tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45099914699389177382023-06-21T00:14:01.442-04:00little ramblings from a little woman*Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-69520218922445683902011-03-07T02:34:00.001-05:002011-03-07T02:37:23.608-05:00I had a craving for fried chicken like it was no one’s business! You see I rarely eat fried chicken, I'm talking once every few months or so, but I was hungover and I crave naughty things when I am hungover.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TXAtv6-cLbI/AAAAAAAAAIY/p7Qog1oHBqU/s1600-h/IMG_2494%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2494" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TXAtwZ-m4cI/AAAAAAAAAIc/BT56h7y7Vjo/IMG_2494_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_2494" width="644" /></a><br />
And you know what? Sometimes you just have to fry up some chicken. Craving fulfilled. (It is noteworthy to mention that they were fried in grapeseed oil, which is super healthy... so they are semi-healthy ;))Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-82420096961291084302011-03-03T19:12:00.000-05:002011-03-03T19:12:22.988-05:00chocolate and spinach<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TW6F-Cp-G5I/AAAAAAAAAIM/VArSiKNGdhM/s1600-h/IMG_2324%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2324" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TW6CNvTb4yI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/EVt_F0AWkiQ/IMG_2324_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_2324" width="580" /></a><br />
This night I was drinking "chocolate milk," it was a mixture Ben got for our <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_bottle#Growler">growlers</a> from <a href="http://www.engine15.com/">Engine 15</a>. It was SO DELICIOUS! After a couple of those glasses I am usually dehydrated in the morning and crave smoothies. Here is a delicious one:<br />
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0uv5RKGRvvg/TW6CXLClCNI/AAAAAAAAAII/gvbhonakYrE/s1600/IMG_2416.JPG"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0uv5RKGRvvg/TW6CXLClCNI/AAAAAAAAAII/gvbhonakYrE/s640/IMG_2416.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
A green smoothie! Ben will not drink these, by the way. I think it scares him, but I promise you CANNOT taste the "green" at all.<br />
<br />
<em>ingredients</em>: <br />
2 1/2 cups spinach<br />
2 carrots peeled and roughly chopped<br />
1 frozen banana (slice them before you put them in the freezer)<br />
2 teaspoons natural peanut butter<br />
couple of sprinkles of cinnamon<br />
1 teaspoon honey<br />
1 cup almond milk (I used original) <br />
<br />
BLEND AND ENJOY! Great and yummy way to get nutrients, especially after a night of drinking!Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-46154926349903076002011-03-01T14:24:00.013-05:002011-03-02T13:02:25.899-05:00feeding your body, mind, soulFood… the most fundamental element to life, yet every day millions of people are eating garbage; instead of nourishing their bodies people are poisoning their bodies, literally. What you eat directly effects so many aspects of your life. By changing to a healthy diet full of fresh foods you can can reverse Type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, acne and other skin issues, and some doctors believe you can cure cancer (I absolutely believe this, yet the only treatments legal in the US is chemotherapy and radiation). <br />
<br />
As modern technology gets better and better each year, alarmingly high rates of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease to name a few are occurring still. We’re obviously doing something wrong and it has to do with the food we eat and the environment we live in. It’s time for a change! Aren’t we grossed out by fast food yet???? Who in their right mind eats at McDonalds and feels awesome afterwards? More like nauseous. Unlike late night excursions to Taco Hell, eating healthy and exercising never leaves you thinking it was a bad idea.<br />
<br />
Now there are many excuses to why people don’t eat healthy: they don’t have time, they can’t afford it, blah blah. They are indeed excuses. Everyone makes time for what they want to make time for, I am making time by writing this blog post, others make time by getting on Facebook (creepbook) for hours, some make time to go and take their dog for a walk; we make time for what is important to us. Not being able to afford healthy food really is something that can be worked around. You don’t necessarily have to buy fresh foods every time (frozen vegetables are perfectly good for you too), look for veggies and fruit that are on sale, buy food that is in season, shop at farmer’s markets, but most importantly you can prioritize! You don’t NEED cable, you don’t NEED a gym membership (running outside is free and simply moving around is free too), but you do need health. <br />
