Pancakes Make Me Happy (Especially When They're Gluten Free)

8 Comments / Health & Wellness /

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I remember when I was a little kid, having pancakes for breakfast was just as exciting as seeing presents under the tree. Our family made such an event out of it. There were blueberry pancakes, banana pancakes, and my absolute favorite childhood flavor: chocolate chip pancakes. And of course we made a batch or two of plain, only to smother them in butter and Maple syrup. Seriously, there was nothing like pancakes for breakfast. 

Then I developed a gluten/wheat sensitivity two years ago, and haven’t been able to enjoy pancakes ever since. Seriously, I had forgotten what they tasted like. Last year, our roommates hosted a winter day brunch, and all I could eat were the eggs, fruit salad and bacon. The pancakes just sat there staring at me, with all of their ooey gooey goodness. Grr. I cursed them for containing wheat, but then again, I guess it’s not really their fault. 

Well, it wasn’t until this morning that I was brought back to childhood with a bite of some damn good pancakes. Yesterday while strolling my favorite place in the world -Trader Joe’s – I stumbled upon a box of frozen gluten free pancakes, and … Read More!

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Core Fusion is-a-workin’ (or something is)

24 Comments / Health & Wellness /

So I must say when I stepped on the scale this morning I was dazzled by my consistent 3 pound (plus some change) weight loss since two weeks ago. But not only did the number on the scale make me jump for joy, but I can feel it in my energy, my body and the way my clothes fit. I simply feel goooood, healthy and toned. 

I must be doing something right. Go me! First things first, I haven’t been fussing or freaking over my weight. And I think that’s a huge mistake many women make. When you constantly worry about your weight, it’s not going anywhere but up. Since I’ve been too busy to think about trivial things such as the number on the scale, those stubborn little pounds are beginning to melt away on their own. I tell you: stress does nothing but make matters worse when it comes to a healthy weight  loss. 

However, to be realistic, I’m obviously doing something right to make for the sudden drop in poundage. It’s not magic, after all! So what is it? I must say most of my thank-yous go out to Core Fusion Body Sculpt (and Rachel Wilkerson… Read More!

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A Cup O’ Tea: How to Make the Perfect Chai Tea Latte

4 Comments / Food & Recipes /

This is a post from the past, but it’s been burried for far too long and I felt today was the perfect crisp day to bring it back. You see it advertised all the time at Starbucks and other snazzy cafes: the infamous Chai Tea Latte. But there’s no need to travel to a cafe and spend money, time and fuss to enjoy the same flavor you can at home!

Drink this alternative, yet just as delicious, beverage after dinner to end your meal with something sweet ‘n’ tasty, or cozy up with this delicious cup o’ tea any time you need to warm up. Alas, the simple recipe for a perfect fall drink…enjoy!

-1 cup light organic vanilla soy milk (use plain if you don’t have vanilla)
-1 tsp. cinnamon
-1 tsp. nutmeg
-1 black tea bag (green works as well!)

1. Microwave the milk in a microwave safe mug for 1 1/2 minutes.
2. Seep the tea bag in the milk for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
3. Stir in the nutmeg and cinnamon. . . enjoy! (Really it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!)
 
“Heyyy girl!! i just
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TGIF & 3 Things I'm Pumped About

4 Comments / Health & Wellness /

TGIF! I think I can speak for everyone when I say this week was one of those weeks that just didn’t end, but now it’s safe to say that Friday is finally here. Ahhh. As you know I like to keep my Friday posts short ’cause I know it’s the end of the week and no one has time to read a novel right now. So I’m going to go ahead and entertain you with three things I’m pumped for at the moment. 

1. Not only is it Friday, but this single lady in the city is going on TWO dates this weekend, yes two dates…with two different guys! I don’t think I’ve had that much game since college. I’m starting to feel like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City. I’m excited to go out and feel out their personalities, and to not put all my eggs in one basket for once. Hello date weekend!

2. I’ve only done Core Fusion Body Sculpt twice so far, and am already feeling the burn in my legs ‘n’ tushy. Yay! I’m on my way to a hot butt and thighs in no time. I can’t wait to feel toned, … Read More!

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How to Have a Non-Lazy Rainy Day

2 Comments / Health & Wellness /

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Gew. I know yesterday I complained about the cold, but the only thing I dislike more than being cold (I swear I’m always cold) is rainy and cold ’cause now not only do I have goosebumps, but I’m wet, frigid and look like a drowned rat. I’d rather it be snowing; then at least there’s something pretty to look at and you can catch the tiny snowflakes on the tip of your tongue. But it looks like we’re stuck with the rain for the next few days. I have to admit: normally I become ultra lazy on rainy days, and have one of those not-so-productive days. It’s something about the dreary weather that makes me want to cuddle up with hot tea and do absolutely nothing. Also, my mind seems to wander more on rainy days…to unproductive, irrelevant places, once again contributing to my theory: Rainy days make me a lazy lady. 

BUT, and that’s a big but, today was different! I decided to not let a little wetness outside ruin all the fun…along with a whole day’s worth of productivity. And neither should you! I challenge you to make this rainy day a non-lazy day…take … Read More!

