Simple Studs

I am totally guilty of looking like a giant comforter during the winter months. Why put on a fitted pair of pants to sit in my own home when I can throw on layer upon layer of sweats? There are obvious exceptions to my leggings/sweatshirts/sweaters/t-shirts/socks ensembles—like a date or a party—but day to day, I end up looking pretty plain. Wearing sweats and looking like I’m at the gym can be tiring and invite unproductive behavior; however, with this week’s arctic weather and my reluctance to dress up during winter months, I have been finding small ways to spruce up my look so I can still accomplish daily tasks. I find that wearing a fun pair of earrings can take my look from rolling-out-of-bed to a put together, albeit relaxing, look. Here are a few pairs that have caught my eye. Along with a hairbrush, these earrings have transformed my winter uniform into something a bit more polished. 

Browse a few of my favorites: 

Kate Spade Earrings · Givenchy Earrings · Vince Camuto Earrings

Thyme Dinner Rolls

I have spoken about my aversion to breakfast before (here), so as part of my 2014 resurgence, I have decided to start baking items that I can place by the coffee pot. If it is sitting there, I’ll hopefully eat it for breakfast. A few weeks ago I came across this recipe for thyme dinner rolls and I knew I’d devour them at any time of day—who doesn’t love warm bread? I already had all the ingredients at home and it was a matter of setting aside a couple hours to make them. Best. Decision. Ever. These rolls are so simple, but they taste unbelievably good fresh out of the oven with a little butter…I didn’t want to eat anything else for the rest of the day. A couple days later, they make a fabulous toast substitute by re-warming them in the oven. I know they are technically dinner rolls, but if I eat bagels, English muffins and bread, I can eat dinner rolls for breakfast, too. 

10 Ways to Start 2014 on the Right Foot

Taking a page from Nicole, of Cedar and Rush, I wanted to share one of my New Year’s resolutions; I have decided to shape up in 2014. Over the course of the next year and a half I will be in two weddings, which both require pictures and toned arms, but I also want to start feeling better. I find that when I drink the recommended amount of water and eat healthy, I feel SO good and have more energy than when I drink a large pot of coffee. I will absolutely still enjoy wine, cookies, pasta, eating out etc, however, I think by observing portion control I can reduce the sluggish behavior that follows a meal at Morton’s and replace said behavior with productivity and smaller pants. I am in no way saying I’m forever dieting; in fact, I’m doing the opposite. Here are a few ways I plan on getting into gear:

1.      Drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning. Before a shower, before coffee, before my feet hit the ground, I will have a glass of water.

2.      Take a shower and get dressed before I have coffee or breakfast. Hopefully this will keep me from sitting on the couch and drinking an entire pot of coffee. On mornings I wish to work out, eat a good breakfast but skip the coffee until after the workout.

3.      Establish a well-thought-out routine each morning and write it down. This to-do list will (hopefully) ensure I will be productive and keep moving all day.

4.      Carry around a water bottle and drink the whole thing before dinner. I learned this trick from a friend. If you like the water bottle and it’s sitting next to you the whole day, you will reach for that instead of a soda.

5.      Have homemade popcorn on hand for snacks. It’s easy to make, cheap, and healthy if it’s not drenched in butter.

6.      Keep Oreos, Chips, Ice Cream and other junk food out of the cabinets. If it’s not there, I can’t eat it. If I REALLY want it I have to go all the way to the store to get it and that means I won’t.

7.      Take a walk outside at least once a week and take a Spinning class every two weeks.

8.      Eat at home at least 5 nights a week. If I am making it, I know what’s in it.

9.      Make sure I laugh at least once a day. Enjoy life, have fun and don’t take myself so seriously.

10.  Drink a full glass of water before bed.

What are some of your resolutions? How do you plan on making the most of 2014??

Hibachi Vegetables

Growing up, I developed a love for Japanese steakhouses and each year for my birthday, my family would take me to get hibachi. I love the food and I love the almost too orchestrated show the chef puts on while cooking your food. Since moving downtown, I haven’t been to a hibachi steakhouse and, since it’s a production to get to such a restaurant from our neighborhood, a couple of weeks ago I decided to try making hibachi of my own. I’ve been to Benihana (among many other Japanese steakhouses) so many times that I had a good idea of how to create my favorites. The greatest success of the evening: the hibachi vegetables; they were absolutely delicious! I’ll still need to perfect the steak marinade and the shrimp, but the DIY hibachi will be on the dinner list from now on.

Ingredients:

-Zucchini

-Carrots

-Onions

-Sesame Oil (or vegetable oil)

-Soy Sauce

-1/2 stick butter

-Salt

-Pepper

-Sesame Seeds

Sauté chopped vegetables in melted butter, oil, salt and pepper. Once vegetables browned, add soy sauce and sesame seeds. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm. If desired, add a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice.