1.30.2010
Don't be a stick in the mud!
On my continued quest for the perfect skin care regime, I recently took a trip to my local Ulta store when I realized my Mario Badescu Flower and Tonic mask had dried out (in the mask's defense, it was a year old...). I noticed a "buy one get one free" sale on C. Booth Deep Cleansing Volcanic Mud Mask and was instantly intrigued. I went home and immediately tried the mask out - the scent was a bit strong at first, and based on other reviews I read online, I avoided my eye area to avoid any possible irritation. Left the mask on for about 15 minutes and washed it off - my skin felt so refreshed! Not only did it tighten my pores, but my skin looked visibly brighter! This has even become my "go-to" spot treatment for pesky pimples that pop up occasionally. Even got the hubby to try it out and he loved it too. Great mask, and for $9 the price cannot be beat. Be sure to check your local Ulta stores for the buy one get one deal.
1.17.2010
First Time Homebuyer Woes
With the $8,000 tax credit looming upon us, and the hopes of a backyard for our two pups, hubby and I have been on a quest to purchase a home before April 31st. We began our search almost two months ago and used those "mortgage calculators" you see on just about every real estate website. We determined our price range, signed with a real estate agent and hit the road.
It was probably house #40 that we fell in love with - and put an offer in.... with no pre-approval letter in hand. Mistake #1. The homeowners countered, so we budged and offered just a bit more. Mistake #2. In the "we almost just bought our first place pandemonium," my husband decided to go meet with a mortgage broker and get out pre-approval letter. WHY no one told us that this should be STEP #1 is beyond me, but that pre-approval letter was eye-opening. Now don't get me wrong, we're both professionals, both make a decent living and have virtually no debt... so the actual "getting approved" part was cake. BUT who wants to spend upwards of $3,000 a month on a mortgage?!? So reality has slowly started to set in, and we now have a more realistic grasp of what we'd like to spend on our first place.
For all of you first time homebuyers out there - this is my only advice to you. BEFORE you do the fun stuff like hitting the streets in the quest for your perfect place, drudge on over to your nearest (and most qualified) mortgage broker and get an accurate idea of what you can spend on a house (factoring in taxes, mortgage insurance, homeowners insurance, homeowner monthly fees, etc). In the long run it will save you lots of energy and it probably could've prevented the ulcer I slowly feel developing!
Happy House Hunting!!
xoxo
Jenn
It was probably house #40 that we fell in love with - and put an offer in.... with no pre-approval letter in hand. Mistake #1. The homeowners countered, so we budged and offered just a bit more. Mistake #2. In the "we almost just bought our first place pandemonium," my husband decided to go meet with a mortgage broker and get out pre-approval letter. WHY no one told us that this should be STEP #1 is beyond me, but that pre-approval letter was eye-opening. Now don't get me wrong, we're both professionals, both make a decent living and have virtually no debt... so the actual "getting approved" part was cake. BUT who wants to spend upwards of $3,000 a month on a mortgage?!? So reality has slowly started to set in, and we now have a more realistic grasp of what we'd like to spend on our first place.
For all of you first time homebuyers out there - this is my only advice to you. BEFORE you do the fun stuff like hitting the streets in the quest for your perfect place, drudge on over to your nearest (and most qualified) mortgage broker and get an accurate idea of what you can spend on a house (factoring in taxes, mortgage insurance, homeowners insurance, homeowner monthly fees, etc). In the long run it will save you lots of energy and it probably could've prevented the ulcer I slowly feel developing!
Happy House Hunting!!
xoxo
Jenn
1.12.2010
As promised, here is a sample of my groccery list. As you may know, I've been trying to make 2010 a healthier year overall and this go-to list has made groccery shopping a breeze. I've been buying organic except for anything with an outside "skin" you dont eat - think kiwis, onions and bananas.
Nuts - almonds, walnuts and pistachios
Strawberries - frozen and fresh
Blueberries - frozen and fresh
Apples - Pink Lady is my fav
Bananas
Craisins
Sugar free applesauce
whole wheat english muffins
Barilla plus pasta - all shapes
Roasted peppers
Eggs
Sweet potatoes
Mushrooms
Bell peppers
Skim Milk
1/2 and 1/2 (still haven't adapted to black coffee!)
