MERCI GRACIAS DANKE GRAZIE THANKS!

Thanks for stopping by my blog. You will find something new everyday from my current workout routine, restaurant reviews, random internet findings,vacations, recipes, rants/raves etc. Enjoy :)

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

London!

My mom and I are headed to London December 19-27th! We will be spending Christmas there obviously. I have never been and I am super excited. I cannot wait to play tourist! Talk to you all when I get back. Happy Holidays!


Wednesday, December 9, 2009

It's been awhile!

Sorry for not blogging lately. Life has been hectic. I still have been training for my half marathon and getting into the Holiday spirit. I am super excited for my Ugly Christmas Sweater Party this weekend as well as going to London for a week over Christmas! I wish you all a safe happy and healthy Holiday Season.


Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Yay I won! Free Running Gloves!

I won my frst raffle ever in my life last night! I never win anything haha. Ive been going to run club pretty much every week and never win sneakers. Nike, Asics, New Balance, have all come. I have gotten some pretty cool freebies...water bottles,shirts, hats etc. Well I was thinking of buying a pair of cold weather running gloves. I got so excited when I heard they were giving gloves away in the raffle. Well I won!! Theyre $20 retail price so that was pretty awesome!

Theyre Mizuno Breath Thermo Gloves

FEATURES

Breath Thermo changes body moisture to heat for additional head warmth
Reduces temperature loss
Superior moisture absorption
Anti-bacterial and deodorizing functions


Thursday, November 5, 2009

Food Find: Trader Joes Lite Kettle Corn

Trader Joe's Lite Kettle Corn is freakin amazing....it comes with 6 individually packed bags for $2.99....all natural ingredients and really filling! 2pts perbag.


November will be busy!

I cannot believe its November already. Where does the time go? Weve entered the "dark times" and now the holiday season has begun. Unfortunately, I will not be celebrating my favorite holiday this year, Thanksgiving
:(. I have to work and I am not close enough to join family festivities. That will be made up for with a week in London over Christmas! I am excited for our "Fugly Christmas Sweater Party" on December 12th though. It should be a blast.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Halloween!

I had a blast on Saturday doing a Pub Crawl around Boston with my faves....Here are a few pics!





Saturday, October 24, 2009

Fall Clothes!

Well I spolied myself last night and got a few new sweaters and 2 pairs of boots! I needed some multi purpose clothes for work and play. H&M is having a buy one get one free on knitwear. I got a cute fushia sweater and a cream colored sweater dress. Then I went to DSW and got a pair of flat brown suede ankle boots and a pair of knee length black flat boots! I am going to be styling this fall and winter :)

Monday, October 12, 2009

10K under my belt!!

Check out "My Road to Success" 1/2 Marathon Training Blog for my 10K success story!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Monday, October 5, 2009

New York City!

This weekend I spent the weekend in NYC with my 3 college roommies for Jennas 25th Bday Celebration! We had such a blast. We ate dinner at Bella Luna and went out at Fat Baby check out these awesome places!






















Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Hamburger Helper Dish that doesnt come from a crummy box!

I made this interesting dish that can most closely be compared to hamburger helper...something Ive never really even eaten...but this recipe turned out better than expected so I decided to post to see if it interests others.

Ingredients

1lb of lean ground turkey
1 cup of cooked whole wheat pasta
1 package of sliced white mushrooms
1/2 cup of Vodka Sauce
1 tsp of cumin
1tsp of garlic powder
1/4 cup Worchestershire Sauce
Spray olive oil

Cook ground beef  with garlic powder and cumin until no longer pink, then drain excess fat/water
Cook mushrooms in Olive oil/Worchestershire Sauce until soft
Cook pasta as directed
Add mushrooms ground beef and pasta to skillet, add in Vodka sauce and let simmer until everything is mixed

Voila you have a quick and easy meal with protein, starch and veggies in less than 20 mins!!...Serves 4 6 ww pts

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Fall is here.....

It is officially Autumn...there are so many things I like about Fall....the cool crsip sunny days, changing leaves, Halloween, Pumpkin flavored everything, Thanksgiving (which im working but I think my mom is coming to my apartment to make us dinner after I get out of work!)......I am totally taking advantage of the fall for my 1/2 Marathon training to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Boston landscapes before the snow comes!

Found this pic of Boston Common in the fall on http://www.yetanotherblog.com/


Tuesday, September 22, 2009

My Friends Rock!

