DYK: "Auld Lang Syne"

photo from glo.MSN.com

Did you know.....

Though you may not know the exact words to "Auld Lang Syne," you've probably at least hummed the tune at past New Year's parties. Touched by the lyrics he allegedly received from "an old man," poet Robert Burns sent "Auld Lang Syne" to Scottish Musical Museum in 1778. Translated as "Times Gone By," the song's message is that, despite the pain in doing so, we must remember and toast to those we've loved and lost in order to keep them close to our hearts.

xoxo

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Starstruck

Yep, I still read her books.  They are entertaining reads.  And she is just gorgeous! 

"Remember that life was fun. Fun! To not enjoy it was not only stupid,
it was downright irresponsible."

xoxo

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4 minutes. no excuses!

Just tried this workout and it's awesome.  Great for a quick calorie burn, now time for a run!

0:00 - Squat Thrusts (Burpees)

0:20 - Rest

0:30 - Mountain Climbers

0:50 - Rest

1:00 - High Knees

1:20 - Rest

1:30 - Jumping Jacks

1:50 - Rest

2:00 - Squat Thrust (Burpees)

2:20 - Rest

2:30 - Mountain Climbers

2:50 - Rest

3:00 - High Knees

3:20 - Rest

3:30 - Jumping Jacks

3:50 - Rest!

4:00 - DONE and DONE!

xoxo

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stubborn love

"It's better to feel pain, than nothing at all. The opposite of love's indifference." :)


Stubborn Love - The Lumineers

xoxo

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agenda for today?

RUN! 

























xoxo


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egg white omelet delish!!

I ran out of my croissants today so had to improvise and make an omelet.  

Super simple though.

Ingredients: 

2/3 cup egg whites

1/4 cup chopped spinach

1 slice american cheese

sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for a added sweet taste :)

xoxo

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lift up your head, princess

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who doesn't love a grilled cheese?

Photo from: Greatist

Sooo, work was quite entertaining last night.  Not with the picky guest but the intellectual conversations among my coworkers.  Myself at the center of a hot topic.  "Grilled Cheese Sandwiches".  

Yep thats right.  This topic was quite the debate.  

How so you say?  Well, it all started with a new idea of making a grilled cheese in a toaster.  I pondered this process for a few days as I made my usual morning croissant sandwich and wondered how in the world are two slices of bread suppose to fit in to one slot in the toaster? (I suffered a severe blonde moment.) One of my coworkers who shall remain unnamed :P got a huge kick out of this.  

Long story short, the conversation quickly turned into a debate on how do you cook a grilled cheese?  I myself, make it a sandwich first then cook in the skillet.  However, others cook both slices in the skillet then put both slices together.  Bottom line is there is more than one way to make a grilled cheese sandwich. :)

End of story!

xoxo

Article: Everything you've ever wanted to know about the grilled cheese? Courtesy of Greatist.

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bounce!

Holy cow!  Just tried the whole "use a dryer sheet" to clean your baseboards thing.  Man, I really didn't think it would do a good job.  But I'm telling you I wish I had known this trick years ago.  So much easier than using a damp paper towel or a baby wipe. lol

Seriously, if you need to clean your baseboard which I know everyone is just dying to do like myself...haha Try it.  I used "Great Value" brand, tropical fiesta. hehe

xoxo

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quick 15 min workout!

If you only have a little bit of time to get in a quick workout....this was will only take you about 15 minutes.  It's short, simple and to the point...just how I like it. :)

This workout requires no equipment either. 


20 jumping jacks
10 crunches
5 pushups
10 calf raises
5 pushups
25 rep Russian Twists
10 squats
20 high knees
10 reverse crunches
5 pushups
10 calf raises
15 sec plank
20 jumping jacks
10 squats
10 sec side planks (each side)

Repeat once more then you're done, that's it. 

xoxo

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let the meter run

Currently listening to a new favorite...

Charlie Mars
"Let the Meter Run"


I know you want me 
But you don't want me to know 
I know you need me 
But you're afraid to show me 
If you're in the darkness 
And it's full of doubt 
I won't you to know that you can 
Make it through the heartache 
You can make it till the stars come out 

Put your head on my chest and...
xoxo

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green monster smoothie

So, I saw a picture of a "green monster" spinach smoothie.  I love spinach and even if you are not a huge fan you cannot even taste it in this smoothie.  I promise.  The peanut butter and yogurt definitely over power the spinach.  Don't be scared just try it. Just think of it as a green milkshake only healthier....much much healthier hehe.