<br />
Every day we vote with our dollars, so let’s stop feeding ourselves and loved ones foods made from a science lab and start nourishing with REAL foods made from nature. Tips for a healthier you:<br />
<ul><li>Read ingredients, if you don’t know what it is, neither does your body. Here’s the list of America’s favorite… a Twinkie: <em><strong>Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour [Flour, Reduced Iron, B Vitamins (Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Folic Acid)], Corn Syrup, Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable and/or Animal Shortening (Soybean, Cottonseed and/or Canola Oil, Beef Fat), Whole Eggs, Dextrose. Contains 2% or Less of: Modified Corn Starch, Glucose, Leavenings (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Monocalcium Phosphate), Sweet Dairy Whey, Soy Protein Isolate, Calcium and Sodium Caseinate, Salt, Mono and Diglycerides, Polysorbate 60, Soy Lecithin, Soy Flour, Cornstarch, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sorbic Acid (to Retain Freshness), Yellow 5, Red 40. </strong></em>Yep, let me go into my kitchen and whip up a batch of Twinkies with the above ingredients… unless you’re in a science lab I never want to see the above things in food.</li>
<li>If you love your desserts, you can have your cake and eat it too! Just make them from scratch… you won’t find any Yellow 5 or Red 40 in my cookies.</li>
<li>Don’t fall for labels on packages such as “made with ALL NATURAL ingredients.” All natural means absolutely nothing and anyone can use that term. Most of the time when you read the “all natural” ingredients it has high fructose corn syrup in it… and a lot of people say that because it comes from corn it is natural. WRONG. </li>
<li>Cook. Nothing’s better than a home cooked meal or a home cooked meal by someone else. mmm</li>
<li>Most importantly, don’t beat yourself up if you do eat processed foods on occasion (I can rarely control myself when my boyfriend brings home candy), just don’t make it an every day occurrence or even a weekly one. </li>
</ul>HAPPY EATINGS TO YOU ALL!Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-87304528969817536892011-02-23T22:15:00.002-05:002011-02-25T16:44:51.309-05:00it's like magic<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rx0S2-6COnk/TWXFRld7L7I/AAAAAAAAAGw/57lBJ4RyYEs/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<img border="0" height="244" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VFxg-Uk_2Z4/TWXFP1e5vZI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Pv4DywFXMMQ/s320/12.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLSVR7HP-nM/TWXFTNaBD2I/AAAAAAAAAG0/iCNW0pt3G_Y/s320/10.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="233" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T5B33RuNmtY/TWW1heS_s9I/AAAAAAAAAGk/AGxgSdVEvaM/s320/01_0.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqS6xCB13w8/TWW1sWgohYI/AAAAAAAAAGo/jE9wOkXWq-E/s1600/05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqS6xCB13w8/TWW1sWgohYI/AAAAAAAAAGo/jE9wOkXWq-E/s320/05.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://vadimandreev.ru/?page_id=35">(source)</a><br />
I won't lie, I am really not that good at doing makeup. The most exciting thing I can do is slap on some bright lipstick or use a different color than black for eyeliner, but you won't see me doing any fancy ass eyeshadow tricks... don't even get me started on winged eyeliner. My winged eyeliner looks about as good as Amy Winehouse's version. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ral3B7G-xEI/TWXHg3HaJlI/AAAAAAAAAG4/FCJalbD4-6k/s1600/blogcorazon_com__files__2010_03_amy-winehouse-cienciologia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ral3B7G-xEI/TWXHg3HaJlI/AAAAAAAAAG4/FCJalbD4-6k/s320/blogcorazon_com__files__2010_03_amy-winehouse-cienciologia.