26July2010
Posted by Stephanie under: Uncategorized.
It’s one of those Monday’s where nothing seems to be working right at work and it’s making it next to impossible to get things done. So in order to save my sanity, I thought it would be fun to break things up a little bit and share this article I read while perusing MSN.com.
Of course I’m in a committed relationship now but I’ve been able to cross a lot of these things off my list already. Pre-Steve and with Steve. Relationship or no, I think it’s important to always maintain your independence as a woman.
36 Things Every Single Girl Must Do Before Settling Down
To Build Your Confidence…
- Go to a movie alone. I personally have never done this but I have gone to a restaraunt alone and enjoyed a nice meal on my own.
- Lift weights. Hell I do this 3-4 days a week. Single or not single, lifting weights is badass!
- Try surfing, water-skiing, or some activity you don’t already know how to do. Could be riding a bicycle. I enjoy hiking personally when I can get the chance. I’ve kind of always wanted to try snowboarding but racing down a mountain at high speeds make me a bit weary.
- Take out the trash, set a mousetrap, do your taxes, build a bookcase. done, ick…done, done and done.
- Live alone, or at least move apartments in NYC without the help of family. I had my own small apartment for about 5 months and honestly I didn’t really care for it that much. I’ve always lived with someone, whether it be a friend or boyfriend.
- Train for (and finish) a huge physical test like a half-marathon. Didn’t have to be single for this one. Half succesfully completed and moving on to the next.
- Go to a scary doctor’s appointment by yourself. Been there but not fun at all and doesn’t make me feel like more of a woman because I did.
- Quit your job. I walked out of a job once after three years of working their because of the way I was being treated. One night it just got to be too much so I said thank you very much and I walked out. Best decision I ever made.
- Fly to a foreign country by yourself. I flew to Florida alone but I can’t say that I would even really want to travel somewhere like that by myself.
- Learn to stand up for yourself. I was always the quiet, non-assertive type. I still am for the most part however after leaving a bad relationship I learned a lot about myself, got involved with martial arts for a short time and really found how important it is to not let people walk all over you.
To Be Able to Look Back and Say “I Had Fun”…
- Witness something once-in-a-lifetime
- Revel in being able to watch all the reality TV you want. I still watch my own thing every so often. But for the most part we enjoy the same stuff. I don’t really get into alot of reality television so he lucks out in that respect.
- Get drunk during the day, just because you can. Well I’m from Maine where summers are spent on the lake so needless to say that I’ve taken care of this one on more then one occassion. I also went to the Phish show “IT” in Limestone…I was drunk all weekend!
- Go on a date with someone who actually makes you nervous. Check. Steve gave me butterflies.
- Go out with an older man who takes you somewhere nice and makes you feel like a million bucks. I used to have a thing for older guys but now that I think of it, not one of them took me somewhere nice and wined and dined me. Well shit.
- Go out with a guy who makes you laugh ‘til it hurts. Sorry for the cheese, but honestly Steve was that guy too. I have a blast with him more so then I ever have with anyone else.
To Get Perspective…
- Be a good wingwoman. It’s not always about you.
- Chill with your widowed and single grandma. She knows “alone”! Thankfully my grandma is not widowed. But I should definitely spend more time with her!
- Volunteer. I have since highschool and on more then one occassion. I’ve volunteered at hospitals, fixed up a house for troubled teens, raised money for numerous charity walks and currently volunteer any time I can with the Boston affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
To Make You Appreciate the Next Guy…
- Do at least one Valentine’s Day alone. Yeah…I think Valentines Day is a ridiculous holiday so I don’t celebrate this alone or in a relationship…lucky Steve.
- Attend a wedding (or 15) alone. I think I’ve attended one wedding and I have one coming up for a good friend of mine. I’ll have a date.
- Date the creeps. You’ll really value the nice guys afterward. Ugh…who hasn’t dated the creeps. I’ve dated my fair share.
To Make You Feel Sexy and Attractive…
- Buy yourself some flowers. I love buying some fresh flowers every now and then. I don’t do it much anymore because of wanting to save the money but if I wanted them bad enough I can buy them myself, I’m perfectly content not having my other half waste his money on something that doesn’t last very long. He’d rather pick some for me instead he says which is fine by me.