Ingredients:

1 frozen sliced banana (unfrozen is fine too)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1/2 cup vanilla greek yogurt (I used Chobani)
1 cup skim milk (or soy/almond, your choice)
2 cups fresh spinach (the more you use the more green it is)

Throw all this into a blender and there you have it!  Green Monster Smoothie.  Delish :)


xoxo

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tis the season

It's that time of year again, "the holidays". Let's take this time to discuss some do's and dont's of holiday dining:

Do: Call in advance to check the current wait time and check to see if reservations are available

Don't: Ask, but "why do you not take reservations?" Get over it, we do not. 
So, sorry!

Do: Be respectful and courteous of others.

Don't: Get into an argument because someone cut you off in line, it's not that serious people, get over yourselves.

Do: Make healthy choices, you want that pasta with chicken, get it of course but eat just a portion size.  No need to expand your waistline even more.  

Don't: Eat the entire 2 lbs worth of pasta.  Keep half for lunch the next day :)

xoxo

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Do Them

xoxo

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Barre time

I prance around a lot.  At work at home even at the grocery store haha. It's true.  Barre workouts are super easy and super quick.  Doing a few moves a few times a week can really tone your body.  I found a really good video with a great workout.  Try it.  :)

Fitness Blender Barre Workout

xoxo

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less is more

I found this today and really liked it.  Take it for what it's worth.

Less sugar,
more fruit.

Less meat,
more vegetables.

Less soda,
more water.

Less driving,
more walking.

Less worry,
more sleep.

LESS WORDS,
MORE ACTION.

xoxo


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mmmm ice cream!

Ice cream is by far my favorite. Along with frozen yogurt.  I'm not kidding I eat this almost everyday unless it runs out haha. It's okay to eat sweets, just remember what you eat you must negate the calories. mmmm yummy! 

xoxo

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Just go!

Get up right now and do something.  Accomplish at least one thing today.  :) 

xoxo

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finally! 1.13.13

Orlando, Fl 1.13.13

YAY!  Registration finally opened.  I'm signed up.  Now, you should go do the same.  Live a little people....it's just paint.  Washes off.  :) 

xoxo

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new toy!

Time to play with this bad boy...super excited! YAY :)

Nikon D7000

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freeze em'

Frozen Grapes

I eat a lot of fruit.  But, I cannot always finish each and every last berry, grape or banana.  So, what better way to use them later than to "freeze em'". haha Frozen grapes have become one of my favorite little snacks.  You can also freeze blackberries, raspberries and bananas to use later for making smoothies.  Now instead of wasting my extra fruits I have something to snack on later.  Yum Yum.

xoxo

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interval training : Tabata style

Courtesy of "Greatist"

A 20 minute workout of alternating high/low-intensity periods burns more calories than a 20-minute workout of steady intensity. There are plenty of routines out there for interval training.  The most simplistic that I have found is the "The Tabata Method".  

3 mins warm up jog 
20 secs sprinting
10 secs walking
Repeat for 8 cycles

You can do this anywhere, even on a treadmill.  Up to you.  Get to it now. Ready.Set.Goooooo!!!!!

xoxo

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three

Think of a number.
Double it.
Add six.
Half it.
Take away the number you started with.
Your answer is three. 

If you are thinking, this doesn't really work.  TRY IT.  Okay, that is my silly random fact for the day.  Enjoy!

xoxo

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I agree

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one hour? are you kidding me?

Are you kidding me?

No I am not kidding you.  It's true.  Not all restaurants accept reservations.  Why you may ask?  It's because some restaurants, especially on a friday/saturday, constantly have a wait.  

It's going to be okay.  You are not starving I promise, there are plenty of other people in this world that are starving.  One should feel privileged to even get the opportunity to dine out.  So be grateful people. It's not that serious. 

But it's your birthday or a graduation or a wedding reception or you're pregnant or you have kids.  Well, ya know what thats fantastic.  The wait time will still be 60 mins.  Yes, ONE HOUR.  Take your pager and we'll see ya in ONE HOUR.  Thank you! Next please. :)

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craving some bbq? try this

mmmm BBQ Chicken Pizza....this was my first attempt at this kind of pizza, but I thought it turned out delicious!  Super quick and easy.