Yogurt
Lean cuts of meat
Avocados
Baby field greens
Goat cheese
Shredded low-fat cheddar and mozzerella
Tomatoes
Red Onion
Kiwi
What's on your groccery staples list? I know shopping for the same ingredients week after week can get a litte mundane - I would love us to share some new ideas!!
xoxo
Jenn
Nuts - almonds, walnuts and pistachios
Strawberries - frozen and fresh
Blueberries - frozen and fresh
Apples - Pink Lady is my fav
Bananas
Craisins
Sugar free applesauce
whole wheat english muffins
Barilla plus pasta - all shapes
Roasted peppers
Eggs
Sweet potatoes
Mushrooms
Bell peppers
Skim Milk
1/2 and 1/2 (still haven't adapted to black coffee!)
Yogurt
Lean cuts of meat
Avocados
Baby field greens
Goat cheese
Shredded low-fat cheddar and mozzerella
Tomatoes
Red Onion
Kiwi
What's on your groccery staples list? I know shopping for the same ingredients week after week can get a litte mundane - I would love us to share some new ideas!!
xoxo
Jenn
1.05.2010
New Year, New Me
First let me wish all of you a happy and healthy New Year!!
Over the weekend I hit up Whole Foods and Publix in a big way. I stocked up on organic frozen fruit and bought a fit & fresh personal smoothie maker (LOVE) and picked up some healthy staples to keep at my desk to help me avoid temptation at the office. My list includes:
Honeycrisp Apples
Bananas
Unsalted pistachios, walnuts and almonds
Annie’s Homegrown Bunny Crackers in Chocolate
Natural Peanut Butter
Organic Strawberry Jelly
Frozen Blueberries, raspberries and sliced frozen strawberries
Genuine Health Proteins Powder – a whey protein isolate (the purest form) with no artificial ingredients, corn, egg, gluten, yeast, soy (which I’m allergic to) or wheat.
*NOTE – this is my “bring to the office” grocery list. In my next post I’ll share my healthy “at home” grocery list.
Let me just say it’s only Tuesday but I am LOVING my new repertoire of food at work! Every morning I whip myself up a quick smoothie – two scoops of proteins +, organic skim milk and whichever frozen fruit I’m in the mood for (today was blueberry and strawberry). It’s versatile and keeps me full until lunch (and if not, I can always snack on a handful of the nuts I bought!).
Tonight is my first appointment with a trainer – I joined LA Fitness on December 30th and have been trying to go during my lunch hour but so far that’s only happened twice. To motivate me, my hubby bought me the cutest Reebok gym bag!! (http://www.target.com/Reebok-Small-Duffel-Bag-Carolina/dp/B000W46XNM)
Over the weekend I hit up Whole Foods and Publix in a big way. I stocked up on organic frozen fruit and bought a fit & fresh personal smoothie maker (LOVE) and picked up some healthy staples to keep at my desk to help me avoid temptation at the office. My list includes:
Honeycrisp Apples
Bananas
Unsalted pistachios, walnuts and almonds
Annie’s Homegrown Bunny Crackers in Chocolate
Natural Peanut Butter
Organic Strawberry Jelly
Frozen Blueberries, raspberries and sliced frozen strawberries
Genuine Health Proteins Powder – a whey protein isolate (the purest form) with no artificial ingredients, corn, egg, gluten, yeast, soy (which I’m allergic to) or wheat.
*NOTE – this is my “bring to the office” grocery list. In my next post I’ll share my healthy “at home” grocery list.
Let me just say it’s only Tuesday but I am LOVING my new repertoire of food at work! Every morning I whip myself up a quick smoothie – two scoops of proteins +, organic skim milk and whichever frozen fruit I’m in the mood for (today was blueberry and strawberry). It’s versatile and keeps me full until lunch (and if not, I can always snack on a handful of the nuts I bought!).
Tonight is my first appointment with a trainer – I joined LA Fitness on December 30th and have been trying to go during my lunch hour but so far that’s only happened twice. To motivate me, my hubby bought me the cutest Reebok gym bag!! (http://www.target.com/Reebok-Small-Duffel-Bag-Carolina/dp/B000W46XNM)
12.29.2009
Holy Health Kick!!