I just want to give a shout out to Jenna and Steve...they are best friends from college who have booked the weekend in Disney to cheer me on for my 1/2 Marathon! Its a great feeling to know friends care that much to take time off of work and spend hundreds of dollars for you! Mickey is a bonus :) I hopefully have some other friends booking soon!! THANKS GUYS I <3 You!

iPhone Apps

I <3 the iPhone...Ive had it since february and its the best phone ever haha...they even came out with a WW app which is wayyyy better than WW mobile...Def check it out if you are using the mobile version and have an iPhone!

Monday, September 21, 2009

My New 1/2 Marathon Training BLOG

I decided to create another Blog to track my running progess for the 1/2 Marathon I am running in March 2010. Please visit http://roadtosuccess13.blogspot.com/ and follow my new blog there!!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Pumpkin Patch Muffins

Ingredients:
1 cup(s) canned pumpkin
1/2 cup(s) packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup(s) Butter
2  eggs
2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp table salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix pumpkin, brown sugar, butter and eggs in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture. Spoon the batter into 18-cup muffin tin lined with paper liners. Bake for 20 minutes. 2 ww pts each!


Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Social Boston Sports (SBS) Running Club

I joined a second run club that meets Saturdays at 10am for the next 6 weeks. Each week its a new route around Boston. Here is the first run!


http://www.socialbostonsports.com/

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

UPDATE: ITS OFFICIAL!

I signed up for the 1/2 Marathon in Disney...I am so psyched!!

Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend March 5-7 2010

Well I am looking towards the future...Assuming I successfully complete the 10K next month, I am signing up for the Disney's Princess Half Marathon on March 7, 2010. My Mom as well as a few good friends have agreed to fly to Disney World for 4 days to cheer me on. My Dad and Step Mom already live in Florida, so they will be there as well. I have almost 6 months to gain another 7 miles and I know I can do it. Once I get through the 6.2 miles, I know Ill have the strength to push forward. Again its an all womens race so it should be very empowering!!I cannot wait! Plus I <3 Disney!! It will be great to get back there. I also hope to be in even better shape physically by then which will gradually make running even easier!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Rascal Flatts Concert!

I am going to see Rascal Flatts in concert tonight with my best friend from college, Jenna. Unfortunately, it is raining in MA and its outdoors. Hopefully it stops raining before 7pm!!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

I <3 City Sports

So my new obsession is buying workout clothes. I go to city sports at lunch and always come out with something. I figure investing in exercise clothes is fine as long as you use them. I have been working out pretty much daily since july. I wish I was seeing greater results but it will come with time. I signed up for another run club. This one cost $20 for 6 sessions on satuday mornings through Social Boston Sports. I'm hoping to meet some new people while training for my 10K. I really like the run club through City Sports as well. I've been running 3.68 miles with them. In 2 weeks im going to join the 5 mile group!

So here are my new buys for running outdoors this fall.....The shirt isnt the exact one..but simliar..can't wait to wear them in the next few weeks as the fall air sets in!

Friday, September 4, 2009

Cape Cod for Labor Day

I am heading home to visit my Mom for labor day. For those of you who don't know, I grew up in South Yarmouth on Cape Cod. It is a lovely place to visit in the summer and fall. Can't wait to get boiled Lobsters!!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

WW Banana Muffins

Britt and I both bought bananas this week so we had 7 or 8 around. I don't really like them once they get brown spots and we are both going home this weekend, so I said lets make Banana Muffins! I found a great WW recipe for 3pt muffins. They are really moist and delicious :)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup(s) sugar
1 egg
2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
4 large banana(s)
5 Tbsp Butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line 18 muffin holes with paper liners.

Place sugar and butter in a large bowl; cream until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; mix thoroughly.

In another large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add half of flour mixture to butter mixture; mix well. Add milk and remaining flour mixture; mix until batter is combined and then fold in mashed bananas.

Spoon batter into muffin liners about 3/4 full. Bake until muffins start to brown and a tester inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Allow muffins to cool.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Running Club!

Tonight I am checking out a running club in Boston. City Sports has a free program where you go at 6pm on Tuesdays and they go on 1-3 or 4-6 mile runs in the city. I thought this would be perfect for my 10K training. I am going to try the 1-3 miler tonight and see where the routes are etc. It will be great to meet people with similiar goals/interests. So hopefully its fun and a good workout!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Fabulously Low Fat Mac & Cheese!

My friend Sarah made this amazing baked Mac & Cheese. I decided to make a Low Fat version and it’s equally amazing and it’s ready in 30 mins!

