What to do on NYE?

I generally don't go out for New Year's Eve.  I've never been a huge drinker and well, I'm cheap, so the over priced events of NYE don't really appeal to me!  But, because we don't go out and we're old, we usually end up falling asleep before 12, so I've decided that this year we need to do SOMETHING.  I think I'd be cool just going out to dinner (nowhere fancy) and maybe a movie (we're movie people), just something so we make it past midnight!  God we're old!
I'm off Friday and I have a gift certificate to a spa from my anniversary, so I think I might make an appointment for a massage earlier in the day.  A good way to start off the New Year I think.
What is everyone else doing on NYE?

Stomach and Head

I'd be willing to say that I've had stomach problems forever.  It was brought to my attention a few weeks ago that I could have a wheat allergy or another food allergy that has been causing my discomfort.  I also have been getting dizzy a lot the last few months.  So, I decided to go to the doctor and cover both those issues at the same time (one copay people).  Oddly, my old doctor sold his practice (not that I ever got to see him, just his assistants) so when I called this time I saw a new doctor and I really like him!  He seemed to really care about finding out what is wrong with me.  In the past, the doctors have just kinda brushed my issues aside.  I've been told I might have IBS, but never given any solution for it.  I was sent for a full allergy panel including gluten as well as an ultrasound of my stomach and an EKG for the lightheadedness.    I went for the blood work last week and I'm awaiting the results and tomorrow morning I got for the ultrasound and EKG.  Part of me hopes there's nothing wrong and part of me hopes it gets figured out, especially my stomach because it's a real pain to have stomach issues EVERY TIME you eat!  I'm off to bed soon because I can't eat or drink after 12.

Day 2

It's no secret I haven't been so good with gym for a few months now.  But, I've managed to get there both yesterday and today.  Which doesn't sound like a big deal, but since I've been averaging about one day a week, I'm already doing better!  I started packing a gym bag and going right from work.  I'm easing my way back into it this week and just doing cardio.  I'm visiting a friend in Boston this weekend, so I will be there Thursday to Sunday.  I think there's a gym in the hotel, plus I'll be doing a ton of walking, so I know I'll be getting in some cardio.  Then next week I'll start adding weights back into my workout.  I have literally not lifted weights since June.  Can't wait to feel that pain 2 days after I lift!  It's gonna be super fun!
I do have to say that I have noticed since I started working out again, I have been feeling better, the guilt factor is low!  So, the goal is to just keep it going and see where I can take it.
Today I ate:

Breakfast- Oatmeal mixed with Trader Joe's chunky peanut butter and reduced sugar raspberry preserves
Snack- A banana
Lunch- Amy's Organic enchiladas
Snack- Annie's cheddar bunny mix
Dinner- Farfalle pasta with a short rib ragu (short ribs, tomatoes, carrots, onion, oregano slow cooked)
Dessert- half of a mini cupcake (1 bite cupcake)

Not too bad, right?  Ha, I suck at eating right.  I just love food way too much.  And I grew up eating whatever I wanted (most of it cheap crap food).  I forgot that I'm no longer able to eat whatever I want and still be 110 lbs.

A little inspiration, who knew Claire Danes had such great abs??

I want these...

J Brand

But, I just can't get over the $89 price tag!  Plus, I'm not sure I can pull off the length.  I don't wear heels (very rarely) so won't they look stupid with flats??  They are super cute though!  Am I the only one who thinks $89 for jeans is a lot?  What do you think?

Cameron Diaz

I swear I used to look this...

Actually, I've been told I look like her.  Which I think is totally crazy, but I did have her body shape.  I'm getting it back!  Ten pounds by Nov. 11!  That's my goal.  That's like a month, I think I can do it.  And let's be honest, I don't really have a choice, all my clothes for work are too small!  Fun!

Life.

here

If only I could remember this everyday.