- Invest in a LBD (little black dress) and some sexy stilettos. I’m definitely not the definition of a fashionista, give me a pair of jeans and T and I’m good to go, but the LBD and some heels I do own.
- Sit at a bar by yourself and drink a martini. I hate martinis but I’ve enjoyed a glass of wine at the bar by myself. In fact I did the other week well waiting for Steve to meet up with me.
- Buy something frivolous and expensive that you LOVE wearing. Frivoulus and expensive really aren’t my style so this will probably never happen in my lifetime.
To Make the Most of Your Free Time…
- Finish all your schooling if you can. Single or not single, getting an higher educuation is something you should do when you are ready to commit to it. I went a few years after highschool but I wasn’t even ready then so I didn’t finish. I’m getting ready to go back now and happy with myself for waiting because now I feel mature enough to take it seriously. College is NOT cheap and I wouldn’t want to spend my adult years paying off one giant party with nothing to show for it.
- Throw yourself into something time-consuming, like learning a foreign language.
To Make Yourself a Better Partner in the Future…
- Make a list of all your faults. Never felt the need to make a list but I’m well aware of the things about me that are less then stellar. I think it’s important to know who you are, we all have flaws. Embrace them and make them work for you and your partner.
- Learn to cook well. It wasn’t until I met Steve that I actually had the opportunity to cook. I always enjoyed it but it’s a long story as to why I never did. My recipes don’t always turn out fantastic but I have fun in the kitchen absolutely.
- Get some hobbies. Something’s gotta keep you occupied—plus it’ll make you seem interesting. This one makes me laugh a little…I AM interesting thank you very much! And I’ve got a few hobbies, actually my mind changes all the time as to what I enjoying and what I don’t. I used to scrapbook for awhile then that got boring and expensive. I still love to draw, re-finish furniture, home projects, blog, etc.
- Let your married friends edit your online dating profile. Can’t say I ever experienced this one. Not sure I would either.
- Get your finances in order. I started paying down my debt before I met Steve and since we’ve been together I’ve never been more motivated. It won’t be long before we’re living debt free and damn I can’t wait for how good that will feel!
To Appreciate Being Single…
- Babysit someone’s baby for an hour. I’m 26 and have three siblings under the age of 11. You do the math. Best damn birth control ever invented let me tell you.
- Help a friend through her divorce or a bad break-up.
- Host a girls-only night. I think some coupled-up women forget how much we need each other. I love girls nights! I need more of them in my life!
Well that was fun! Some of them were silly if you ask me. But again I’m in a relationship were I’m still very independent. That’s one of the things we love about eachother. It’s just who we are.
It’s important to enjoy yourself and love yourself as a single person just as much as it’s important not to forget who you are when you’re sharing your life with someone else. I think the happiest relationships come from those who still enjoy being alone every so often and still have a life outside of the relationship.
What did you think of the list? Were you able to cross off a lot of them?
Share some of your fun and crazy single lady/guy or not so single status stories in the comment section below if you feel so inclined. I’d love to hear em!
Do you think it’s important to maintain your independence in a relationship?
Happy Monday!
24July2010
Posted by Stephanie under: Half Marathon Training; Life; Product Reviews.
Thanks for the support and tips ladies on how you stick with a training plan! Melissa made a good point, she said “Going off schedule is sometimes a sign of fear, but all you have to fear is succeeding!!”
That is so true for me. I’m not sure why I get in my own way sometimes but I’ve often said to Steve that sometimes I feel like I self sabotage myself. I’m not sure why I do it, but I do. When I started the P90X program I made it into week 7, was actually beginning to see results and then I let things get in the way.
This is something that I’d like to change about myself so yesterday I sat down and created a training plan that I feel like I can really stick too. I put it together before I left work yesterday so when I emailed myself the spreadsheet it wouldn’t open on my laptop this morning. I’ll have to re-send it so that I can share it with you but I’m feeling pretty good about it. Monday marks my official day one of training! I’m starting to feel more excited. So stay tuned for more on my plans.
***
On another note: Have any of you seen the new product by Amazing Grass?
As part of the Affiliate program, they sent me a tub of their new green energy drink powder. So yes this means I received this product for free, but please remember that my thoughts and opinions are my own: the good, the bad and the ugly.