My New Year's Resolution begins NOW.
I know, two days early, but it's here nonetheless.
To save you from complete triteness, I'm going to spare you the whole "I want to lose 10 pounds" shpeal. Instead my resolution is a bit more generic. I simply want to live a healthier life.
My exercise routine consists of my hubby dragging me to the gym twice a month. That's right. Twice a MONTH. I usually go kicking and screaming and leaving either skipping my way home or throwing up (yes, that happened the last time. Perhaps a 7 minute mile on the treadmill was pushing it juuuust a hair too much for my bi-weekly workouts).
Today I joined the gym. I'm buying a sports bra and updating my ipod. 2010 will be the year I get into a fitness regimen. I don't know why going to the gym 4-5 times a week has seemed so daunting in the past, but I'm ready to do what it takes to make it happen. (This MIGHT very well mean the 5:45am spinning class. EEK!)
My eating habits are already fairly healthy, although I love to indulge in the occasional brownie, cookie or 2+ glasses of wine. I'm going to vow to start bringing my lunch to work more often. Those $10 a meal lunches with co-workers aren't only impeding on my "saving for a down payment" plans but they're also doing my midsection no good.
A starting point will help me track my results and since I've never owned a scale, measurements are my preffered method. 35-28-36.
Ok, not terrible. I'd have to say my goal is 35-26.5-35. Reasonable? I think so. Attainable? Better be - and I'm going to work my butt off to find out!
I know, two days early, but it's here nonetheless.
To save you from complete triteness, I'm going to spare you the whole "I want to lose 10 pounds" shpeal. Instead my resolution is a bit more generic. I simply want to live a healthier life.
My exercise routine consists of my hubby dragging me to the gym twice a month. That's right. Twice a MONTH. I usually go kicking and screaming and leaving either skipping my way home or throwing up (yes, that happened the last time. Perhaps a 7 minute mile on the treadmill was pushing it juuuust a hair too much for my bi-weekly workouts).
Today I joined the gym. I'm buying a sports bra and updating my ipod. 2010 will be the year I get into a fitness regimen. I don't know why going to the gym 4-5 times a week has seemed so daunting in the past, but I'm ready to do what it takes to make it happen. (This MIGHT very well mean the 5:45am spinning class. EEK!)
My eating habits are already fairly healthy, although I love to indulge in the occasional brownie, cookie or 2+ glasses of wine. I'm going to vow to start bringing my lunch to work more often. Those $10 a meal lunches with co-workers aren't only impeding on my "saving for a down payment" plans but they're also doing my midsection no good.
A starting point will help me track my results and since I've never owned a scale, measurements are my preffered method. 35-28-36.
Ok, not terrible. I'd have to say my goal is 35-26.5-35. Reasonable? I think so. Attainable? Better be - and I'm going to work my butt off to find out!
12.22.2009
The Yummiest Roasted Chicken EVER!!!
This is such a delicious meal - perfect for company, or a special date night at home. I don't know why I tend to lean towards recipes that call for so many ingredients, but it's so worth it. The pasta is a citrus take on Carbonara and the glaze on the chicken is out of this world. Trust me, this recipe will not dissapoint.
Lemon-Glazed Roast Chicken with Tangerine-Scallion Spaghetti
From: Rachael Ray
Ingredients
2 lemons
1 (4-5 lb) chicken, quartered (ask your butcher to do this)
Salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus some for drizzling
1 whole bulb garlic, top 1/4 inch sliced off plus 2 cloves, chopped
3 small onions, halved
3-4 fresh bay leaves
1/2 11-ounce jar lemon curd (about 1/2 cup)
3/4 cup white wine
1 tablespoon honey
1 pound spaghetti
6 scallions, thinly sliced, whites and greens separated
3 egg yolks
Juice of 3 tangerines
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
3 cups baby arugula
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400ºF.
Zest the lemons, catching the zest in a bowl, then slice them into discs about 1/4-inch thick.
Lay the chicken pieces onto a baking sheet and season with salt, pepper and a drizzle of EVOO. Scatter the lemon slices, garlic bulb, onions and bay leaves around the chicken and pop into the oven for about 40 minutes.
While the chicken is roasting, make the glaze in the bowl that the lemon zest is in: Add the lemon curd, white wine and honey to the bowl along with some salt and lots of black pepper. Stir to combine and reserve.