The Tracy Anderson Method

I just got finished reading Tracy Anderson's new book, The 30-Day method and I'm trying to decide if I can handle it.  Basically, it's a 30 day bootcamp that involves, her dance aerobics, her mat routine, and a menu for 30 days, 4 meals a day.  The workout doesn't really concern me (despite that it's 7 days a week), it's the menus that are kinda freaking me out.  First, let's just say it's not a lot of food, but also the recipes are for one portion and it's all different stuff.  I'm afraid to buy like a bunch of broccoli and then only use like one chunk.  I think I'd prefer less options since the recipes are for one serving.  Tracy says not to substitute, but let's be honest it might happen.  I'm not talking about substituting a cookie for a salad, but maybe picking some of her recipes and stick with them.  Here's an example of her menus:

Day 1

Breakfast- Strawberry mint salad  (No lettuce in sight, just strawberries, fresh mint and agave nectar)
Lunch- Tomato Minestrone Soup
Snack- Choco chestnut pudding (It involves cooked chestnuts, peeled and pureed and dates)
Dinner- Poached Cod and Roasted Asparagus

Like I said, Not a lot of food.  And it's gonna take some serious effort in the preparation department.  Do I really have time for it?  I know it's only 30 days, but I have a full-time job and husband.  I would like to look something like this though.

I want to be tiny and tight!

I bet it'd work at least slightly if I did the workouts and stuck to some of the meals.  Cut out the Chick fil a weekly trips and the raspberry mochas and I bet I'd be good!  Right?

On the Menu this Week

I'm on a constant quest to make my life easier and also get everything I need to get done.  Usually, this doesn't happen.  I opt for my couch rather than the gym and Chick fil a, rather than a healthy home cooked meal.  But, this week I'm trying to get a head start.  I went to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods today and plan to get to Wegmans early tomorrow morning (before church gets out and the place is packed).  So, on the menu for this week is:

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Kalamata Olive and Roasted Tomato pasta
Carnitas tacos w/ salsa verde
Carnitas on salad all week for lunch (trying to replicate the Chipotle version, including the rice)
Mushroom and Ricotta pasta
Homemade pizza
Red Velvet Cupcakes made with healthier ingredients

We also have dinner plans one night to go to Farmicia for Restaurant Week.

Should be a great food week!  I plan to make most of the above tomorrow, so I can just reheat it throughout the week.

I'm also planning my workouts for the week so I can just get it done!  Trying to get back in the groove and get that little trophy on my Polar HR Monitor!

Love

J Brand

I saw this ad in the latest Harper's Bazaar while I was on the elliptical, talk about motivation!  The photo is on the site, but oddly, I couldn't find the pants in the Shop section?  I guess it doesn't matter anyway, because I probably would have to sell a kidney to afford them, but a girl can dream!  While I'm at it, I'm dreaming of an ass to go with them.  And P.S. I love the top as well.

I heart this shirt

I might have to start working out twice a day just so I can wear it!

My new favorite movie! (aka and why my life sucks)

Ok, so I have been trying to watch Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist for awhile, but it just wasn't happening, but I finally got to watch it last night with B.  He slept through most of it, but I watched the whole thing and loved it!  It made me wish I was back in high school when I was young and in love and ready to take on the world!  It was super cute!  Lately, actually for awhile now, I've been depressed about the current state of my life.  Not so much my family or friends, but my job.  This is just not where I'd ever thought my life would be at this point.  Quite frankly, I did not go $40,000 in debt for a college degree so I can do data entry and drag an drop folders, which is, essentially what I do.  It's ridiculous.  The problem is, I'm afraid to take the plunge and quit.  I have a car payment and a mortgage (not to mention those friggin school loans) and we're trying to be adults and think about the future and how can I handle all that with no job?  But, is it really better to stay in a job I hate??  Ugh.

Also, I saw a picture of Drew Barrymore (I think) and she has a tattoo on her wrist that says, "Stay true to yourself" and I thought I should totally get that tattooed on my wrist (one of the few places I'd get a tattoo) to remind me on the regular that I need to do what makes me happy.  Because, believe it or not, when you spend a lot of time doing something you hate, it's really easy to forget that there are other options in life.