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Moving on... </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">Makeup can make such a transformation, no? Of course these women look great sans makeup, they just look DIFFERENT with makeup. Are you someone who has to wear makeup 25/8? I really don't care who sees me without it, therefore, I go to many a places looking a hot mess. Whatever. I got me a man! Here's my before and after-</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ceijiFm-a6s/TWgiq0x72VI/AAAAAAAAAG8/6ONSmToiyrc/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" l6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ceijiFm-a6s/TWgiq0x72VI/AAAAAAAAAG8/6ONSmToiyrc/s320/Untitled.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You know those commercials that show before and after photos (think weightloss), the before picture always looks horrendous (hair unkept, no makeup, sad face) and the after looks like they just won the lottery (perfect makeup, perfect outfit, perfect hair, biggest smile)... these pictures made me think of that.</div></div>Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-78894047468651428292011-02-20T11:02:00.005-05:002011-02-23T19:54:28.434-05:00Jason Wu Spring 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw_G0FD6DvU/TWE4Q9kzeuI/AAAAAAAAAFs/Ku-GyvDm8no/s1600/00010m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw_G0FD6DvU/TWE4Q9kzeuI/AAAAAAAAAFs/Ku-GyvDm8no/s640/00010m.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mcn6g2ZsfeY/TWE4SRlcrRI/AAAAAAAAAFw/H5cxewBdsh8/s1600/00030m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mcn6g2ZsfeY/TWE4SRlcrRI/AAAAAAAAAFw/H5cxewBdsh8/s640/00030m.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jEa3Zl9VZwA/TWE4aSACLZI/AAAAAAAAAF8/ssqfrbGSnvM/s1600/00370m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jEa3Zl9VZwA/TWE4aSACLZI/AAAAAAAAAF8/ssqfrbGSnvM/s640/00370m.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.style.com/">(source)</a></div><br />
I am loving SHEER! Can you imagine walking into work in the first two outfits? You so could... you know, if it wasn't for the whole two exposed nipples (although, I think it is a good look). I feel like the sheer look is killed when a camisole is worn underneath, but I guess it will have to do. I can only wish... they say dreams do come true, right?Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-11341184432015890752011-02-18T10:22:00.003-05:002011-02-18T10:33:05.922-05:00who YOU impressin?Winter is coming to an end in Florida (maybe not technically, but tomorrow's high is supposed to be 74) and all I can think about is all the yummy fruits and veggies that will be in season again (strawberries, watermelons, tomatoes, grapes, and asparagus to name a few). While I am daydreaming about shoving my face with BLTs, making fruit salads, and having ice cream for lunch, my train of thought gets rudely interrupted by a Hyrdoxycut ad orrrr ways to lose weight by drinking green tea or that annoying ass infomercial with the shiny men and women on the Bowflex. Is America obsessed with being thin or what? <br />
<br />
I used to read magazines like Self and Shape, but once you start reading the same thing over and over again it tends to be repetitive and frankly, puts women on this obsessive mindset. All the November, December, and January issues are about ways to not gain the holiday pounds, if you eat that apple pie at your Christmas dinner you will need to run x amount of miles, switch from drinking beer to drinking a low cal drink like champagne. give.me.a.break. Food and Wine magazine, on the other hand, is the JAM! Here are chefs who eat amazing and indulgent meals, but balance everything out by exercising and eating other healthy foods on a regular basis. That is what life is all about.<br />
<br />
Why is America so obsessed? Of course I absolutely believe in treating your body right and nourishing your temple and exercising, but when it comes to obsessively trying to have the smallest waist, biggest boobs, smallest thighs... who are we REALLY trying to impress? Is it men or is it really for other women? Frankly, I think men could not care less if your stomach divides into three different sections when you sit down or if you gained 5 pounds and it all went straight to your ass (they actually probably love it). <br />
<br />
