Thinking Out Loud #1

The last 48 hours have been a whirlwind of amusing randomness, so I figured what better time to finally join Amanda's weekly Thursday Thinking Out Loud link-up to justify my unstructured stream of consciousness?

• I've stumbled across this tumblr blog, #WhatShouldWeCallBostonProblems, and it is painfully, hilariously accurate. I really miss living in Boston, but the problems are too real.

Take this post for example. "When I haven't taken the T for a while and I have to take it again:"

You don't know the pain until you live it.

Every Boston problem is worth experiencing.

• People take trivia tournaments way too seriously. I was covering a trivia night last night in the midst of the qualifying season for the big Spring tournament, and stunned by the vim and vigor displayed by some of these teams. Kudos to you all for your passion, but as a host, it's stressful to have people be so particular. Whatever, it makes for entertaining tales ha.

I had an odd dream last night after watching this Blogilates video for a Quest bar recipe. 

• In my dream, I made the apple cinnamon "churros" for my mom and I, but left them in the oven for 25 minutes...miraculously they didn't burn. Then I went to prepare the yogurt and apple dip, but had no yogurt and my mom refused my suggestion to substitute the no salt added cottage cheese I had on hand. Since it was like midnight, I obviously couldn't run to Stop and Shop to purchase some yogurt. I also boiled an entire pot of broccoli as an accompaniment. Why? I don't know. I never ever ever boil vegetables, especially not broccoli. The whole dream made no sense.

If anyone has any random dreams or musings to share, I'd love to hear them. Mostly for entertainment value, as well as reassurance that I'm not insane haha.

A quick and somewhat vague update

I've fallen off the blogging bandwagon. My bad. Between work, covering trivia nights, yoga, and some new projects (more on that to come soon, I promise!), sitting down and typing away at my computer just hasn't appealed to me. In the midst of the chaos, I've been making more time for friends and fun activities to keep me extra happy and motivated, feelings which have become the norm for me lately. It finally feels like things are falling into place. No, it's not perfect, but life would be boring if it were.

A few high points of the last week or so:

• Jared Leto's performance in Dallas Buyer's Club. My past encounters with Jared Leto left me with a bad taste in my mouth, albeit some funny stories, but he really earned my respect back with this role. Kudos, Jared. Props to him for his inspiring acceptance speech at the Oscar's. Yes, he deserved that award.

Photo cred: US magazine

• The Oscars in general. Ellen was a fantastically entertaining host, and almost everyone looked flawless. Good job, Hollywood.

• This Buzzfeed article on what people looked like at the Oscars...

Poor Leo

• Finally hitting up the brunch buffet at India on Hope Street this past Sunday. I consumed at least 7 full plates of food, and finally got to try some new dishes that I never would have ordered...simply because I always, always order the same thing: Mixed Grilled Vegetable Platter. Something about that grilled pineapple and Indian spices, I can't say no. I would have taken a picture of all the deliciousness, but I was ravenous (clearly, given my aforementioned massive food consumption) after two hours of weights and yoga. Visualize, if you can, fresh-baked Spicy Chili Cilantro, Hot & Spicy Vindaloo, and Garlic naan bread, spinach and lentil soup, mango chutney, lemon cilantro chutney (my favorite!), tamarind chutney, chickpea salad, kale cucumber papaya salad, mango chicken curry, shrimp biryana, tandoori chicken, chana masala, fresh fruit with mango cream, and rice pudding. Then picture me eating it all. NOM.

• A relaxing night in with a friend, who arrived at my house toting a giant container of her dad's split pea soup. Unexpectedly delicious, and totally random.

• Big changes on the horizon, finally set in stone and put into action!

• The return of regularly scheduled TV programs. Oh, how I've missed New Girl and Nashville.

• Confirming that I am TB-free! I had to put some sort of positive spin on making a doctor's appointment and getting a shot, two things I abhor. Haha.

Again, I'm kind of running on overdrive right now. I've been entirely uncreative in the aspects of my life that don't require my immediate attention right now, but I'll be back on track at some point once I settle into a new routine.

MIMM: Hibernating

I realize I've been kind of MIA lately. I took kind of a mental rest weekend and opted to, as I call it, "hibernate" due to another round of snow and frigid temperatures. I could have easily taken this time at home to blog, but I didn't. I was kind of wiped from all the shoveling I had to do between Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. I need to learn how to use a snow blower for next year.

But it's Monday and I'm linking up with Katie for some Marvelous in my Monday action! 

Marvelous is...this Napoleon Dynamite Valentine's Day picture I sent to my family. Don't ask me why we find Kip to be so hilarious.