I've lost my stride

Before going to Jamaica (way back in the beginning of June) I was really good about going to the gym.  Not anymore.  I've realized I don't do well with the gym unless I have a direct goal in mind (wedding, vacation) and apparently "so I won't be a fat mom" doesn't work when I'm not even pregnant.  I would like to lose weight and gain muscle, but I also really like my couch.  It's a problem.  The goal is to start getting up and doing am cardio, so far this week it hasn't happened, but tomorrow's another day.  So, in the meantime, I'm going to pretend I'm buying myself all new workout clothes!

Shirt

Sports bra

Pants

Bag

I'd really love...

to be organized
to have all the rooms in my house done exactly the way I want them
to have the space for a large garden that I remember to water on the regular
to have a closet full of clothes I love and that I look amazing in
to perfect my face on a daily basis
to sleep in fancy lingerie, though I do love the flannel pjs and v-necks, my husband doesn't seem to
to go to the gym on the regular
to have six pack abs and SJP-like biceps
to be able to walk in heels
to eat less mashed and fried potatoes and more whole grains
to be doing something challenging with my life
to not be embarrassed to tell people what I do for a living
to buy Uggs just because I want to
to find the perfect skincare products to get me perfect skin
to spend at least some of my Saturdays with my husband
to own a beach house or maybe a regular house with an in-ground pool and a lounge a chair
to tan perfectly and not burn randomly
to stop biting my nails FOREVER and not just a few weeks
to figure out what to do with myself

Uggs!

I used to think Uggs were a total waste of money.  I mean really, over $100 for a pair of boots, when I could get ones for a lot less that looked the same?  That is, until my husband bought me a pair for Christmas last year.  I'm totally sold now.  If I could wear them everyday, I would!  Since getting my tall grey Uggs, I've recently purchased the Gypsy flip flops.  Got them on clearance at DSW and with a coupon for $26!

Next, I'd like to buy the Ugg mini.  I know they are no longer made, but you can still find them online.

And then maybe after that I'll go for these!

I love my Uggs!

My Saturday morning and afternoon...

I was supposed to drop B off at work this morning (which would have required me to leave my house not too much later than when the sun rises) but my wonderful husband decided to let me sleep and just drove himself to work.  I got up around 9:30 and texted my cousin to see if she wanted to meet me at the farmer's market, turns out she was just pulling into the parking lot, so I met her.  Then she invited me over for breakfast.  It was nice hanging out.  I did, at one point, start to choke on my toast, it was not good.  My coughing lasted quite a long time.  But, I survived.

What I bought: yellow tomatoes, green beans, cucumber, yellow and green zucchini, red potatoes, bread, and kirby cucumbers to make pickles!

After breakfast, I came home and watched some tv and read a new blog and then made myself a yummy sandwich!

                                      

Turkey, cheese, mayo, cucumber, tomatoes, orange pepper and pickles.  Of course as I sat down on the couch the pickles slipped off along with the roll top.  But I rescued the roll and replaced the pickles.      

Pasta salad on the side!

Okay, I gotta go to Faith No More with the husband!

And P.S. I want these...

Mini Uggs!

Back on the wagon

I went on vacation 2 weeks ago and last week I just pretended I was still on vacation (despite the whole having to work thing) so I haven't worked out and I've eaten like crap for 2 weeks.  But, starting Monday it's back on track.  Clean eating, lots of protein, protein, protein, veggies and whole grains!  I also typed out my gym schedule for the next few weeks (until the end of the month since I used an Ical calendar to do it).  Basically it's biceps/back,chest/triceps,shoulders/legs with 4 days of rest between each muscle group, an hour of cardio Mon.-Fri. and abs everyday (no weights just floor and stability ball work).  I really hope staying organized and prepared keeps me on top of everything.  I was doing pretty well before vacation, but I really want to step it up now.  I have a couple motivators in mind.  Before I got married I really wanted to do boudoir photos with my wedding photographer, but I never ended up doing them because the extra cost wasn't doable with all the wedding costs, so now I really want to do them as a gift for my husband for our first anniversary and let's be honest, there can only be so much photoshopping done so I need to drop some inches!  I also am planning to have a baby sometime in the next couple years or so and I REALLY don't want to be a fat mom.  I have a serious fear of becoming one of those women who gains weight during pregnancy and just never loses it after.  So, I figure if I get in super shape before it won't be so hard to do after!  That's my logic anyway.  Ha.
This is going to take a ton of work, not to mention time, but I think my husband's on the same page so maybe it'll be easier if we're doing it together.  We shall see.  One day left to be lazy and then it's back on!