Women should love their body, treat it right, eat that cake, and embrace those little boobies, big ass, tiny ass, big boobies your mama gave ya. Just because I only have a handful on the top and bottom doesn't make me any less of a woman. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes!Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-57832561949181207512011-02-16T21:00:00.001-05:002011-02-16T21:00:56.376-05:00no delivery herePizza. Oh, how I love thee. There's just something about bread, melty cheese, and endless varieties of toppings that just make me happy. Now I LOVE bread (you know those people who eat raw cookie dough when making cookies, when I make bread I eat the raw bread dough... seriously), but I am not a fan of deep dish pizzas. too.much.crust. In fact, they irk me. Pizza to me is all about the cheese and toppings. I started making my own pizza at home a couple of years ago, you know, buying the pre-made crust, the pre-made sauce, add the toppings and cheese, and <em>viola</em> pizza is served. Now I prefer to make my own crust and sauce. Even though it's all about the cheese and toppings, you need to have an awesome base to start with. That's like a beautiful woman or a handsome man having no personality or being an idiot or being a bitch, if your crust sucks than your cheese and toppings aren't going to get you far in life (unless someone just wants to use you for your cheese and toppings... I digress...). I promise it is really easy too. You need to have iron skillets or oven proof skillets.<br />
<br />
<strong>Dough (makes 2 individual pizzas or 1 big one):</strong><em><br />
ingredients</em>:<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar<br />
1 1/8 teaspoons highly active yeast<br />
1/2 cup warm water<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
3 1/2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil<br />
1 1/2 cups flour<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><em>directions</em>:</div><div style="text-align: left;">combine the sugar, yeast, and water in a bowl. not going to lie, I don't take the temperature of the "warm" water, I go by how it feels. you don't want the water to be too hot or the water will kill the yeast, but you don't want the water to be too cold or the yeast will not be activated (yeast is alive). mix and let it sit for about 10 minutes, it will be nice and foamy at the top. add in the salt and olive oil. add the flour a little at a time (1/2 cup or so) and mix. once I get to about 1 cup mixed in, I dump the mixture onto a lightly floured surface (my countertop) and mix the rest by hand. knead for 8 minutes. oil the countertop and the top of the dough and place a damp towel over it, let rise for 2 hours. after 2 hours punch the dough down, split it in half, cover, and let rise another 2 hours.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Sauce</strong>:</div><div style="text-align: left;">the sauce is super easy to make! all you need is good quality crushed tomatoes (I used San Marzano), salt, red pepper flakes, basil, and garlic powder. the tomatoes you use is important because the better quality, the less you have to do to it. I take out as much sauce as I think I will be using and mix in the unmeasured spices. I say you can never have too much basil or red pepper flakes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>directions</em>:</div><div style="text-align: left;">place your skillet in the oven and preheat it on high broiler. roll out your dough to the desired thickness and size (remember it needs to fit in your skillet). roll the outer edge over. take the skillet out and place the dough in it. top with sauce, toppings (this time I used onions and green bell peppers), and cheese (I used mozzarella pearls and asiago). place on the middle rack in the oven and cook for 6 - 7 minutes on high broil. take out and turn the stove-top on between medium and high and cook the pizza for 2 - 3 minutes. watch very carefully so the pizza doesn't burn on the bottom. this way, to me, gets a perfect crust on top and bottom, but still is chewy. <br />
It is the perfect portion for my selfish self (I guess I'm not that selfish, I made Ben his own too).</div><div align="center" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KItwGNLnPsU/TVx8uKWduJI/AAAAAAAAAFk/CGvQ1NKQQkI/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KItwGNLnPsU/TVx8uKWduJI/AAAAAAAAAFk/CGvQ1NKQQkI/s640/Untitled.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jppOc7_DycY/TVx5M4bjVYI/AAAAAAAAAFc/a1k8okxso28/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jppOc7_DycY/TVx5M4bjVYI/AAAAAAAAAFc/a1k8okxso28/s640/IMG_2149.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-33123595736790186312011-02-14T13:11:00.001-05:002011-02-14T13:13:19.322-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9P7uT6ribZ4/TVlsYVSjpfI/AAAAAAAAAEM/HEjfNxMElNU/s640/IMG_2065.JPG" width="480" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GSjrdW0NP1s/TVlskF-IwPI/AAAAAAAAAEU/OrCLkk9FhaE/s1600/IMG_2094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GSjrdW0NP1s/TVlskF-IwPI/AAAAAAAAAEU/OrCLkk9FhaE/s640/IMG_2094.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXKVgbXfUVI/TVlsigEs82I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/rZ3vtb7sfpc/s1600/IMG_2091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXKVgbXfUVI/TVlsigEs82I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/rZ3vtb7sfpc/s640/IMG_2091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
