Monthly Archives: April 2012

Apr 30 2012

My Current Faves

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Hello all :)

I wanted to give a quick weekend recap before I jump into today’s post. Several of you wanted to know how the butter chicken poutine was on Friday night. I’m sorry to say, I never had it :( My friend and I dropped by the restaurant at 7pm and were told it was an hour and a half wait! That was incredibly disappointing. I was a complete starvin’ marvin’ and there was no way I was going to be able to last that long. It was college graduation in the city on Friday, from what I hear it was incredibly tough to get into a lot of restaurants. We ended up a cafe that was very good, though. I had been there a few times before, and I knew it wouldn’t disappoint.

I have still have my sights set on that butter chicken poutine though! I must have it.

After dinner on Friday, I was busy cleaning my apartment … I even scrubbed the inside of my shower!! Who says I don’t know how to party on the weekends? ;) I love showering in a freshly cleaned tub. I know I’m not alone there.

I had a serious workout Saturday morning. A hilly 10 mile bike ride, biceps/triceps/shoulders, and then headed home to do Bob Harper’s 15 Minute Yoga Abs (which I have a very strong love/hate relationship with … huuuuuuuurts). It felt good to get a big sweat session in. Then after spending some time working on Saturday afternoon, I stopped by a friend’s house to help him organize his freshly moved furniture and clothing. Remember the pickle challenge? It didn’t happen. But I still feel like I could have made Snooki proud. After helping him hang up his clothing (apparently he wears nothing but blue or brown), a girlfriend of mine and I camped out on my balcony armed with sangria, wings, hummus, sangria, cheese, pita chips, sangria, and more sangria. After knocking back a fair amount of that, we got all prettied up and headed to the nearest club to dance our butts off. My legs were actually sore yesterday.

….which meant I spent a lot of the day listening to Bethany Joy Lenz/napping/watching The Parent Trap (of which I know every line).

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I think it’s pretty clear that I’m a big TV watcher. Actually, my coworkers have mentioned several times how astounding it is that I watch the amount of shows I do, maintain a healthy lifestyle, have a social life, and get 8 hours of sleep every night. To be honest, I’m not quite sure how I do it either.

In addition to being a televisionaholic, I’m a pretty big bookworm. This is my nightstand:

So yeah, I like books.

For today’s post, I’ve decided to share my latest book/TV/music loves. Then I’m going to want to hear what your current loves are, too. I love trying out new music genres and watching new episodes of stuff online. So, please share :)

Latest book obsession:

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I’m definitely a Nora Roberts fan, and this is her newest book. Funny story – I gave it to my mom for Christmas and my parents also gave it to me for Christmas. The story involves the Montgomery brothers, who are refurbishing a historic hotel in BoonsBoro, Maryland. This particular novel (book one of a trilogy) focuses on Beckett Montgomery. There’s a romance involved. There’s a ghost living in the hotel. There’s more cheesy romantic references (each room in the inn is named after a famous couple). I’m loving it so far! I enjoy the way Nora Roberts builds her stories. I know that the other two books will be based on the other brothers, just like in the Bride Quarter (I LOVED that series).

Latest music obsession:

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I’m going to be honest, I fell in love with Gavin DeGraw’s newest album after seeing him perform on the One Tree Hill series finale. Listen to “Soldier”. You won’t be disappointed. Where I work, we take turns playing songs on YouTube all day long (we’re pretty fun, I know), and my coworker and I joke that 20, 000 of the 1.1 million views of “Solider” came from us. That’s probably not far from the truth ;)

Latest TV obsession:

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Funny. Smart. Inappropriate. Funny (again). I love 2 Broke Girls. Have you been watching? It’s really nice to see a show on TV that features smart (and HILARIOUS) women. It’s amazing. Kat Dennings does a fabulous job (can you say sassy?!), and Whitney Cummings is a creator. That spells winning right there. I highly recommend it. It’s great for a Monday night giggle belly laugh.