'Eat, Pray, Love'

Two summers ago my friend called me while I was on the bike at the gym and insisted I read 'Eat, Pray, Love'.  She was so excited about it, I bought the book and started to read it, but soon got distracted and left it behind (kinda like that Eckhart Tolle book, 'A New Earth' still need to get back to that).  Recently though, I decided I wanted to see the movie coming out, so I should read the book and what better place to read the book, but on the beach in Jamaica?  And I have to say, I really loved the book the second time around.  I now want to travel to all the places Liz went in the book and I also want to get back into yoga and learn to meditate.  Meditating I'm not quite sure how to start, but I am going to go back to Tuesday night yoga at the gym and hope I get better at it, because I currently suck!

The goals:

Travel often

Do yoga and get flexible

Meditate and maybe gain some inner peace

Any suggestions on the meditating?                      

Jamaica!

We just spent a week in Jamaica and here's a little bit of what we did...


Ziplining in Jamaica from Melinda S Flynn on Vimeo.





(and my first time posting a video)

Flip cam Ultra HD

Just bought this for our trip to Jamaica!  I also bought an under water case for it.  I think we're going to go ziplining (if I've been sufficiently convinced I'm not going to fall to my death) and also swim with the dolphins, so I think the Flip cam will be a really fun thing to have.  Plus, I'm sure we'll use it once we have a child so I doubt it'll go to waste after our trip.  I did some research on all the Flip cams and it seems like the Ultra HD is the way to go.  I ordered it from Amazon with a gc I had from Christmas and somehow I got another $20 promotion off, so you can't beat that!  I did choose free shipping though, so it better get here in two weeks!  Come on Amazon let's be speedy with this one.

Almost two weeks...

until Jamaica!  I've been doing good with the working out and the diet is getting better.  The last two weeks I challenged a friend to eat super healthy and at the end, we'll compare pounds and inches lost!  I need to put on a bikini people.  Desperate times call for desperate measures!

My new Molcajete!

Can't wait to use this tomorrow!  Thank you Erin!  Seriously one of the best gifts ever!

On a quest

I'm on a quest for these arms.

The last couple weeks I've been lifting 3 days a week, usually one exercise per muscle, maybe two.  But in order to get those muscles I think maybe I need to start splitting up the muscles a little and working them for longer with more exercises.  So, I've decided to start lifting 4 times a week, 2 times a week for each muscle.  That's the plan.  Now I just need to figure out how to lose a layer of fat so all these muscles show!  It's a small layer, so hopefully it won't take too long!  Ugh.  

Did I mention we are leaving for Jamaica in about a month?

Glass bowl, who knew?

So, I was just watching Martha and I saw this!  I have the mixer, that color actually, but I did not know they had glass bowls for it!  Apparently, it's a 90th Anniversary special.  I really want one, but unfortunately they are like $80, so it'll have to wait.  But, isn't it awesome?!  It would look really cool in blog cooking photos!  Can you tell I really want one???

Feeling the guilt

It's official, we are going on vacation the first week of June and I'm 95% sure it's going to be to Punta Cana.  Which means I'm now very concerned about the current state of my body!  I have a little less than 6 weeks to lose like 15 pounds!  Okay, maybe not, but it'd be nice to lose the tire around my waist.  And I've been reading a few new fitness/food blogs that are getting me inspired to move it.  Actually, I think I write more later, I have to get off my couch and to the gym!

CANNOT WAIT!