It’s the same Green SuperFood that we know and love but with an added kick of energy and a delicious lemon/lime flavor.
I mix one scoop with a nice cold glass of water and stir. I usually throw it in my shaker and drink on my way to work. It mixes better I think when you shake it verses stir.
It doesn’t look like it, but I promise you it is good! I’m not a big fan of some of their products mixed with just water, I usually put them in my smoothies (I LOVE their Amazing Meal in the chocolate flavor and always have a supply in the freezer). But this new product really does have a nice lemon/lime flavor that makes it really tasty and enjoyable.
I’ve been drinking it almost every day before I leave for work and I’ve noticed that I’ve cut back on my iced coffee consumption (which my wallet appreciates). It gives you a nice little kick in the ass in the morning which, couldn’t we all use a little of that?
If you’re new to the blog, I am a part of the affiliate program through Amazing Grass. So if you’d like to try any of their products you can click on the logo to the right of this post. I do stand to make a small amount of compensation for that click but any money I make through the program will be donated to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in honor of my dad.
Even my dad drinks Amazing Grass in his morning smoothies! You can check out this post for proof!
Love you dad!
I think you can pick up sample packets at Whole Foods. If you try it let me know! I’d love to know what you think about it.
Oh and look what came in the mail last night?
I bought Ani’s new uncook book and I love it already!
Averie is actually giving away a copy on her blog, so if you’re interested in winning yourself a copy, head over to her blog to enter!
I haven’t talked about it openly yet here on the blog but you may or may not have noticed the subtle changes. Since I don’t blog specifically about food it’s probably hard to pick up on.
But I talked about how I bought a juicer here
I made Kale chips for the first time and I’ve been experimenting with other raw vegan recipes lately like raw choco-cado pudding! Oh that’s heaven right there.
I’m already working on a separate post about my choices in my lifestyle but I will say that over the last month or two, I have given up all animal products and have openly embraced a more plant based diet. There is a lot that that has gone into this decision for both Steve and I and it is definitely a work in progress and not something we have done over night, however we are enjoying this change and feel that this was the right choice for us at this point in our life.
I’ll be doing a review of Ani’s new book once I’m finished reading it and have tried a few recipes. I’m really excited because the food looks amazing!
In addition to Ani’s book I also picked up this book
While watching FoodMatters the other night I was intrigued by a therapy that was and is used on individuals fighting cancer. It’s called The Gerson Therapy and the very basic premise is using a plant based diet to help treat and cure cancer. I purchased the book because I wanted to know more.
I do absolutely believe that we are what we eat. Do I believe that it has the power to cure? I’m not sure yet but I’m leaning more towards yes and I’ll continue to seek out answers.
What do you think? Do you think we are what we eat?
Do you believe the latest nutritional advice given by magazine articles and other media sources or would you rather come to your own conclusion by seeking out the facts?
For me personally I’m a facts person. I’ve never been the type to believe something just because someone tells me I should. It’s a big reason why I do not believe in the idea of organized religion and so forth. I seek out my own information and form my own decisions based on the facts.
Even my dad says I’ve been that way since I was little. I think it’s up to us to be informed and educated when making our choices and we really shouldn’t rely on others to make them for us. That goes for everything and not just our diet, but how we view the spiritual world, politics, raising children and many other aspects of our life.
Do your homework first is what I always say.
I’m off to go make some food and clean up around the house. I’ve got some posts I’m working on this weekend and one of them is a super awesome giveaway so stay tuned!! I haven’t done a giveaway in awhile but this one will be good!
Have a great weekend friends.
XO,
18July2010
Posted by Stephanie under: Uncategorized.
Wow I hope everyone is staying cool in yet another summer heat wave! It’s been HOT around here but I’m certainly not complaining. Summer is always too short and our New England winters way too long so I embrace these mini heat waves when we have them.
After enjoying the weather at the Farmers Market this morning I ran a few other errands that needed to be done. One of those errands I’ve been meaning to do for a long time. But before I tell you what that is, let me tell you that I did something a little crazy the other day.
I signed up for another half marathon.
A few days ago I was on the verge of ending my relationship with running…or rather long distances at least. I haven’t really done much of it since the NYC half. And since I started embracing more strength training I noticed that my body felt so much better and less sore then I always seemed to be from all the running.