Ingredients:

1 naan/tandoori flat bread
1/4 cup Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce
1/3 cup of chicken (I used canned easier to make it shredded) 
1/4 cup of purple diced onions
6 chopped spinach leafs
1/2 cup of finely shredded cheddar cheese





To prepare:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix the chicken, spinach and onions with about 2 table spoons of bbq sauce in a small bowl. Spread the 1/4 cup of bbq onto the flat bread.  Spread chicken evenly and top with cheese.  Heat in the oven for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted to your liking. Use middle rack no baking pan, makes the flat bread a little more crispy.

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color me silly :p

I've heard this event is quite interesting.  I cannot wait to run it.  
Now if they would just open the registration already!! 

Who wants to join me?

Orlando, FL

December 2, 2012

Current running mix: Rock/Indie

Home - Phillip Phillips

Ho Hey - The Lumineers

She's So Mean - Matchbox Twenty

Angel Eyes - Love and Theft

I Will Wait - Mumford & Sons

It's Time - Imagine Dragons

Finally Found You - Enrique Iglesias feat. Sammy Adams

Some Nights - fun.

xoxo

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a lil bit of devil

Everyone has a lil bit of devil in them.  You just have to find it, use it and just be you. 
I love love love this song :)

"Angel Eyes"
Love and Theft

She likes whiskey with her water
She starts dancing when the stars come out
She ain’t your typical preacher’s daughter
She’ll leave you dreamin’ yeah there ain’t no doubt

There’s a little bit of devil in her angel eyes
She’s a little bit of heaven with a wild side
Got a rebel heart a country mile wide
There’s a little bit of devil in her angel eyes
A little bit of devil in her angel eyes

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Salmon anyone?

I do not eat red meat.  No real good reason I just don't. lol But I do eat lots of salmon & chicken. haha I love sandwiches and here is my specialty for a healthy "salmon sandwich" 

ingredients

 1 whole wheat bun

end result

 1 salmon burger
 1 slice of muenster cheese
 5-6 pieces of spinach
 1 dollop of spicy southwest mustard
 handful of sweet potato fries 

Salmon’s health benefits are awesome. It is power packed with disease fighting acids, minerals and vitamins. So whether you bake it, broil it, grill it or eat it raw salmon is a powerful addition to your healthy lifestyle. 

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GO PINK!

Pink for October

Dear breast cancer:

"Once again it is October and your name is on everyone’s lips.  The world has turned to a sea of pink and large and small corporations and companies look to make money based on your infamy and the fear that lurks in the hearts and souls of women the world over.  So many women, who buy this, support that, donate to this fundraiser, walk for 2 days, run for 5 kilometres and all the while, hoping and praying that you and they never come face to face."

Sherry Smyth

For the full story

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ready.set.go DO PUSHUPS!

The "Pushup".  Piece of cake.  I use this app to keep me motivated.  It's simple and to the point just like me. :) The goal is to be able to do 100 push ups at the end of 6 weeks.  Basically, it just tells you how many to do and counts down each set for you.  Each day/week progresses so by the end of week 6 you do a total of 100 push ups.   

Now, I do not have the strongest upper body so I do these "girlie" style haha on my knees.  Still effective and you will notice a change within the first week I promise.  Added calorie burn: do crunches in between each set.  

xoxo

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Run.

Soooo, I'm a runner.  Surprise! Many people ask how is that I keep my shape and well quite frankly believe it or not it's ALOT of work.  Running is one of the key exercises I do to keep in shape.  You can do it too.  (stay in shape that is) Just 30 mins of exercise a day will do it.  

Do ANYTHING that gets your heart rate up for 30 mins a day. Run, walk, bike, swim, jump rope, dance around your house like crazy etc.  No excuses!  Get it done!  You'll feel great when you're done too.  

Me?  I run.

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Know before you go...

Many people that choose to dine out pretty much know what type of table they prefer to sit at and are willing to wait for.  I can only read your mind so much.  I'm pretty great but not that great. :)

This is a joke, I cannot read your mind!

So here are the options:

A) The Bar
B) A table with just chairs
C) A Booth
D) A banquette (half booth, half chairs)
E) Does not matter, just thankful for getting any table

Those that choose (E) I love you!  

Quick tip:  If you know you'd like to sit at a booth just request for one when you first check in. It will make your dining experience much better for all parties involved.  Just sayin'!

xoxo

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Mumford & Sons :p

"I Will Wait"

It's here YAY!

And I came home

Like a stone

And I fell heavy into your arms

These days of dust

Which we've known

Will blow away with this new sun

And I'll kneel down

Wait for now

And I'll kneel down

Know my ground

And I will wait, I will wait for you

And I will wait, I will wait for you

xoxo

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mmm PICKLES!

