fairview place

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

November Self Portrait

This morning I was listening to my new favorite podcast. This week's topic: the value of reflection and finding one word to describe 2016. My mind started to wander. Not so much for a word to explain all of 2016 because this year has been such a whirlwind, but a word that describes November. Maybe this would be a way to come to terms with this month, the spectrum of emotions experienced, the events that have occurred and the overall shock I feel.

Dumbfounded. Embarrassed. Discouraged. Deeply sadden. Words to relate my feelings for (and with) my country. For my friends and family. For a sweet little girl fighting for her life.

The ultimate word is Numb. November has been numbing in a capacity I haven't experienced in a very long time - or maybe ever. And to wrap the month up with a red bow, I was involved in my first-ever car accident on the way to work. Everyone involved was okay, however, my car is not.

We have to look backward in order to move forward with any real clarity. I suppose I am still in the process of looking backward because at this time I just can't find any clarity.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Green Thumb

Hard at work keeping the succulents alive and well for the holiday season. I used to sell these in five or seven packs, but it seems selling them individually works out even better. Find them at Kitsch for just $3 a piece!

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Fall Veggie Soup

Tis the season of soups and crockpots. First new recipe, here we go.

What you need:1/2 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp olive oil
1 large parsnip, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 medium sweet potato, chopped
thyme, salt and pepper to taste
4 cups water

What you do:

Place everything in the crockpot for 5 hours on low...or until all the veggies are soft.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

October Self Portrait

For the last month I've been on what some call a "health kick." I've been waking up about a half hour earlier and going to the gym or working out from home, about five to seven days a week. I've been shopping weekly for fresh ingredients for my lunches and prepping them on Sundays (mostly variations of high protein salads with a pretty tasty homemade dressing, so nothing fancy). I'm drinking water - and I don't mean "more" water...I used to have about eight ounces of water a day to now about 70! I also pretty much cut out beer because the way it was making me feel and added more protein to my diet.

Mind you, I'm typically a pretty healthy eater and was working out about one to three times a week. Some feel that a 5' 2" girl who weighs 106 pounds doesn't need to be on a "health kick." And really, it's not. I'm tired of feeling blah about my body. About my clothes not fitting the way I'd prefer. I was tired of feeling like I was always making up for my terrible weekend bad eating and drinking habits.

But I feel like I have to explain all of this. Like there has to be some deeper reason or issue causing my shift in attitude and daily routine. There are a few personal reasons, all of which relate to me doing this for me.

As a 31 year old woman who may (or may not be) getting pregnant in the next year or so, I want to be in great shape so I can support a growing a baby. And bounce back to a healthy body.

My grandmother had, and now my mom is dealing with severe osteoporosis. Earlier this year my mom had to undergo hip surgery because of a fracture. Why not do anything in my power to make my body stronger to possibly prevent or defend against such diseases?

I've been listening to my body and doing what feels good! I'm feeling stronger, I'm feeling better about how I fit in my clothes. I'm also feeling pretty proud of waking up at damn 5:30 so many days a week and sticking to this! So I'm going to keep soaking up this motivation while I can and see where it takes me.

Monday, October 24, 2016

My new favorite snack

I'm currently obsessed with this tapenade recipe I altered from the Tone It Up recipe book. As a dip, sandwich spread, or just to eat by the spoonful - it's so delicious and good for you too!

What you need:
1 cup kalamata olives
1 cup green olives
1 cup artichokes
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes

What you do:
1. Mix everything in a blender until your desired consistency. If your sun-dried tomatoes are not in oil, add 2 teaspoons olive oil.