What are you reading? Watching? Listening to? Share your current faves :)

Apr 27 2012

Heels Off, Earrings Out

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…that’s one of the best feelings on the planet. And after the day I had yesterday, it was a welcome feeling as soon as I walked in the door after work.

My schedule was cray cray cray. I was runnin’ in heels all day long.

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Hey lady, I actually mean it. Any other day … busy can be loosely translated to mean Twitter and/or Facebook and/or The Huffington Post.

I didn’t have a chance for lunch … so my meal consisted of several handfuls of trail mix, two apples, a chocolate chunk cookies and a mini key lime cupcake eaten over the course of two hours.

Way to dine like a champion, right? Oy. I didn’t plan ahead and realize how hectic life was going to be (I worked an hour of overtime after my day was supposed to over, too). I usually head home for a little while for lunch. Had I thought about it yesterday … I would have thrown a few things together to take to work and eat between duties.

Lesson learned (maybe).

Do you pack a lunch for work? What do you usually take?

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HURRAY FOR FRIDAY. Seriously, HURRAY. Although the week went by relatively quickly, I couldn’t help but impatiently hope for the day to arrive. My friend and I are trying out a new restaurant tonight, like we do every Friday night. It’s the best ritual. I’ve already browsed the menu online … and one of the menu items is butter chicken poutine. Oh yes, I go all out on Friday nights. I eat good all week (minus the baked goods mentioned above) … I’m trying that dish tonight. Whoever thought of that menu item deserves a sloppy kiss right on the mouth.

Then tomorrow, I have to go into work for an hour or so. No big deal, it’ll be easy peasy. A friend of mine is moving and I told him I’d give him a hand afterward. But apparently he has a very specific plan in mind for me.

I received this text message earlier this week:

What do I look like, Snooki? I’m really not a pickle aficionado, but I do like them. I’m guessing he doesn’t want to move them. Or maybe it’s some sort of weird gift? I don’t know. I’ll keep you posted ;)

Other than that, my friend and I have excellent weekend plans involving my balcony and homemade Sangria. It shall be magnificent.

That’s all, folks. Just a short post today. And apparently I’m writing about all of my very random thoughts this week? Sorry. I’ve got word vomit (Mean Girls reference).

Have a wonderful weekend!

Apr 26 2012

Savin’ Lives

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In true superhero fashion, I saved some lives yesterday.

No, those are not my toes. They look like it though. I chewed all my fingernails off yesterday at work :(


It was my second time donating blood. I love the feeling (after I leave, not when there’s a needle sticking out of me). Have you ever donated blood?

I highly suggest it. You get snacks after.

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I was lazy last night. Suuuuper lazy. A plate of rice pasta topped with two turkey muffins (I made Jamie Eason’s recipe earlier this week) was great comfort. I didn’t photograph it because I may have already been eating it before I even got to the table. Whoops. Saving lives will really work up an appetite. Then I decided that Jeff Probst was much better looking than whatever was sitting on my kitchen table, so I ate in the living room in front of the newest episode of Survivor. And yes, I’m aware I’m like the only person on the planet still watching that show. Once a fan, always a fan.

A plateful of pasta is one of the greatest comfort foods out there. Some other favorites of mine? Soup. Pancakes. My mom’s corn chowder. Anything with cheese.

Aaaaand now I’m hungry. What are some of your favorite comfort foods? You know, the kind you’d like to eat while wrapped up in a blanket on the couch in front of a movie while it rains outside. Let’s hear ‘em :)

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In true sporadic/random/crazy posting fashion (I am all over the place today), I’d like to share a quote I stumbled upon the other day:

I’m not even completely sure where I found it (maybe Twitter?) but it kind of struck me, so I took a screen shot of it on my phone and saved it. I’m glad I did. I love the message.

When was the last time you read something or was told something that really stuck with you?

Enjoy today … IT’S ALMOST FRIDAY!

Apr 24 2012

An Outdoor WIAW

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Iced coffee, less blow dryer usage, flip flops, driving with the window down, patios…

I LOVE THIS WEATHER.