My quick snack...a big ole PICKLE!  

Did you know....

• The mighty pickle is over 4,000 years old.
• Americans love pickles so much, more than half of the cucumbers grown in the U.S. each year become pickles.
• Cleopatra ate pickles because she believed they were one of the things that helped her stay beautiful.
• Americans love dill pickles twice as much as their sweet counterparts and an average American eats more than 8 pounds of pickles a year.
• July is national pickle month...yes there is a holiday people :)

xoxo

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In a rush.....PB&J Smoothie it is!

This smoothie is easy to make and taste delicious.  Packed with protein!

1/2 cup vanilla greek yogurt
1 banana
2 table spoons creamy peanut butter
2 table spoons strawberry jelly 
(yes, right from the jar)
4-5 ice cubes

put everything in a blender and mix up, add 1/3 cup milk if you want to make it thinner

ta da done and done ENJOY!

xoxo




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The Core Challenge

Just did this...you should too it doesn't take long at all. 15 minutes max. :)

The Core Challenge

50 crunches
15 push ups (on knees is perfectly fine!)
1 min. elbow plank
30 sec. side plank
1 min. bridge
15 push ups
1 min. elbow plank
30 sec. side plank
50 crunches
1 min. elbow plank
2 mins. bridge
50 crunches

xoxo

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Quick cardio workout- Jump rope

One of the easiest ways to torch about 11 calories a minute.  JUMP ROPE.  It's quick, easy and you will totally feel energized after.  

Here is my playlist:

About 15 mins 

"Shook me all night long" : AC/DC

"Summer of 69'" : Bryan Adams

"We Found Love" : Rhianna

"Perfect Gentlemen" : Wyclef Jean

xoxo

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How Many?

Can't fix stupid! Problem #112

This really happens.....

When dining out, it is essential when you are checking into the restaurant to include everyone in your party.  This is includes those little rug rats.  When we ask, "How many?" and you tell us 6 and we clearly see 2 little kids this would make 8. 

Let's see the math: 6 adults + 2 kids = 8 people not 6

Just sayin'!

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Never Forgotten 9.11.01

We will never forget...9.11.01

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Egg Whites & Fruit

Create a simple filling breakfast in less than 5 mins.

2/3 cup egg whites (equals about 2 eggs)
1 slice Kraft American cheese
a sprinkle of black peppercorn medley
4 strawberries
5 blackberries
5 raspberries
10 grapes

Just scramble in a non-stick skillet the eggs and cheese and top with pepper!

done and done :)

xoxo

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A few daily essentials

Here are a few daily must haves to keep going 120 mph throughout the day :)

1. Smartwater

I carry with me everywhere I go, refill it 2-3 times a day and I never use it more than 2-3 days in a row, a lil phobia of mine haha

2. Daily Vitamin (Women's One Daily)

I take this everyday with breakfast, vitamins are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, this particular one gives me lots of energy and is inexpensive.

3. Espresso (Dopio please)

Although I do have tons of natural energy, espresso and I compliment each other quite well hehe  Coffee is great too but espresso is less liquid and less calories :) 

4. Neutrogena Lip Gloss (natural)

 

I love this brand and have in five different shades. 

I'm not big on make-up but you gotta keep a lil color on those lips :) 

These are just a few daily essentials that I use. Keep checking back for more!

Enjoy!

xoxo

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Croissant + Fruit = Delicious

I eat this for breakfast EVERYDAY!  The only time I do not is when I'm traveling or the store ran out of croissants.  Could you imagine them running out and how disappointed I would be. haha it's true though, this is my favorite meal of the day everyday.  

It's so simple to make. 


1 Croissant, cut in half, toast 53 secs
1 slice of American cheese
1/2 cup liquid egg whites, microwave in a small round bowl 53 secs
5 blackberries
5 raspberries
4 strawberries
10 grapes

or any fruit of your choice

About 300 calories :)

mmmm yummy yummy enjoy!

xoxo

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Gone Girl

I'm not much of a book reader but from time to time I come across a good one and I can't seem to put this one down.  :) I'm about 5 chapters in and can't wait to read some more tonight! 

Marriage can be a real killer. One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn, takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. As The Washington Post proclaimed, her work “draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction.” Gone Girl’s toxic mix of sharp-edged wit with deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn.

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Just Breathe

Sometimes when you anticipate having a night off and then you get that dreaded phone call, "we need you". All you want to do is just scream but in the end if you just breathe and go with it everything will be ok. It's not that serious. :)


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