Marvelous is...dedicating several hours of my Thursday evening to watching Olympic curling On Demand and a attempting to interpret the rules and scoring of the game. It's really kind of fascinating. There is a place in Cranston that has a curling club and they run open houses to learn about the game. The next one is in early March. You know I plan on being there.

Marvelous is....when my dogs get haircuts and act like divas.

Chloe is so grumpy and cute!

Marvelous is...staying in all weekend marathoning almost the entire second season of Parks and Recs. I got my mom and I hooked. Ron Swanson cracks me up.

Marvelous is...playing a few intense impromptu games of Rummikub on a Saturday night during a snowstorm. Something about bad weather and board games. Kind of like peanut butter and jelly. Although I prefer peanut butter and fresh spinach sandwiches. Don't hate.

Marvelous is...winter clothing clearance. I've had my eye on this one particular sweater and I scored it for $15 on Saturday! I also made out like a bandit at K-Mart yesterday, with no intentions of buying anything. $35 well spent.

Marvelous is...finally beating level 382 on Candy Crush. I can't stop playing when I'm stuck on a level for over a week. The feeling of accomplishment I get from this victory is so wrong haha.

Here's to looking forward to a week full of yoga, rising temperatures (I hope!), and not feeling the compulsion to play so much Candy Crush.

Starting a new chapter

As you may or may not have noticed, I've edited some past posts. It was brought to my attention from people who personally know me that my blog really isn't an accurate reflection of who I am, and that was never my intention. I was coming off as whiny, negative, and unappreciative - qualities that are just not admirable and really aren't part of my persona. After all of the things I have been through in recent years, I have grown to become more positive and more grateful for the things that I did and am lucky enough to still have, but I was using this blog as a place to rant and vent. No more.

I'm starting a new chapter in my life. It's been a long time coming, and I have to admit I couldn't be more excited about this opportunity. This is what I've been looking for, and it's what I'm passionate about. I can't wait to start this journey.

In line with other life changes, I plan to refocus this blog on what I originally wanted it to be about: yoga, healthy eating, and stress management. My life really is entertaining, and I want to share these stories without highlighting the negative aspects for some cheap entertainment value. I'm better than that.

I hope that you'll all still follow me and find that my blog posts have improved as time goes on. In the meantime, my posts may be short and infrequent due to other priorities in my life as things are working themselves out.

MIMM: Looking forward to the week ahead

I don't know if it's the time of year, but I've been so busy lately. I've had to cancel plans with certain people several times because I've essentially double-booked myself. It's a welcome change for the winter since I typically hibernate at home due to my hatred/intolerance for the cold. Can you believe I'll be out almost every night this week with several inches of snow and ice on the ground from Saturday and this forecast?

Yeah, me either. Fingers crossed for no snow on Tuesday.

Tonight I'm attending a holiday party for wedding companies at the Providence Biltmore in lieu of my normal Monday routine of vinyasa and hot yoga. Free food and an excuse to dress fancy? Hell yeah. Funny how I get invited to this when I've literally assisted in DJing one wedding. My friend and I have plans to hit up Trinity Brewhouse for wings afterwards, too. Should be a fun night!

I have Tuesday off work (so I hope) and plan to squeeze in lots of yoga to make up for my lack of regular class attendance. I also find myself craving sushi something awful and am considering taking advantage of a sushi lunch special somewhere after AM yoga classes. It has been far too long since sashimi and seaweed salad have been on my agenda, or my plate.

I was scheduled to cover trivia on Wednesday night, but my godfather AKA my favorite man in my life/father figure invited me to Transiberian Orchestra. With one Providence performance each year, the stories I've heard about the show, and the opportunity to hang with Uncle Mark, I couldn't turn down the offer . Thank god my boss was understanding and found coverage.

Back to work Thursday with post-work plans for an unofficial office Christmas party at the Thirsty Beaver. Who knows what Friday holds.

Linking up to Katie's Marvelous in my Monday as per usual. I'm having trouble posting links and pictures on my iPad since I'm still learning, so bear with me! Also, this post is going up late. Oops!

Three Things Tuesday

Just popping in to share a few links that can give you a sneak peek into my inner thoughts since my Tuesdays are non-stop busy between dragging my feet to get ready for work, actually going to work, and then heading to host trivia immediately from work.

Onto some linkage!

This Huffington Post article on 5 Things Every Yogi Needs to Know is so significant to my life as of late, and totally validates my addiction...but that's just my opinion. I'm not exactly sure which is influencing which, but I've noticed a huge difference both on and off the mat in the past few months. As I'm working on being more flexible in my everyday life by letting go of stupid "eating rules"and forcing myself to be more social, I'm seeing an increase in my physical flexibility in my yoga practice. I have to say, it feels pretty amazing.