This week’s What I Ate Wednesday, presented by the lovely Jenn at Peas and Crayons, was eaten almost entirely outside.

I’ve been impatiently waiting for the warm weather to arrive. It finally got here on the weekend and I took full advantage.

Morning snack:

I don’t usually eat before I go to the gym. I know, not the best habit. But either I feel sick when I do that or I’d have to wake up at 4AM for the meal to digest enough before I head to the gym. But Sunday morning (the day I’m featuring in today’s post) I woke up starving. I needed a little somethin’ somethin’ before I left for my workout. So I had an apple and a clementine – so cute – on my balcony.

Breakfast:

After completing a hilly 8 mile stationary bike ride and lots of arm work (read: I felt like jello with a heartbeat), I made breakfast. I used two Nature’s Path Flax Plus with Figs waffles, topped with sliced turkey and poached eggs. If given the choice, I will always pick the style of egg with the runniest yolk. Poached, sunny side up, over easy. If the yolk runs, I’m in :) I took advantage of the weather again and ate it on my balcony, with the latest issue of Cosmo alongside.

Lunch:

Lunch was quick and easy. I whipped up a simple tuna salad (tuna + Greek yogurt), and then added sliced green pepper and nutritional yeast. I threw it all into a spinach tortilla, and taaa daaa. I didn’t eat all of this outside … but I did wander outside while I was on my last couple of bites. It counts, right?

Midafternoon:

Up until Sunday, I hadn’t had Starbucks in months. Not sure why, I had just fallen out of the routine of going every Monday morning before work (a money saver, coincidentally). But after my massage appointment, I had an immense craving. Iced green tea, unsweetened. Venti. Delicious.

Supper:

And my last meal of the day on Sunday was eaten on a patio. I told you I was soaking up as much of the great outdoors as I could! I picked up one of my best friends and we headed to the only open patio in town. I had chicken taco salad with romaine lettuce, corn, black beans, tomatoes, green onions, cheddar and Monterey Jack. I think it was just a ranch dressing on top, but I don’t remember exactly. My friend had a pulled pork sandwich … he said it was good. I don’t even think I looked at his plate because I was starved. I had one focus, and one focus only. That salad. And it was good.

There you have it! The outdoor edition of WIAW. Have a wonderful day, and make sure to check out some other posts. They always look great!

Apr 24 2012

Your Future Self

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I love The Huffington Post. When I have extra time to waste, that’s where I go.

I stumbled across this article the other day, written by AJ Jacobs, called How to Be the Healthiest Person Alive. It outlines several things that you should keep in check like embracing chewdaism, working out hard (HIIT), and not becoming overly obsessive about what goes into your body.

There was one point that really stuck with me, and I felt it was important to share…

“Respect Your Future Self”

It’s an excellent philosophy. Here’s a little blip from the explanation:

“The Nobel Prize-winning economist Thomas Schelling has a great theory called egonomics. He proposes that we essentially have two selves, and those two selves are often at odds. There’s the present self who wants that Frosted Apple Strudel Pop-Tart. And the future self who regrets eating that Frosted Apple Strudel Pop-Tart.”

I’ve never thought about my health this way. I love this style of thinking! I need to respect the “other me” and keep her feelings (both physical and mental) in check. Saying this makes me feel kind of funny, and I may sound a little like a freaky gypsy, but I think this theory makes total sense. If I can think about Future Yellow Haired Girl, maybe current Yellow Haired Girl will put down the sugary crap.

….Which I should have done yesterday! It was like a billion degrees and my coworkers thought it would be a great idea to get a Slurpee. I hadn’t had one since 2008. Seriously, it had been four years. I worked at a gas station pretty much all through high school, and we got them for free during our shifts. I don’t even want to think about how much sugar I consumed. We all kind of overdid it. After that, I lost my taste for them … plus I came to the realization that they are pretty terrible for your health.

But, I decided yesterday that a Slurpee would taste just great.