When I was running 5 days a week and logging more miles, my knees always seemed to bother me and I always felt sore or tired. So when I successfully finished my first half I took a break.
Recently I pondered if running was still for me…I mean I owe a lot to running. It changed my life. I even swore that I would always be a runner…but I haven’t been doing a lot of lately.
A couple of guys at work have been pestering me at work about the B.A.A Half Marathon which is sponsored by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.
Both have run it before and said it’s a gorgeous course and one that just shouldn’t be missed. But I was feeling more like I wouldn’t mind if I missed it.
Registration day came and after 15 minutes of “You should just do it” “Oh I don’t know” “It’s a great course and a great cause” “Maybe…” “Don’t think about it just do it” I stopped thinking about it and just signed up…literally minutes before registration closed. The race was full in a matter of 2 hours.
The more nerve wracking aspect of the race (besides the fact that I now am training for one) is that this race has a 2 and half hour cut off. I finished my first half in 2:27. YIKES!!
It’s time to get serious.
I started by doing something that I should’ve done awhile ago.
I traded in my old
For something new
My old pair of Nikes were over two years old and the first pair of running shoes I ever owned. I definitely didn’t follow the 6 month rule when it comes to sneakers. And I wouldn’t be surprised if they played a part in a lot of my aches and pains.
I even still have the D-Tag from NYC on my sneakers … It’s kind of bittersweet.
I tried on a couple pairs before making my choice. I tried Asics first and jogged around the store. Then I tried a pair of New Balances. I was torn between the two so I tried on one of each and it was like night and day! The Asics felt light like I was running on air! The New Balances were big, chunky and heavy.
The Asics won hands down.
So now that I finally have a brand new pair of kicks (which also served as a distraction from the real issue), it was time to think about training for this thing.
If you recall, I didn’t really train properly for my first half. I started out with good intentions, but I have a hard time following through with schedules and plans like that. Probably why I still haven’t finished P90X.
I really want to do well and actually train properly this time around. I know it will make a world of difference in how I feel before and after the race, and how I perform.
So…any advice out there from folks on training plans and how you make them work for you? I know a big part of it is how bad you want it, and trust me, I want it but I still struggle with the structure. I seem to always want to gravitate with just doing things more leisurely and on my own terms.
Anyone else ever doing something like sign up for a race spur of the moment without really thinking about it? When I entered the lottery for New York it was totally random and I honestly thought I’d never be picked. I likes things to be a bit more spontaneous and without a whole lot of thought…If I think about things to much I tend to talk myself out of whatever it is I want to do.
Stay cool and have a great night folks. I’m going to go watch a movie and relax before bed. My family is down for the weekend so we’re having a nice BBQ in Nahant tomorrow!
XO,
13July2010
Posted by Stephanie under: Uncategorized.
I’m currently on a mission to make my way through the excessively large zucchini I picked up on Saturday.
Tonight I’d thought I’d try a recipe for Zucchini Crust Pizza since I was kind of in the mood for pizza. I’ve made crust with cauliflower before and enjoyed it although I’m still trying to figure out how to make it more crispy…if it’s even possible.
I was hoping I’d have a little bit more luck with the zucchini crust since their recipe called for flour.
I made a couple changes to the recipe by using a little less egg whites and adding some milled flax and seasonings to the mixture hoping it might make for a “dryer mixture”
I added tomato paste with garlic, mushrooms, peppers and some slices of tomato for good measure. It looks like it would be quite tasty wouldn’t you agree?
Well don’t let looks deceive you because it was actually quite awful. Yes folks, this was a kitchen flop. It was complete mush. The consistency of it totally turned me off.
I opted for Eziekiel toast with mashed avocado and tomato instead. Much better.
Operation eat giant zucchini isn’t off to a very successful start.
What about you? Any kitchen flops lately? They can be such a bummer when you’re hungry and ready to sit and relax
Short and sweet tonight but I’m going to turn in early and enjoy a book and the AC upstairs.
Have a good night!
XO
12July2010
Posted by Stephanie under: Nibbles; Sunday Prep; Uncategorized.
How was everyone’s Sunday?
Mine was busy! I spent most of the afternoon cleaning, laundry and getting ready for the week. This is the first time I’ve had a chance to sit down.