1. pink roses > red roses<br />
2. Local 1 beer from Brooklyn (Belgian Strong Pale Ale, 9% ABV)<br />
3. apple crisp dessert topped with vanilla ice cream after a delicious dinner at <a href="http://www.bistrox.com/">Bistro Aix</a>. My mouth is getting SPOILED!Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-294139084302271592011-02-10T22:18:00.009-05:002011-02-25T22:40:58.006-05:00what exercise and food mean to meOkay I have a confession to make, I was once OBSESSED with exercise and eating a certain number of calories a day. I believed I was going to get "fat" from not doing my usual 4 mile run that day. I would in no way starve myself (I ate constantly because I was ALWAYS hungry from working out so much), but I would be paranoid about eating something "bad" and then feeling like I should go workout. This my friends is clearly unhealthy.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">In January of last year I decided to cut out alcohol, soda, and fast food. I still do not drink soda or eat fast food but a few times a year. Not only that but I began working out, I'm talking full blown crazy amounts of calories burned by running and then lifting weights. Oh yeah, in no time I looked like a 12 year old boy who participated in body building competitions. This is definitely a good look, I mean who doesn't want to date a woman who has a 9 pack with no ass or boobs? S-E-X-Y. My lilbuttlilmelons (joke from 8th grade) became nobuttnomelons. Bathing suit tops were unflattering on my bony chest and the smallest of dress pants enhanced my shapeless body (think Black Swan Natalie Portman, yeaaaahhhh... gross). This is also in hindsight, at the time I seriously thought I looked good.</div><br />
I was always running and constantly sore. My calves always felt horrible! Running was not fun anymore, it become a chore. I wouldn't order what I REALLY wanted at restaurants. I was eating plain oatmeal with banana for breakfast (BOR-ING!! love me some muesli, though). I finally started adding certain things to my life, butter and good beer, for example, and I also stopped my crazy obsessive workout regimes. Guess what... I have not become "fat."<br />
<br />
I enjoy food, I no longer worry if food is "bad." I no longer torture my body and force it to "work out." I do not go to the gym anymore. I find pleasure in doing pilates, yoga, tennis, and running when I FEEL LIKE IT. If I want to sit on my ass that day and not lift a finger, than that is what I will do. On the other hand, if I have an urge to contribute to my deafness for when I get older (what can I say, I love loud music) while I run then I will do so too! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
As cliche as it sounds, "everything in moderation" really is true. Too much of anything is a bad thing. Too much exercise can be a bad thing. Too much butter can be a bad thing too. Listen to your body, it is a smart thing. If you're sore, take a break, if you're full, stop eating, if you're hungry, eat. Why follow all these fad diets or crazy workouts telling us to eat every 2 hours, cut out carbs, eat lots of protein, and one of the best ones... the shake weight HAHA. I think too much thought is going into it. If you are pulling up to drive thrus and ordering the #2 on a regular basis then it will show. Eat REAL food. I think this is the main key. Read ingredients (if you're buying processed foods) and if you have no idea what something is, you probably shouldn't buy it. Don't beat yourself up if you eat a pint of ice cream in one sitting (true story every time I buy ice cream, I love you Haagen Daz). We should listen to our bodies, and my body never says no to ice cream, cue R. Kelly- my mind's tellin me noooo, but my body, my body's tellin me yes. Park further away from the door entrance and WALK, exercise your dog every day, go to the park, whatever you feel like doing. Don't go by a number on the scale, go by how YOU feel.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