Ingredients:

1 can of Cream of Cheddar Soup (In with all Campbell's soups at the Store)
1/2 box of any small cut pasta (Shells and Rotini work best...I use Multi-Grain/Whole Wheat)
1/4 cup Skim Milk
1 Tbs of Light Butter
2 Egg Whites
Salt and Pepper
1 bag of 2% Milk Reduced Fat Shredded Cheese (I like the 4 cheese Mexican Blend)
1/4-1/2 cup of Bread Crumbs (Optional) I have no preference sometimes I use them, sometimes not.

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees

In a bowl combine cheddar soup, milk, egg whites, salt and pepper...stir until gooey consistency.

Cook Pasta as directed then drain, add to baking dish and mix in butter to coat pasta.

Pour cheese mixture over pasta...it should sink through to the bottom without mixing.

Sprinkle bread crumbs on top (if using)

Then add shredded cheese on top. Depending on how much pasta your 1/2 box makes, add cheese as you like to cover the top of the pasta to the edges.

Bake at 350 Degrees for 20 mins covered with Foil....I then take the foil off and bake for 5 more mins to make sure cheese melts on top.

Yields about 4-6 servings if cut into squares

Enjoy :)

 
PS. This isnt my photo. I forgot to take one last night when I made it, but its very similar!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Saturday Shopping

Well it's a very rainy Saturday in Boston. I went out to go to the Apple Store to see why my iPhone WIFI wasnt working. The guy Paul was really nice and gave me a new phone even though he wasnt supposed to!! Next I stopped by my favorite clothing store Anthropologie. One day when I'm rich I'll buy all my clothes there :). I didn't find any clothes I liked that were under $100 haha but I did find this awesome rug on sale to put next to my bed. Its a little smaller than I would have liked but I think it goes well with my new comforter. Next was a pair of Rain boots. I've gone almost a year without them so I decided it was a good day to purchase a new pair, considering its a monsoon out there. They are a cute Zebra print!



Friday, August 28, 2009

RIP DJ AM

It has sure been a crazy year for Celebrity deaths...most recently Ted Kennedy which is a big to do since I grew up on Cape Cod. Tonight they announced DJ AM has died of unknown causes (drug overdose speculated). Although I do not know a lot of his work, I hear that he is very well respected within the music community. The crazy thing to me is that I had a chance to see him DJ at Pure which is in the Ceasars Palace Hotel in Las Vegas. I went there for Spring Break my senior year of college and he happend to be spinnin' the night we went. I hope that he is in a better place now. I took the below photo in March 2007.

Nike+

A few days ago I bought a new pair of Nike Running Shoes. I also decided to get the Nike+ system. Its a chip that goes into your sneaker and a piece that plugs into your Ipod. It tracks speed distance and calories burned. It transmits your information to http://nikerunning.nike.com/nikeplus/ so that you can track ytour progess. It is $29. I think this will be an excellent training tool for my 10K.


My First Run!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Cabot Cheddar Minis

For all of you that know me well and not so well....I love Cheese! It is my favorite food in the world. I will eat it on anything. For the record, the past few months I have tried to only eat it with one meal. Some days I am successful other days not so much. Another disclaimer is that at home I always have reduced fat cheeses. This was until this little bit of heaven was found at Whole Fods. I was snooping the cheese section (of course) and I came across these Cabot Sharp Cheddar Minis. It is 3/4 oz and the NI is 80/7/0 with 5gms of Protein. It is the perfect addition to a piece of fruit or after you eat a sandwhich. They are 59 cents a piece. On the Cabot website you can buy a box of 100 individual packages for $44.99. That is a lot of money for cheese and wayyyy too much temptation for a cheese binge. In any case you should check them out because they are delcious!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

http://greer718.blogspot.com/

http://greer718.blogspot.com/ is the new file path to my blog!

Christmas In London

My Mom and I are going to London for a week December 20-27th. I am super excited because I have wanted to visit London for awhile. We spent last Christmas in Paris which was amazing. As I was researching things to do I came across Afternoon Tea at the Ritz. Doesn't this look amazing? We are going on Dec 23rd!

At Christmas The Ritz becomes more magical than ever; a spectacular Christmas tree takes pride of place in the lobby, cascades of lights hang from the rotunda above.

Christmas Afternoon Tea
Enjoy a special festive afternoon tea in the spectacular Palm Court on selected dates over Christmas, which will include a glass of Champagne along with our traditional choice of several varieties of tea, finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, jam and clotted cream and a range of delicate pastries. Your tea will be accompanied by carol singers.

(http://www.theritzhotel.co.uk/tea/Christmas_tea.asp)

Monday, August 24, 2009

Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women

I just signed up for my first 10K race. The past two years I ran in the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge 3.5 Mile races. After successfully running 5 miles this weekend I decided it shouldn't be too hard to tack on another 1.25 miles by October 12, 2009. I am super excited to take on this challenge!!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

5 Miles!

This morning I ran 5 miles at the gym. Can't say the last time I got that far without stopping once. Usually 3 miles is my max! I'm thinking of signing up for the Tufts 10K women's run in October...I've done 2 5Ks before but well see.