A good portion of my afternoon was spent in the kitchen preparing my fruits and veggies for the week.
Remember the Kale I bought yesterday at the Farmers Market? Well today I attempted Averie’s Kale Chips.
It was pretty funny trying to explain to Steve what exactly it was that I was making. But he usually just smiles and shrugs his shoulders. He’s open to whatever crazy ideas I come up with or new recipes I want to try in the kitchen…so far anyway. I’ve yet to steer him wrong.
Unlike Averie, I don’t have a Vita-Mix (yet…a girl can dream, and hope, and pray for a miracle) so I used my food processor to blend all the ingredients.
Her “cheese” sauce came out nice and creamy but mine…well mine was slightly chunky
I couldn’t resist not trying it before I covered the Kale, so I pulled out a box of Mary’s Crack for a little taste test
Oh yeah…this is no joke folks. It was so so good! It reminded me of nacho cheese sauce but in a really healthy, non artificial way. It took all I could do to not eat all of it before I had a chance to make the actual chips!
Steve tried it too and was impressed that there wasn’t any cheese in it! I actually polished off the last of the Kale that I couldn’t fit onto a pan…oh shame.
Why have I waited so long to try Kale? This was delicious just like this and I’m pretty sure I cleaned the bowl with my finger. I’m classy like that.
Following Averie’s recommendations, I made my chips in the oven at 200 degrees with the oven door open a bit so that it worked more like a dehydrator would
It worked like a charm! It took a little over an hour, flipping them once in between. It’s a lengthy process but I’d say it was definitely worth it. I’ll probably make a big batch on Sunday’s so that I can snack on them during the week.
Don’t these look delicious?! I was so impressed with how they came out! Crispy and “cheesy”… oh so good.
Steve and I polished off a container of them right out of the oven. I’m officially a fan of Kale Chips. I’m thinking of making some spicy ones next time to mimic my old favorite BBQ chips.
Check out Averie’s site here if you want to try these for yourself. Which you must. They’re just that good. Really they are!
Peace out friends
XO
10July2010
Posted by Stephanie under: Farmers Market; Product Reviews; Uncategorized.
Hey friends!
I thought today would be a good day to catch up on all the happenings in my world. Which isn’t much but let’s just pretend it is and that it’s incredibly exciting.
This morning I woke up wanting to check out our local Farmers Market. I’ve been to a few in Boston on my lunch break but typically the markets near my place are always closed when I’m home on the weekends.
Then I heard about the Marblehead Farmers Market that’s open every Saturday from 9-12pm until October. Total score.
It’s a small market with about 6 local farms and a few other side businesses selling homemade goods like jams, salsas and other things.
The produce looked awesome and even Steve was really enjoying himself. He noted how pleasant and happy everyone seemed to be. Much better then the over crowded grocery stores.
We also picked up some ice coffee for only a buck! I had mine with soy milk and a packet of Stevia that I had in my purse.
We had such a nice time walking around and talking to some of the folks that worked at the farms. And honestly how can you beat local produce at such a low cost? We scored some great veggies for less than $16.00!
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Scallions
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Tomatoes
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Cucumbers
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Corn
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Kale
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GIANT Zucchini
This zucchini is massive. It weighed in at a little over three pounds. Poor Steve said he felt a little intimidated.
One of the guys that worked in the fields said that zucchini is one of the fastest growing vegetables. Two days ago that zucchini was about 4 inches long. Now it’s a beast! He credits it to all this sun we’ve been having.
I hope I can come up with some great recipes for zucchini. We’ll be eating this thing all week.
I also picked up some Kale. This is brand new to me. I’ve never tried it before because, truth be told, it’s always intimidated me a little bit. But a few weeks ago Steve and I made a pact that we would try a new fruit or veggie every time we go shopping. I’ve been pretty curious about these “Kale Chips” that I see all over the blogosphere so this bunch had it’s destiny predetermined the second I laid eyes on it.
Other happenings? Well I am now a proud owner of a library card!
It sounds kind of lame I know, however I haven’t had a library card since I was about seven years old. It was actually a sad sight when I walked in and realized I didn’t remember how to find books in a library. Lucky for me the old school card system was replaced with computers so I managed just fine.