Now I enjoy food and am naturally active. Life's too short to spend the majority of your time working out and obsessing over the protein to carbs to fat ratio. A good thing that has come from me cutting back my exercise is that I am not hungry every 10 minutes anymore... now it's only every 30 minutes ;), oh and I can feel my boobies again!</div> <br />
Here's a picture from July 2010 and a picture of Cameron Diaz February 2011. She's the perfect example of someone going a little too far. Same no cleavage chest, different body. But forget the chest, look at her stomach!! I just barfed a little.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwQU7fkJ2rM/TVSkAYB4jJI/AAAAAAAAACQ/o1RwYciP5tc/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwQU7fkJ2rM/TVSkAYB4jJI/AAAAAAAAACQ/o1RwYciP5tc/s640/Untitled.png" width="465" /></a></div>Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-30991302220886928182011-01-24T20:56:00.010-05:002011-02-23T19:55:22.980-05:00bangs and britSo I went to bed semi-early and woke up at 12:30 am and could not sleep! I stayed up for a long time. Long enough to cut myself some bangs. I wonder how many insomniacs have an improptu hair style change during the hours that they cannot sleep? At least my hair doesn't look like our girl Britney's.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TT4spWUU_7I/AAAAAAAAABs/qtzpL8mdbTg/s640/011211_britney_FP_6508066_SpearsBritney_Studio_FP7_15_231.jpg" width="428" /><br />
(<a href="http://www.hollywoodlife.com/2011/01/12/britney-spears-bad-hair-extensions/">source</a>)<br />
<br />
She is a hot mess. I love that she doesn't care how she looks in public.Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-442952925168133312011-01-23T00:35:00.011-05:002011-02-16T17:35:39.873-05:00orsay turns to chewRestaurant <a href="http://www.restaurantorsay.com/">Orsay</a> is mine and Ben's go to place for excellent food and service. Unfortunately, Orsay was bumpin and we did not have reservations, so we were unable to eat there. We decided to go to Orsay's sister restaurant, <a href="http://www.chewrestaurant.com/">Chew</a>. Just like Orsay, Chew strives to use local ingredients. We had a three course meal with a nice bottle of wine, YEAH! Love having an appetizer, entree, and dessert at a great restaurant and not feeling like I just birthed a food baby. Quality over quantity, fo sho!<br />
<br />
I usually don't order meat at restaurants, but I now know how important it is to support restaurants and farmers who believe that food should be humane and environmentally friendly. I'm voting with my dolla dolla bills y'all (or at least Ben was on this one). I LOVE good food and so does my belly, and I am so happy Ben made me realize food meant more than BK chicken tenders (reminds me of childhood, once a week treats) and french fries (don't worry... my palete still has a love for fried potatoes).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTuvQ5NPMJI/AAAAAAAAABU/cHirN4Huq6Y/s1600/IMG_1720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTuvQ5NPMJI/AAAAAAAAABU/cHirN4Huq6Y/s640/IMG_1720.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTuvR53cKCI/AAAAAAAAABY/PT3C_2BH20M/s1600/IMG_1723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTuvR53cKCI/AAAAAAAAABY/PT3C_2BH20M/s640/IMG_1723.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTuvTQPPFNI/AAAAAAAAABc/2GcOJr-rHaY/s1600/IMG_1724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTuvTQPPFNI/AAAAAAAAABc/2GcOJr-rHaY/s640/IMG_1724.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTuvUERsgkI/AAAAAAAAABg/qvXE3w1cqXg/s1600/IMG_1726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTuvUERsgkI/AAAAAAAAABg/qvXE3w1cqXg/s640/IMG_1726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
1. steamed mussels in a red curry broth with crispy shallots, cilantro (sorry but EW), basil (YUM!), and toasted baguette.<br />
2. my dish: duck leg confit with baby bok choy, braised fingerling potatoes, and star anise broth (don't worry I have no idea what star anise broth is either, but it was tasty and I finished my portion).<br />
3. wine that didn't make my tastebuds cringe.<br />
4. Ben got the braised short rib with creamy polenta, braised swiss chard, pine nut gremolata, and red wine jus... I did not use flash or color in the restaurant hence the reason why Ben's plate looks like a pile of you know what.<br />