Now, I’m all for indulging. Usually it’s ice cream or something really salty :) But Future YHG was not happy yesterday around 4:30. Shortly after I slurped down my root beer flavored treat, I felt sluggish … tired … dehydrated … blecky.

I’m going to try to keep the “other me” in mind from here on out! My future self may not always get her way, but I should try to at least keep the peace ;)

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Speaking of the hot weather, I bought a new shirt on the weekend and just had  to test it out yesterday for work. Green just works for blondes, right?

I spent 30 minutes outside eating lunch (a complete rarity) and sunburnt my arms. Dammit. When that bad boy heals (I’m so mad at myself for letting that happen), I’m getting a spray tan. Just call me Snow White!

What’s the weather like where you are? I think thunderstorms are on the way later this week. I love thunderstorms.

Apr 23 2012

Relaxing

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Why can’t every weekend be as relaxing as the one I just had? Seriously. It was perfect, one of the best weekends I’ve had in awhile.

Does it have to be Monday already?!

Friday, I went to a local Italian restaurant for a meal full of carbs (my fave!). I had a personalized pizza + the unlimited bread/olive oil combo. I didn’t take pictures. I suck. I was overwhelmed by all the bready goodness.

And then this happened.

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The Lucky One was … alright. I had high expectations (which I shouldn’t have had), because it is my favorite Nicholas Sparks book. The book was definitely better, but having a man as beautiful as Zac Efron on the screen made up for it. Seriously, I’m not typically like that (putting actor before plot). But his arms could … bring about world peace? I don’t know what they could do exactly, but they’re amazing. I was mesmerized.

After the movie, I had plans to go home and be asleep by 11PM like a boring old lady, but then decided to go bowling/drink beer with some other media people in the city. That was fun! I bowled a consistent 47 in both games. It was stupid. I couldn’t even break 50! My first four throws (are they throws?) were gutter balls. I’m the worst bowler ever ;)

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When its beautiful outside and you spent the bulk of it indoors, do you feel guilty? That was my Saturday. I wanted to be outside, I really did. I ate breakfast on my balcony, and then just sat there for an hour or so after. But then I got bored. All the people I texted were busy, and I wanted company outside. I wanted to throw a ball around or walk to get ice cream or something. Then I got in a weird mood and decided to spend the day in my dark living room watching TV and napping. It was so relaxing.

I did get groceries that evening! Finally. And was up until midnight Skyping with one of my best friends, because we’re super cool like that.

I love Skype.

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It’s getting to be that time of year when it’s too warm in the morning for me to sleep in very late. I’ll get used to that soon, but yesterday I was angry that I couldn’t stay asleep as long as I had planned. So I rebelled by staying in bed as long as I could … and then a little longer. My laptop was right next to my bed, so I grabbed it and started doing a little bit of blog stuff.

Then, gym time. I’ve really been working on arms lately. And they’ve been sore a lot lately, mostly because I’ve rediscovered the beauty (and resulting DOMS from) hammer curls. They’re gonna look great. Just you wait. I’ll even photograph them just for you. The definition is already starting … but it’s just gonna get better :)

I’ll skip over the rest of my Sunday (in which, yes, I did go outside A LOT) to the portion of the program featuring my massage. What a way to cap off the weekend! It was definitely relaxing and needed.

I think there’s half of a spaghetti squash in that picture.

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What are your thoughts on massage therapists talking while they work? It bugs me, and my regular person tends to do it quite often. I feel like it would be rude to be like “can you please stop talking?” so I usually keep my answers as short as possible until she gets the point. Anyone else experience this?

She also did a little bit of reiki at the end of the appointment … which I didn’t get. It was strange, and I would have prefered if she just kept crushin’ knots. I don’t totally understand what the practice of reiki is. Maybe I should look it up. Whatever. It was still a wonderful time ;)

What was the highlight of your weekend? I seriously can’t pick just one moment. It was one of the best weekends I’ve had in a long time!

Apr 20 2012

Nervous Nellie

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Last night was the first of it’s kind for me.