I’ve been reading like crazy lately (which reminds me of the two book reviews I need to post.) I’ve been like a sponge with information and my bill statements where starting to look like I had a major Amazon addiction.
Our local library is just a short walk away from where we live so it’s a win win situation all around. I can hear my debit card thanking me already.
Oh and in other really exciting news!? I just purchased this baby:
The Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain. Oh yes…I’m introducing juicing into my life.
I chose this juicer because it was under $100 and received great reviews. Since I’m new at this I didn’t want to spend a large amount of money on a juicer. I did compare a lot of brands out there and the Breville got the best reviews hands down.
Questions for you:
- Any juicers out there? What’s your favorite fruit/veggie combination? I bought some fresh ginger with the intentions of using it my morning juice but I haven’t figured out what to juice yet. I still need to pick up some lemons and limes too.
- Do you have a public library in your town and do you use it? I wish I took advantage of the library sooner. As much as I love to expand my personal library, it’s a great way to save some money yet still enjoy a good read.
- What’s your favorite way to eat zucchini? I definitely love it grilled with some olive oil and black pepper. I don’t really care for it when it gets over cooked and becomes too soft.
Well I’m going to go grab myself a snack and then get ready for an evening out with Steve and a few friends of ours. We’re heading out to this place called Kowloons for dinner to celebrate a birthday. I’ve never been, but it serves Japanese and Thai food I’ve heard, so I’ve really got my fingers crossed for some sushi tonight.
Have a fab weekend!
XO,
2July2010
Posted by Stephanie under: Product Reviews; Recipes.
I try to spend a couple hours every Sunday to prepare some snacks and lunch options for the week a head. This past Sunday I wanted to bake a protein packed snack (as I typically do) but I wasn’t really feeling my usual protein bars. I wanted to try something different.
Then I remembered a post I read the week before by my favorite protein girl and I knew exactly what I wanted to make. I didn’t have all the ingredients that she used in hers but I did have a few things that I thought might work just as well.
I had just received a package from the good people of NuNaturals that included a ridiculous amount of their products. I felt like a kid on Christmas when I opened this up and couldn’t believe how generous they were.
This was the first company that had reached out to me to see if I would be interested in reviewing their products on my blog. After a few emails and checking out their website, I knew that it was definitely something that I could support, so I agreed.
Disclaimer: I received these products for free from NuNaturals but the my opinions and thoughts regarding these products are my own: the good, the bad and the ugly.
The NuStevia Sweetener Baking Blend appeared to be a perfect substitute for the Splenda that was used in the original recipe and the best part is that it’s a apples to apples substitute. Meaning if a recipe calls for a half a cup of sugar, then you simply use a half a cup of the baking blend! Simple enough.
So now I had the sweetener figured out, I just needed something to take place of the pumpkin puree.
I had a large sweet potato sitting on the counter begging to be used and since I knew that sweet potato was commonly used in place of pumpkin or squash, Sweet Potato Protein Muffins were born.
Sweet Potato Protein Muffins (Adapted from Pimp My Protein Shake)
Makes a 12 regular sized muffins
Ingredients:
- 3 egg whites
- 3/4 NuStevia Sweetener Baking Blend
- 1 large sweet potato (peeled, cooking and mashed)
- 3 scoops of vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
The result were these gloriously moist and slightly sweet muffins. Steve and I were both in awe of how wonderful these were and it was decided, in the midst of mouthfuls and moaning, that these were definitely a keeper.
Nutrition Facts: 49 Calories, .1g Fat, 8g Carbs, and 6.1g Protein (per muffin)
Given the low calorie count I often ate a muffin stuffed with almond butter along side my morning smoothie or sometimes right before a workout. It was perfect and I’m excited to make these again. Next time I plan to take Allie’s tip and double the batch so that I can freeze some.
And as far as my thoughts on using the NuStevia Baking Blend? Well at first I was a bit turned off by the smell and texture when I opened it up. It’s powdery and doesn’t really have a sweet smell so I was a little nervous that it might taste a little…off. But that simply wasn’t the case at all. The muffins were subtly sweet and had a great texture…no off putting taste at all. My first experience with this product was certainly a positive one, but to be fair I’ll try it out in a few more recipes to see how it holds up.
And if you love spice cake, then try these muffins with some chopped walnuts and raisins!
