twenty-five

Having a big birthday is a milestone that feels like new years day, as it is a time to reflect upon the past year; what I have accomplished? what I could do better this time around?

I turned 25 yesterday.  I had a great day filled with fitness (I brought fig bars to my Silver Sneakers class), calls from family and friends, and a wonderful dinner at Bolsa in Dallas. 

I also went to the library (I love the Library!) and stumbled upon a book called 20 Something Manifesto. I must admit that I almost didn't check it out because the title sounded a bit hokey, but I am so glad that I brought it home with me!  I just started reading this book, but it is wonderful so far; I am not alone in all of the pressures that I have been feeling.  I highly recommend this book so far and I will do a book review once I finish reading it.

Relfecting

I have been a busy bee since my last post in February.  For about six months, I had been unsuccessfully searching for a job.  But, on January 26th, I miraculously received two job offers; I accepted a part-time job at a gourmet market.  Then, a few weeks later, I was offered a job teaching kids' cooking classes (!), which I happily accepted.  So, I had 3 jobs, as I also teach group fitness classes twice a week.  I love being busy and working hard, but I was  a little overextended, so I am now focusing on teaching cooking classes, working at the toy store next door, and teaching my group fitness classes.  I am thrilled to have a chance to work at what I love doing.

Also, since my last post, I passed my AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America) certification!

Phew!  But, I now have time to focus on my blog again!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

The Great American Apparel Diet

As a culture, we are addicted to buying new things.  Constantly.  And in excess. 

Some people have to have the newest electronics, but I am not often tempted by gadgets.  I do, however, love clothes. I love how we can express ourselves through clothing. I love beautiful fabrics.  I even love fashion trends. 

But I am trying to reduce extraneous purchases from my life, which is why the Great American Apparel Diet appeals to me. This is a group of individuals who have pledged to completely eliminate buying clothing for one year.  Check out http://www.thegreatamericanappareldiet.com/ to read their posts and anyone can join at anytime (I am considering joining, too).

oh sugar sugar...

Last Wednesday, I decided to give up sugar for a while; this is a huge challenge because I loooove desserts and they have become more of a habit than a treat lately.  A couple notable examples:

A red velvet cupcake from Sprinkles (soo good, I don't even usually like red velvet...)

White chocolate tart, nilla crust, brulee'd bananas from Bolsa (if you are in the Dallas area and haven't been to Bolsa yet, stop what you are doing and go immediately)

I think the photos above confirm my decision; I need a serious break from decadent desserts.  At first, I definitely felt withdrawl symptoms (and sugar has been shown to be addictive.)  I did slip on Saturday when I went to lunch with my family and chocolate chip cookies were passed around for dessert.  But, it is a new week and I am up for the challenge!  I am going to post weekly on my progress to help keep myself in line (and hopefully as motivation for others that are looking to give up desserts for a while!!).

back to basics continued...

An inspiring article on living simply

Back to Basics

image via design sponge

For the past six months, I have been trying to save money by only buying bare necesities because I have not had a steady income, partly due to the economy and I also am trying to follow my passions.  I love beautiful clothes and objects, so this has been and continues to be a struggle and a learning process.  As young women we are bombarded with messages to spend and buy, and are tempted at every turn to spend our hard-earned money, which makes it even more tempting to not save, and buying stuff brings instant gratification, and saving money is not as fun and is can be frustrating.  But, being frugal can be important for so many reasons... it is even better for the environment!  So, I would like to make this blog a safe haven where saving our money is actually encouraged!  I found this quote from design sponge really encouraging and inspiring:

"We tried to keep simple, basic colors to emphasize the simplicity of peasant life and our determination to take this journey and explore the times when life was simpler and maybe even more beautiful and healthier."

-iva and vanja via design sponge

Spinach Artichoke Dip

This is my very favorite Spinach Artichoke dip and I have made this yummy version too many times to count; it is so savory and full of spinach. I like to bring it to parties because it is healthy and a crowd pleaser (perfect for super bowl parties). Adapted from Rachel Ray Magazine, this version doesn't have mayonnaise or sour cream, which you will never miss because a roux is used as the thickening agent to create a smooth and satisfying accompaniment to your favorite dippers (I like carrot sticks and whole grain baguette.) Enjoy!

Spinach Artichoke Dip
Adapted from Rachel Ray Magazine
6 Servings (or more...)
---------------------------------
2 10 oz boxes chopped frozen spinach

2 T butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 Sm onion, finely chopped

2 T fresh thyme (LD: optional)

2 t lemon zest (LD: optional)

2 T flour

2 C chicken broth

1/8 t nutmeg

1 13.73 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 c grated Parmagiano-Reggiano cheese

1 c shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. In a microwaveable bowl, defrost the spinach in the microwave from 6-8 minutes. Drain the spinach and wring dry

2. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about another minute. Stir in thyme and lemon peel (optional). Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Increase the heat to high and cook, whisking often, until thickened until thickened, 6-8 minutes.
4. Stir in the spinach, artichokes, and half of the Parmigiano-Regiano and mozzarella cheeses. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top.
5. Preheat the broiler. Broil the dip until bubbly and lightly browned, about 3 minutes.

Enjoy!! I prefer this dip hot right out of the broiler. Dipping suggestions? Whole grain baguette, carrot sticks, celery sticks, pita chips.