and guess what?

I am flying!!! LOL!!!

So I have decided to add jump rope to my daily workout!

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

Sorry for the messy background! It's the reality of having a tiny kitchen :O

People complain about not having enough room to exercise.

I live in a little less than 600 square feet studio apartment and I make room for my workouts.

Don't let everything and anything be your excuse, let's be real :P

I can't tell you enough of all the benefits of adding a little extra 15 to 30 minute jump rope exercise, but I will link a website for you to read :) 

Click on the pics below for the links!

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

We all have excuses when it comes to doing exercises(been there, done that!)

1. No time - really?
2. Have bad knee, ankle, back, etc... modified version?
3. Too cold - do it inside!
4. Not enough space - I live in less than 600 SQ FT APT
5. Stressed - We are all stressed
6. Too much work - everyone has too much work
7. And everything else - yeah yeah yeah

Come on please, let's be real... You CAN spare 30 min. a day.
Stop making all the excuses, because you CAN do it.
You just don't want to do it, that's all.
In that case, just say you don't want to do it, not because of all the excuses 😂
I know there is always haters out there, but I'm just saying...

Does My Husband Eat Like Me?

Answer is "NO".

I have people asking me this question all the time.

I don't think my husband can ever eat like me but I don't want to be firm.

I have completely cut carbs and additive sugar from my diet.

So what does my husband eat?

He eats everything :)

All kinds of Korean food, and anything I cook for him.

So, I cook all kind of soups, meats, curry, anything possible and freeze them in portions.

That way he can choose what he wants to eat that day.

I also prepare Korean side dishes on my days off so he has plenty to eat.

Daily fruits and veggies are a must, so I also pack that for him every morning.

Recently he has decided to cut sweets like Korean bakery or rice cake, which I am really happy about.

Today is my day to cook and freeze, so I thought I share this post and pictures :P

Please don't think I am not feeding my husband lol.

This is what my little Freezer looks like.

And below is one of his favorite dish, Spicy Bean Sprouts Japchae :)

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

Jillian Michaels Killer Ab!!!

I mentioned the other day that I had completed my Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.

I am really proud of myself for that and without hesitation, I started Jillian's Killer Abs right after!

Every morning, I'd be up at 6 AM, have my coffee, then straight to my exercise with Jillian.

Only 30 minutes but my well spent 30 minute of the day.

She keeps me going, and motivated, not bored at all!

I have also tried few other workouts by other people, but none of them were exciting for me :(

I am just so proud of myself that I am keeping up this promise for many days now.

I have to say, I feel different, I mean I feel so good, and I can see muscle gain through my own eyes.

Also, my diet has changed tremendously for the better that is :)

My journey will be a long one... but I won't quit!

I thought I share my progress, so that I don't give up.

I know I don't have a nice looking body, and lots scars from surgeries, but that's not the point here, please be nice :)

Thanks all!

Picture below is early January & end of January, do you see the difference?

©Estee Cha Photography

©Estee Cha Photography

Amazing Egg Benefits!

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Who likes eggs???

I'm sure many of you love eggs but I have never really liked eggs...

Especially the yoke part, if I had to eat them, I'd just always eat whites.

My perception has changed now, and finding how good eggs are.

So I have started to eat eggs now!!!

I had 3 eggs yesterday at work and my co-workers were like "That's too much cholesterol!!!"

So here are some of the link I'd like to share with you all :)

Also a link to the health effects of eggs :)

Good read from https://manyeats.com/health-effects-of-eggs/

Click on picture below to read the full article.

Been Busy!

It's been hectic schedule for the past 10 days!

My photography is becoming my world now.

I am dying to be out and shooting but weather isn't cooperating so well :(

Anyhow, I got my physical exam results in, and they are looking fabulous!

I couldn't be any happier :)

My husband's is looking great as well.

I worked super hard to get to this, but I need to work even harder to become more fit.

I am anxious to start a brand new year!

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©Estee Cha Photography