Enjoy!
XO,
27June2010
Posted by Stephanie under: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness.
This post is a little long over due but because of this rainy afternoon we’re having, I’m reminiscent of the Florida sunshine, so what better day then today to share these memories with you!
This wasn’t just any vacation. This was special and would never have been possible if it weren’t for two very special foundations, Memories of Love and the Dream Foundation.
The Dream Foundation was founded in 1994 and is the first national wish granting organization for adults with terminal illness. It’s like Make-A-Wish but for big kids!
Memories of Love was founded in memory of a Florida native who passed at the very young age of 32. They help parents with terminal illness live out their dreams of a Florida vacation with their families.
My dad has worked hard all his life and the one thing he has always wanted to do is to be able to take his family to Disney. These two foundations finally made that dream possible for my dad and in May we packed up and and headed to the sunny state of Florida.
My family stayed for 8 days courtesy of the Dream Foundation and Memories of Love, but because I was 26 years old I wasn’t really considered a “minor” anymore so I had to fly myself down to spend a few days with them. I didn’t want to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to make memories with my dad in one of the most magical places around.
Here’s a brief photo recap of some of those memories:
Morning workouts with the kids which produced more fits of laughter then beads of sweat…
What a life…personal fans to keep you cool wherever you went.
And what’s a trip to Disney without silly hats?
Or a spin on the tea cups?
Dad’s favorite ride.
Late night champagne by the pool was had…
…and pizza in bed at midnight was shared.
Three of the neatest little people I know.
I shared my baby brothers first experience with sushi…
…but it didn’t go quite as planned.
And after three relaxing nights and two fun filled days it was time to pack my things and head home. But the laughs and memories I shared with my family (minus my other sister who was unable to come) will always be cherished and remembered.
Thank you Memories of Love and thank you Dream Foundation for making this dream come true for my dad and my family. We are so very thankful for the time and the opportunity.
XO,
17June2010
Posted by Stephanie under: Uncategorized.
I have only worked out twice this week.
I slipped off the P90X bandwagon and haven’t followed consistently for almost three weeks now.
I hit the snooze button so many times I sleep through my scheduled morning workouts.
More then once I’ve eaten until I’m more then comfortably full.
I’ve had a lot of wine lately.
I have not run more than three miles since my half marathon.
I have spent countless hours stressing out about all of the above.
But you know what?
14June2010
Posted by Stephanie under: Product Reviews; Recipes.
A few weeks back, Ryan sent me and the other Hollaback girls a box of POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice to test drive for our blogs.
I was a little apprehensive when I received the box. Not being much of a juice drinker I suddenly had no idea what I was going to do with all this juice!
The girls were pumping out some delicious recipes like French Toast with POM Syrup, Twisted Chicken Tacos, and POM-Oatmeal. I needed to deliver.
The beauty of POM Wonderful 100% juice is that it’s just that: 100% juice. It contains no added sugars, preservatives, coloring or cheap filler juices.
Scientific tests also show POM to be a great source of antioxidants and is more potent then red wine, green tea, cranberry juice and blueberry juice (source).
Being the antioxidant powerhouse that it is, it suddenly came to me that it would be perfect in a protein bar!
Chocolate POM Protein Bars.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups quick oats
- 1 1/2 cups powdered non-fat milk
- 1 cup sugar-free pancake syrup
- 2 egg whites, beaten
- 1/4 POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 3 scoops chocolate protein powder
Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl and blend well. In a separate bowl combine egg whites, POM juice, oil and the sugar-free syrup and blend well. Add liquids to dry ingredients and mix until blended. It will be nice and thick similar to cookie dough. Spread the batter in a 9×12 baking dish that has been lightly greased. Bake until edges are crisp and brown. Cut into 16 bars.
Nutrition Facts: 123 calories, 3.9g fat, 14g carbohydrates and 9.5g protein (per bar)
The bars came out a little dense for my liking but I liked the flavor. Next time I will add more oil or applesauce to achieve a moister bar. In the meantime I’ll enjoy these bars as an afternoon snack with my favorite nut butter smeared on top and and ice cold glass of water.
Thank you POM Wonderful for the samples! I’m thinking next time I’ll try some in a vinaigrette for salads.
XO