I’m a reporter in the city where I live, and the area happens to be in the middle of an election. I was asked to sit on the media panel for a debate featuring all the local candidates.

I was so scared. Public speaking is not a huge deal for me, I’ve been doing it since I was in elementary school. And I talk for a living.

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But if politics are involved? Buh bye confidence. I was afraid my questions for the candidates were dumb or would seem like I was ill informed. But, I put on my fanciest blazer and my favorite earrings and sat under the hot stage lights for two hours.

I’m happy to report that I survived, and looking back on it now, I realize it was a great experience for me to have (even though I’m pretty sure the audience could actually see my heart beating through my jacket).

But I’m 100% certain that I haven’t been that nervous in a long time. I honestly can’t remember the last time my heart beat that fast.

Except for when I see you, Ryan ;)

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When was the last time you were really nervous?

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Hurray for the weekend! I was beginning to think it was never going to get here. I’m happy to say that I don’t have a lot of plans this weekend, and that’s A OK with me :)

I’ve already bought my tickets to see The Lucky One tonight! That’s my favorite Nicholas Sparks novel … expect a gushy review and long winded sentences regarding Zac Efron’s muscles on Monday.

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I’m thinking tomorrow’s workout will probably be yoga, done in the comfort of my living room/pajamas. And then, coffee + a big stack of DVD’s (mostly Dexter, I’m on season 3 now for those of you keeping track). I’m not going out this weekend. I had a little bit too much fun last weekend ;) no, I will be spending quality time with my best friend Couch instead.

And for Sunday? Groceries are needed badly (I’m out of Greek yogurt and haven’t had time to get any … you know that’s tragic right?) and then I have a late afternoon massage appointment. Hallelujah! I haven’t been to my massage therapist in several months and I know there’s some serious knots in my back (and my butt, is that weird?) that need to get worked out.

That’s what I call a relaxing weekend!

What are your plans this weekend? Do you ever go for massages?

Apr 19 2012

Hangover Heaven

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Have you heard about the latest craziness in Las Vegas? It’s called the Hangover Heaven bus.

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A man named Dr. Jason Burke developed this company, around a bus that travels throughout the city ready for those people who partied a little too hard the night before. According to the company’s website, this is how it works:

“treats clients intravenously (IV) with a special hydration solution consisting of vitamins, amino acids, and prescription medications. This safe and medically proven technique dramatically reduces recovery time from hours to minutes and helps the body avoid the harmful side-effects of a hangover.

The treatment takes about 30 to 45 minutes for the Basic package and about an hour for the Premium package. Most people start feeling better after about 20 minutes.”

I suggest checking out their website to get educated (or shake your head rapidly?!) on the new company.

I don’t know about you guys … but I already can’t stand bus bathrooms. I’m sure this one is terrible.

Would you take a ride on the Hangover Heaven bus? I don’t think I would…

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When I was in my late teens (remember, the legal age is quite young in Canada) and drank much more than I do now, my immediate hangover “cure” was strange and a little bit gross. I believed in the power of orange (a prequel to yesterday’s post, perhaps?). I always drank a bottle of orange juice, a bottle of orange Powerade, and an entire bag of crunchy cheetos. Sometimes a jumbo bag. I told you it was gross. In addition to the crap listed on the ingredients … I left a trail of orange cheeto dust everywhere I went ;)

Maybe I thought monochromatic eating would heal me? I honestly don’t think it ever did.

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Now, I try to exercise the evil out … quietly. Hahahaha. In addition to that, I try to drink lots of water, catch up on sleep, and make Tylenol my best friend in the whole wide world.

And if we’re being honest here (which I always do on YHG), sometimes I just say screw it and order the greasiest cheeseburger/pizza/entire appetizer menu at the nearest restaurant. It happens. I always make sure to balance it out the next day with lots of fruits and veggies!

What are some of your hangover remedies? I apologize for the lack of “healthy choices” illustrated in today’s post ;)

Apr 17 2012

Orange You Glad It’s WIAW?