I love partner yoga. And how cute/creative is Paula? Best instructor ever!
Check out Shanti Yoga & Fitness!

Can you believe Christmas is less than a month away? IT hasn't felt the same since my Dad passed away. He LOVED Christmas, like a little kid who still believes in Santa. It just doesn't seem as special without him here. The last three years, I've wanted nothing for gifts, but this year I actually really want to buy myself an iPad mini.

All I want for Christmas...ipad mini with a keyboard attachment.

An iPad mini would make my life so much easier. I wouldn't have to retype all those notes and waste paper on printouts for reference. Plus, I could totally browse instagram when meetings are a snoozefest.

My mom suggested buying it for me, but I really can't let her. I'd rather see her put that money toward my sisters. I'll let her buy me a case or something.

And to further justify my long-standing disdain for The Little Mermaid, a hilariously accurate Buzzfeed article ranking Disney Princesses on their intelligence. Or lack thereof.

Yes, I may be bitter and blame The Little Mermaid for my Bloody Monday incident at age 4, but that's neither here nor there. She is the reason so many girls are relationship-dependent skanks today (Sorry, not sorry). Think about it: all she aspired to be was a voiceless, naked woman to impress some dude she didn't even know. I love how this list points out that she never thought to WRITE A NOTE to Eric. DUH. 

P.S. - the rest of the list is just as amusing and spot-on. I love Buzzfeed.
Until next time.

Random product reviews: You should try this because it's awesome

Last week I was scrolling through my photo stream on my iPhone and came across a ton of pictures I'd snapped of random healthy food finds that I tried and enjoyed. I think credit should always be given when it is due, so I thought it was appropriate to sing each company's praise in a blog post. And now we're here!

Dr. McDougall's Black Bean & Lime soup is perfect for days when I don't have time to actually make a lunch for work. All you need is hot water and some patience (it takes a few minutes for the dried black beans to soften up), and voila! a filling, delicious lunch. The flavor of this soup is great. It comes with a zesty lime flavor packet that you mix in with the dried black beans before filling the cup up to the line with boiling water, and you just toss the container when you're done. I try to stock up when these go on sale, though it's under $2 so definitely a more affordable, healthier lunch than you'd get at Subway. I've also tried the split pea and barley soup, which is equally tasty and nutritious. I'm dying to try some of the newer products from the line: Pistachio Citrus Quinoa Salad and Butternut Azteca Soup especially caught my eye.

 I won a jar of Nikki's Coconut Butter a while back in a blog giveaway...I wish I could remember which blog, but when I saw "a while back" I mean a year ago (far before I had a blog and could formally tell the internet how much I love this stuff). Nikki's has so many awesome flavors: Honey Pecan Pie, Midnight Mocha, Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie, Macademia Nut Cookie, Pumpkin Spiced Donut (seasonal), and Vanilla Cake Batter, which is the flavor I chose. Let me tell you, the flavor was spot on. I could literally eat this stuff with a spoon, but I retrained myself and instead drizzled it over oatmeal and on rice cakes or lavash bread with jam. I am dying to try their other flavors at some point, but right now I'm not in a position to spend $13 on a jar :(

A few weeks ago, I was browsing around The Good Seed Market and noticed Kevita in the fridge. I asked the owner and her sister if they'd tried it, and they happened to be drinking the Daily Cleanse (pictured above) as we spoke, and highly recommended it. Since I love cayenne pepper and lemon, I went with their suggestion and was not disappointed. 

I should disclose that I am a chugger. I drink everything in gulps - hot tea, coffee, seltzer water included. This stuff is definitely made for sipping. I coughed a little from the cayenne on the initial taste. I must have been overzealous. They have a whole slew of interesting flavors that I want to try, especially the Mojita and Strawberry Acai Coconut. Lucky for me (and you), there is a coupon for $1.50 a bottle on coupons.com this week. I highly recommend printing one out and running to Whole Foods, or the Good Seed Market if you're lucky enough to live in the RI/MA area, to try Kevita.

Excuse the crappy picture above of my new favorite Quest bar flavor. It was taken post-yoga while waiting for my mom's car to be ready at Tire Pros. I know everyone raves about the chocolate chip cookie dough and double chocolate chunk flavors, and I am completely of the same opinion. That being said, coconut cashew is BOMB. Such a unique flavor, great texture, and stellar nutrition facts, all as to be expected from Quest bars. I was really shocked by how great this bar was without being warmed in the microwave prior to consumption. I think I actually prefer it as is. I still have yet to try the Quest Cravings Peanut butter cups or the new cookies & cream bar. I need to step up my Quest hunting game. Lovelovelove Quest.

Make sure you check out these companies and their products. Consider it proof that nutritious food can be delicious, and can even taste like your favorite dessert.