<br />
no picture of our dessert which was a green tea cheesecake (didn't taste the green tea?) on a ginger crust. so good, but what isn't good that involves cheese and sugar?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HAPPY EATINGS!</div>Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-13036834401383435882011-01-22T10:44:00.009-05:002011-02-14T13:05:05.196-05:00before and after<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTr2F4kKvrI/AAAAAAAAABA/5Adlad0uLNA/s640/IMG_1676.JPG" width="480" /></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTr2JQKS6lI/AAAAAAAAABI/EoW3_0WhyQY/s1600/IMG_1686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTr2JQKS6lI/AAAAAAAAABI/EoW3_0WhyQY/s640/IMG_1686.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
1. yummy beers: Chimay, Choklat (dessert in the form of strong alcohol), and Storm King.<br />
2. green smoothie the next morning after said beer. in the mixture: pear, banana, hearts of romaine (I usually use spinach, but was out), and water.Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4509991469938917738.post-3830211179452532292011-01-20T20:32:00.015-05:002011-02-25T23:15:33.030-05:00ready, set, go!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One thing I love to do, is make dinner (any food, for that matter) at home. This saves money, although it takes time planning and searching, and you know all the ingredients going into your bod, even if it is 1 stick of butter, thank you Paula Deen, "HEY Y'ALL!"<br />
<br />
I present to you black bean chili topped with avacado and sharp cheddar and homemade biscuits with sharp cheddar. Cheddar is so yummy, no?<br />
<br />
<strong>black bean chili (makes 6 servings)</strong>:<br />
<em>ingredients</em>:<br />
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil<br />
half of an onion (I used a red one because that's what I had on hand)<br />
3 carrots, peeled and diced<br />
2 cloves of garlic, minced<br />
1 14.5 oz can of stewed tomatoes<br />
2.5 cups of dried black beans soaked and drained<br />
3.5 teaspoons chili powder<br />
1 teaspoon cumin<br />
1.5 - 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (depends on your level of hotness)<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
1.5 - 2.5 cups of organic chicken stock (I eyeballed this)<br />
1/2 cup of frozen corn<br />
<br />
<em>toppings</em> (optional):<br />
avocado<br />
sour cream or greek yogurt<br />
your choice of shredded cheese<br />
cilantro<br />
<br />
<em>directions</em>:<br />
heat oil in stockpot on medium heat. add onion and carrots and saute for about 4 minutes then add garlic. pour in stewed tomatoes, black beans, and seasonings. add in enough stock so the chili is not too runny (unless you want soup?). lastly, add in corn. let this all cook together for an hour or longer.<br />
<br />
<strong>cheddar biscuits adapted from </strong><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/biscuits-recipe/index.html"><strong>Paula Deen</strong></a><strong> (makes 10 - 13):</strong><br />
<em>ingredients</em>:<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon sugar<br />
1 tablespoon baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1 stick of butter or 8 tablespoons, cubed<br />
1.5 - 2 cups sharp cheddar<br />
3/4 cup milk<br />
<br />
<em>directions</em>:<br />
preheat your oven to 410 degrees. mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together. add in the cubed butter and mix until it resembles cornmeal then add in sharp cheddar. slowly incorporate the milk into the dough. put dough on a floured surface and roll out to a 1 inch thickness. <br />
<br />
grab a biscuit/cookie cutter or a small (wine) glass and cut out pieces, be sure to place down hard enough that you do not have to twist the cutter. place the biscuits on a greased pan and bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. turn the oven up to 425 degrees and bake for another 3-5 minutes.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTjgKDTol8I/AAAAAAAAAAM/dQxF_WKxQU0/s1600/IMG_1655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 289px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 361px;"><img border="0" height="475" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y2_NQPJhnQo/TTjgKDTol8I/AAAAAAAAAAM/dQxF_WKxQU0/s640/IMG_1655.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>Shannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09738715414635781568noreply@blogger.com4