The Ipad

Ok, I'll admit it, I'm kind of a Mac snob.  I bought an Ibook in college and would NEVER go back to a PC.  I don't even care if it means I'm using my Ibook for seven years until I can afford a new one!  A couple years ago, my now husband and I upgraded to an Imac (I almost had a heart attack when he tried to bring his huge, crappy Dell computer to into our house) and a few months ago I became the proud owner of a Macbook Pro (it's to write my novel, I swear) and NOW I really want

an Ipad.  I've been back and forth on a Kindle for awhile, not quite sure if it was worth it since, though I read a lot, I try to get a lot of my books from the library.  But, once I heard about the Ipad I decided to wait it out and see what the Ipad was like.  I went to check it out at the store last Saturday when it came out and I pretty much love it.  I know it's more than a Kindle, but it also does a ton more.  Plus, it comes with like 124 free books, from what I saw when I looked at it.  I was still thinking, "Would it be worth it if I'd rather go to the library and get free books that don't take up space in my house?"  Well, the truth is, I belong to two book clubs and I can't always get the books from the library, so I order them from Amazon, so why not just download them and not have to wait for them to be shipped and not have to lug around a big book?  See?  It is a good idea!  I got money from father in law for my Bday (last month) and I think I'm going to put it toward an Ipad.  Probably not right now, maybe in a few months.  I'll let it work out any kinks and who knows, maybe I can get a refurb!  haha.  I am ALWAYS looking for a deal.  There's even a pink case for it that would match the one I have for my Macbook Pro!

Chocolate Chip cupcakes w/ Chocolate Frosting

I made these on Easter, not really for Easter, but regardless...  Got the recipe from my Martha Stewart Cupcake book.  Here's a few photos of the various steps in the process and all the chocolate involved in the  frosting!

Baby time or not

I've been married for 5 months now (but I should maybe mention that we've been together for 11 years and living together for 5) and I'm pretty sure since the day of the wedding people have been asking us when we are going to have a baby, especially my mother and who my kidding, my husband!  It's not that I'm against having a baby, not at all, I just keep thinking that I can't decide after the fact that I don't really want a baby, so I want to be really sure.  I describe it like this; I like the idea of having a baby, but I'm not totally sold on parenthood yet.  I mean, once there's a baby my own life goes out the window.  FOREVER.  Not to mention my body, I'm already not that thrilled with it and the idea of it getting bigger and staying bigger does not make me happy.  So, besides trying to get in shape to be a personal trainer, I'm also trying to get in shape so that it won't be so hard to get in back in shape after baby.  But, if I'm being really honest, I'm afraid to get stuck at my job forever if I have a baby now.  I DO NOT want to leave for maternity and have to come back to that job.  I don't even want to be there long enough to get to maternity leave.  Which is why I'm trying to change my job now.  Some days, though, I wonder why we're not having a baby yet.  It doesn't help that I recently got an adorable nephew.  I kinda got the bug since then.

Becoming a Personal Trainer

I'm in the process of studying to get my certification to become a personal trainer.  It's taking me awhile, mostly because of other things getting the way (wedding, writing class) and oh yeah, I'm lazy, but I've finally realized I'm never going to get it done, if I don't do it!  So, while I'm studying, I'm also trying to work out a ton and get in great shape, because really, who wants a fat personal trainer?  Now, it's not like I'm obese, but I do have this tire around my waist that does not appeal to me at all.  And I'm afraid the only way I'm ever going to get rid of it, is if I stop eating baked goods, but I love baked goods! (I'm eating a chocolate chip cookie as I type, it's from Whole Foods, but still.)  I'm actually thinking about doubling my workouts (like twice a day) just so I can keep eating cookies.  I don't think I eat so terribly, it's just the baked items get me!  So far today I've eaten steel cut oats (less than a 1/4 cup because I cooked them too long and half of them got stuck to the pot) with Agave Nectar, green tea, blackberries, an EVOL shredded beef burrito, pieces of sourdough pretzel and that cookie.  Is that horrible?  I mean, it is only 1 pm, so maybe that is horrible, but I don't know.  I sit at a desk all day, I get bored, I eat!
Anyway, this is supposed to be about me being a trainer!  I've come realize that the trainers at my gym do not really make that much money and while life isn't all about the money, it's not fun being broke.  So, I think I want to put in some time at a gym and then move on to having my own clients.  Maybe I'll even have a little gym one day!  I also want to write for fitness magazines and I figure being a trainer will make me more of an expert.  Right?  Ha.  Plus, I'm a fan of sweatpants and I'm not allowed to wear them to my current job.