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Happy Hump Day: One Reason I'm Happy College is Over

3 Comments / Uncategorized /

Hump Day Lesson of the Day: Never underestimate what will grow in a college apartment. Seriously, just when you thought windex and wipes were enough, this pops up. I kid you not…


Ladies, I hope I don’t freak you out and make you run away from my blog forever, but this indeed is a mushroom…that grew in our apartment junior year of college. Scary, huh? Look at the size of that thing…look at the roots on that thing! Needless to say we freaked out and cleaned that shit for days. Happy Hump Day all! You’re almost through the week…Hope this, er, made you laugh or vomit or at least takes your mind off work for a sec. 

 


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Adding Sunshine Back into Your Life

8 Comments / Health & Wellness /

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Ok, seriously, what happened to the sunshine? If you live in New England you know exactly what I’m talking about. Just last week, I broke out a summer dress for a 75 degree day. Little did I know that would probably be the last time I see that dress until next June. It’s been in the 40s the past week, and frankly, it looks like it’s staying that way. Not to mention the fact that the sun goes down around 4 or 5 these days, and with Daylight Savings Time coming up in four days, it’s going to get darker even sooner! (Eek!) 

While this drastic weather change is expected for us New Englanders, it still doesn’t get any easier to watch the sunshine go and await for the snow to come, and let me tell you it’s-a-comin’ soon. Just yesterday my roommate said to me, “Looks like I’m gonna have to break out my sleeping bag coat much sooner than I thought.” You see, we both have these hideous, sleeping-bag insulated coats that keep us alive in the depths of winter. While we stored them away what seems like just yesterday, it looks like they’re going

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November Goals & Feel Better Butternut Squash

8 Comments / Food & Recipes, Health & Wellness /

Sorry my post was cut short yesterday with just a recipe. I wish I had a cool story like I was on a hot date, traveling overseas or pampering myself all day, but unfortunately it was quite the opposite. I had a terrible case of …dun dun dun…food poisoning. It was downright awful. For someone who hasn’t thrown up since I was 12-years-old after Oreos (minus that one time in college), it’s safe to say I was in complete misery. All I wanted was to be at home like a little kid where my mom could take care of me and bring me dry toast, crackers, and ginger ale. Well, the morning after my body is still recovering but I can at least get up to write a post, so I figured I’d share with you my November goals. It’s a new month, hence I feel there should be new goals. And if you know me, I’m always making little lists and personal goals for myself, so here goes!

1. To go on a date: Seriously it’s been too darn long. November is going to be the month of love for Rachel. OK, maybe not the month of … Read More!

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Trimmed Up Turkey Chili

3 Comments / Food & Recipes /

I seriously can not believe it’s November. What?! Where did all the time go? After Halloween, I feel like time flies by even faster. It goes Christmas, New Years, bam bam bam, and then suddenly it’s Valentine’s Day before you know it. Seriously, the malls are already all dressed up for Christmas, when just yesterday everything was orange and black with candy all over. Oh well, I guess it’s not all that bad that the weather’s getting colder, because now I can make tasty warm-me-up recipes such as these. Try this Turkey Chili and you’ll forget winter is comin’. I suggest you eat it with a slice of corn bread by the fireplace…

Ingredients:

-1 package lean or extra lean ground turkey
-2 8 oz cans tomato sauce
-1 14 oz. can crushed tomatoes
-1 large yellow onion, chopped
-1 red pepper, chopped
-1 clove garlic, crushed
-1 can black beans
-1 can corn
-1 jalapeno pepper, diced small
-2 TB olive oil
-2 TB chili powder
-1 TB cumin

1. Coat large soup pot with olive oil, and cook onion and red peppers on medium heat, stirring frequently. Add in garlic and simmer on low heat.

2. In the … Read More!

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Happy Halloween! 8 Treats Under 140 Cals

1 Comment / Health & Wellness /

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Happy Halloween weekend! I urge you to go ahead and enjoy yourself on this spooky, sometimes skanky, tasty holiday! But just in case you don’t want to have a repeat of what happened to me last year (let’s just say I overdid it a tad with the sweets), here are some simple treats 140 calories or less for you to enjoy, and keep yourself in check. Oh, and I highly suggest you to go out for a run/ long walk this afternoon so you’ll feel fresh, energized and ready for tonight’s festivities!

1. Candy Corn: 22 pieces, 140 calories 

2. Mini Peppermint Patty: 2 pieces, 106 calories

3. Shot of Smirnoff Orange Twist: two 1 oz. shots, 138 calories 

4. Gummy bears (pick out the orange ones): 10 gummies, 87 calories 

5. Halloween Sprinkled Munchkin donut, 2 donuts, 120 calories

6. Orange Segments, 1 large sliced orange, approximately 100 calories

7. Orange Oreoes,  2 cookies, 140 calories 

8. Vodka Seltzer Splash of OJ, drink made with 2 shots of plain vodka and splash of OJ, approximately 140 calories

And if you accidently over-indulge, this should help to de-bloat your tummy tomorrow … Read More!

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