I'm off to Meet Melissa and Brian for Dinner at Temple Bar. I've never been but here its great :)

Friday, August 21, 2009

Happy 2 Year Anniversary


Today is my 2 year anniversary at work. Ironically my department is battling one of the biggest challenges in years today. I will definitely need a well deserved celebratory drink tonight. Time Flies!

Jazzy Friday

Yes it is finally here...everyones' favorite day of the work week! I don't have much planned this weekend YET but I am trying something new tonight. Brittany decided it would be fun to go to a jazz club for some drinks. We will be smoking cigars and drinking scotch on the rocks for sure....JK. I'm not sure which place were going to but we know there are a few in the city somewhere. So cheers to you all and happy Friday :)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Hmm what to have...

So tonight I am going out to dinner with some girlfriends to the Grafton Street Pub in Cambridge, MA. I have been to this place before and it has great food and a nice atmosphere.

Im probably going to get....
Pan Roasted P.E.I. Mussels - pernod, lobster stock and scallions, grilled toast and a small house/ceasar salad!

Should be great!

UPDATE: They did not have mussels:( I had a cheeseburger and some mixed greens (NO FRIES!)

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Workout Ephiphany


So I just got back from my total body conditioning class. I am offically off my three week "probabtion". Olyver, the witty hard ass instructor, says that you have three weeks before you really have any idea what the hell youre doing and hes right. After the first class every muscle in my body hurt up until a day before the next class. Last week a few different muscle groups hurt, but only for 2 days. Now who knows whats in store for tomorrow. But the great thing is that tonight I felt more confident with the moves and I was amazed that I was actually acheiving something without laughing at myself. So my point here is that acheiving anything comes down to the simple fact that the more you do something the better you get at it. Even a 3 year old knows that. Just something struck home tonight when I realized that exercising is just another facet of life. It needs to be built into my life just like going to work in the morning. I think back to all the wasted months of avoiding the gym and Its a shame. But the past is the past. Now I have changed for the better and I have a healthy obsession with working out and it feels great. I can't wait for the day when I have perfected this class and I see a new person walk in with that same nervous look I once had. I will smile to myself knowing that I worked my ass off (literally) to get to this point.

My New Favorite Breakfast


1 cup of non fat plain yogurt
A handful of fresh/frozen mixed berries (blueberries and raspberries mix well)
1/4 cup of Bare Naked FIT Vanilla almond crunch granola

Mix and Enjoy!

Getting Stronger, Burning Fat

Over the past few months Ive beeng kicking up my gym routine a lot. I try to go everyday, but I've been averaging 5 days a week. I am starting to see and feel results for sure. Here is a copy of my workout routine if you're looking for a schedule. I belong to the Boston Sports Club in Allston and I love it!

This is what I shoot for:

MONDAY: 1 hr of Spinning
TUESDAY: 30 mins of Cardio (Running/Eliptical)& 1 hr of Yinyasa Yoga
WEDNESDAY: 30 mins of Cardio (Running/Eliptical) & 1hr Total Body Conditioning Class (Includes: 30 mins of pilates/abs, 15 mins of arms, 15 mins of legs)
THURSDAY: 30 mins of Cardio (Running/Eliptical)
FRIDAY: 30 mins of Cardio (Running/Eliptical)
SATURDAY: 1 hr of Spinning
SUNDAY: 1 hr of Spinning

Brunettes Have More Fun

I decided to dye my hair dark for the fall. I didn't think the blond highlights really suited my coloring/eyes. It just got too light. Right now it is much darker than my natural color but it should fade out soon. I do really like it :)

Happy Hump Day Everyone.....few more days to go till the weekend.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

TEAM.....


Is it 11/20 yet??

While Im on the subject of Twilight this is pretty cute...

Amazing Fish Tacos

A few pieces of fresh cod
1 lemon
olive oil
bunch of fresh cilantro
1 tsp of cumin

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

Take a big zip lock bag and squeeze the entire lemon in(remove seeds)
Add fish and drizzle with olive oil until it is covered
Add the cumin and cilantro
Marinate for 20 mins in the fridge

Then bake for 20 mins at 350 and Voila amazing fish to add to tortillas with all your favorite fixins!

My Favorite Things







A little bit of everything

Emily introduced me to her awesome blog. I figured it would be fun to share thoughts, ideas, findings....heres to a little bit of everything!