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Hey there ladies and gents, and welcome to another edition of What I Ate Wednesday, hosted by the rockin’ Jenn over at Peas and Crayons.

This month’s challenge is to sneak in an extra cup of veggies in somewhere along the course of the day. I’m not totally sure I accomplished it this time around, but I did manage to eat something orange (ish) in every meal on Monday. Shall we take a look?

Breakfast on Monday:

I microwaved two egg whites with chia seeds, then slipped that into a whole wheat bagel thin. What else is in there, you ask? Spinach, green peppers, and sweet potato hummus. That’s the orange factor for this meal – I know you can’t really see it under the peppers, but I promise it’s there.

Lunch on Monday:

I played around with textures in my midday meal … and was obviously craving sweet potato! I spread a thin layer of cream cheese, lots of nutritional yeast, about a third of a mashed sweet potato (there’s the orange!), and a Sol Cuisine mushroom rice burger on a multi grain tortilla. This was the first time I thought to add (or craved) sweet potato in a sandwich. I will definitely do this again! A big thumbs up. I also chopped up four massive carrots for a crunchy side (more orange!).

Supper on Monday:

My friend George Foreman (the grill, not the boxer) cooked up a salmon fillet for me … does that count as orange? It definitely had some colorful neighbours on that plate, too! I paired the fillet with long grain brown rice, steamed edamame, red/orange/yellow peppers, asparagus, and carrots (ORANGE!).

Have a wonderful day! I have a busy work day ahead of me, and a long work related evening too. And the story is pretty much the same tomorrow. Is it Friday yet? ;)

Apr 17 2012

Grocery Shopping Pet Peeves

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I need to go grocery shopping. So badly. The situation is a little dire. I’m out of fruit (fresh and frozen) and Greek yogurt. And we all know when I run out of Greek yogurt, bad things happen.

Well, maybe you didn’t know that. But trust me on this one ;)

I love creating a grocery list. I love browsing recipes online for inspiration while I build my list, and developing categories for each of the stores I visit (NERD ALERT). And I really like shopping, too. I usually take my time and wander the aisles … usually with a prolonged stop in the nail polish section. Sometimes I’ll even put my ear buds in while I shop and be in my own little world. It’s strangely peaceful.

But sometimes … getting groceries is a royal pain. And sometimes, people suck.

For instance, the last time I hit up my favorite grocery store, I’m fairly certain a middle-aged man in aviators followed me around. I’m serious, so stop laughing. You know how sometimes you run into the same people in every aisle you visit? We kept running into each other … but it felt a lot stranger than usual. And, well, he was wearing AVIATORS. That was super creepy and decreased my score on the “pleasant time while grocery shopping” card. I would have been a little more okay with it if he looked like this and told funny jokes:

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But he didn’t.

Another pet peeve that I occasionally encounter while grocery shopping: screaming children. I know, I know. I’m a terrible person, and sometimes this situation is unavoidable. But I can only crank my headphones up so loud without annoying other shoppers/blowing out my eardrums/becoming totally unaware of my surroundings and therefore getting my toes run over by someone’s cart. I know that I will sing a different tune someday when I have my own kids and they’re screaming because they really want a box of terribly sugary cereal because it comes with a toy and I will feed them nothing but granola.

But for now … I can complain, so I will. To you guys. Don’t you feel lucky? Please don’t hate me if you have children.

It’s pretty likely that I won’t meet the father of my future (screaming) children at the grocery store. And that brings me to my next point. I always look like garbage when I go grocery shopping – usually Saturday mornings – and surprise, surprise … I always run into someone cute. I’ll never learn. This is a self-induced pet peeve. Note to self: brush your hair before setting foot in the produce section.

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Stars. They’re just like us (although this is truly terrible – sorry Heather).

And one more point before I let this ridiculous grocery shopping rant end…

CAN SHOPPING FOR TOILET PAPER BE ANY TOUGHER?!

So many brands. So many prices. How many rolls in one pack? And ply? Then there’s cute cartoon people for each company and that just confuses me more.

Do you have any grocery shopping pet peeves?