My new ice cream maker!

This is my new ice cream maker

and this is the first thing I plan to make with it!

Deeply Chocolate Gelato

2008, Ina Garten, All Rights Reserved

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar, divided
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (recommended: Pernigotti)
• 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 4 extra-large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons Mexican coffee flavor liqueur (recommended: Kahlua)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Large pinch kosher salt
• 8 chocolates, roughly chopped, optional (recommended: Baci)

Directions

Heat the milk, cream, and 1/2 cup sugar in a 2-quart saucepan, until the sugar dissolves and the milk starts to simmer. Add the cocoa powder and chocolate and whisk until smooth. Pour into a heat-proof measuring cup.

Place the egg yolks and the remaining 1/4 cup sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, until light yellow and very thick. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the hot chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Pour the egg and chocolate mixture back into the 2-quart saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. A candy thermometer will register about 180 degrees F. Don't allow the mixture to boil!

Pour the mixture through a sieve into a bowl and stir in the coffee liqueur, vanilla, and salt. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on top of the custard and chill completely.

Pour the custard into the bowl of an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer's directions. Stir in the roughly chopped chocolate, if using, and freeze in covered containers. Allow the gelato to thaw slightly before serving.

YUM!

Isn't it super cute?

I just got this in the mail

to hold this

It's the perfect size, I didn't want anything too bulky and the color is awesome!

So, fleece not a good idea?

I really love these pants, but they are fleece, so can I not workout in them?  I think I might buy them anyway.  They are on sale for $19.99 and I found a code for 25% off one item, so one is $14.99, so with shipping I can get the grey and pink for $41.98, not bad, right?  I mean, I'm super cheap, but that seems like a good deal to me.

Turkey Chili

Sunday night (also the Super Bowl), I decided to use my new pot (similar to my pot) and make chili for the first time!  I went with a turkey chili recipe from Men's Health, figuring it should be pretty healthy!  It was good and perfect for lunch leftovers!

Chop the onion and peppers  (check out my new cork cutting board)

Saute the onions, peppers, and minced garlic

Add in ground turkey and brown

Add can of diced tomatoes

Add red kidney beans (rinsed and drained)

Add can of tomato sauce

Add pinto beans (rinsed and drained)

Cook on medium for 1.5 hrs.  (Isn't my pot pretty?)

Serve topped with sour cream and shredded sharp cheddar  (I made Bradley that bowl, under the chili it says "Bradley's Bowl"  with a heart)

Mexican Night- Tres Leche Cake

This past weekend we were supposed to have my brother-in-law, his girlfriend and their baby over for tacos.  I decided to make it Mexican Night and make Chicken Tortilla soup, the recipe from my friend Erin, tacos, guacamole, and Tres Leche cake for dessert.  Unfortunately, they weren't able to make it last minute, due to bronchitis, but my boss came with his family instead, so the food still got eaten!  And I only had a minor heart attack at the thought of my boss coming to my house!  Anyway, here's the Tres Leche cake recipe from Martha Stewart and here's a photo tutorial!

Step 1- Separate yolks and whites

Step 2- Mix sugar and yolks

Until it combines

Step 3- Beat egg whites

Until they are soft peaks

Step 4- Fold together yolks and whites

Step 5- Fold in flour

Step 6- Put in greased pan

Step 7- Scrape brown layer off the top with a knife

Step 8- Combine evaporated, condensed and whole (I only had fat free) milks

Step 9- Pour over cake and put in fridge for at least an hour

Unfortunately, due to the craziness of Friday night, I forgot to take a picture!  But essentially, you cut the cake after it's been refrigerated overnight and top with whipped cream (which you make by beating 1 1/2 cups heavy cream with a tablespoon of powdered sugar.  Everyone seemed to like it and my husband has been eating the leftovers right from the pan sans whipped cream all week.