Place a large pot of water over high heat to boil the pasta. When the chicken has about 10 minutes left to cook, season the boiling water with salt and drop the pasta. Cook to al dente according to package directions. Save a couple of mugs full of starchy cooking water before draining the pasta. Reserve.
While the pasta is boiling, place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO. Add the scallion whites and chopped garlic to the pan and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add one mug full of the reserved pasta-cooking water and the cooked pasta to the pan and bring up to a bubble.
While that's heating up, place the egg yolks into a bowl and whisk to break them up. Add remaining cooking water to the egg yolks while whisking constantly to heat them up. Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium and add the egg mixture to the pasta, stirring constantly to incorporate. Add the tangerine juice, Parmigiano Reggiano, some salt and pepper to the pan, and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Reserve warm.
When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven. Pour the glaze over the chicken and pop it under the broiler to caramelize the glaze.
Garnish the pasta with the scallion greens and arugula and serve alongside the chicken.
YUMMMMMMMMMMMM
Lemon-Glazed Roast Chicken with Tangerine-Scallion Spaghetti
From: Rachael Ray
Ingredients
2 lemons
1 (4-5 lb) chicken, quartered (ask your butcher to do this)
Salt and ground black pepper
2 tablespoons EVOO - Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus some for drizzling
1 whole bulb garlic, top 1/4 inch sliced off plus 2 cloves, chopped
3 small onions, halved
3-4 fresh bay leaves
1/2 11-ounce jar lemon curd (about 1/2 cup)
3/4 cup white wine
1 tablespoon honey
1 pound spaghetti
6 scallions, thinly sliced, whites and greens separated
3 egg yolks
Juice of 3 tangerines
1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
3 cups baby arugula
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400ºF.
Zest the lemons, catching the zest in a bowl, then slice them into discs about 1/4-inch thick.
Lay the chicken pieces onto a baking sheet and season with salt, pepper and a drizzle of EVOO. Scatter the lemon slices, garlic bulb, onions and bay leaves around the chicken and pop into the oven for about 40 minutes.
While the chicken is roasting, make the glaze in the bowl that the lemon zest is in: Add the lemon curd, white wine and honey to the bowl along with some salt and lots of black pepper. Stir to combine and reserve.
Place a large pot of water over high heat to boil the pasta. When the chicken has about 10 minutes left to cook, season the boiling water with salt and drop the pasta. Cook to al dente according to package directions. Save a couple of mugs full of starchy cooking water before draining the pasta. Reserve.
While the pasta is boiling, place a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 turns of the pan of EVOO. Add the scallion whites and chopped garlic to the pan and cook until tender, about 2 minutes. Add one mug full of the reserved pasta-cooking water and the cooked pasta to the pan and bring up to a bubble.
While that's heating up, place the egg yolks into a bowl and whisk to break them up. Add remaining cooking water to the egg yolks while whisking constantly to heat them up. Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium and add the egg mixture to the pasta, stirring constantly to incorporate. Add the tangerine juice, Parmigiano Reggiano, some salt and pepper to the pan, and simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Reserve warm.
When the chicken is done, remove it from the oven. Pour the glaze over the chicken and pop it under the broiler to caramelize the glaze.
Garnish the pasta with the scallion greens and arugula and serve alongside the chicken.
YUMMMMMMMMMMMM
12.15.2009
SimaG Jewelry - must have!
I recently discovered Sima Gilady - after reading about her awesome handmade jewelry on theluxuryspot.com. Being a fan of judaica pieces in particular, I went on etsy to check out this very unique designer. All I can say is LOVE LOVE LOVE!
Sima makes everything from bracelets to necklaces, and everything is customized. I had "Ani ledodi vedodi li" written on mine. This phrase meaning "I am my beloved and my beloved is me" has significant meaning to me as it was my wedding vow, it is written on my Ketubah (Jewish wedding license that hangs above my bed) and is tattooed (in not so "Jewish" fashion) on my husband's under arm in remembrance of our sacred vows.
Sima will inscribe your jewelry with any name or phrase (English or Hebrew) and is wonderful to work with - she responded immediately to my questions (via email). I am very excited to be receiving my necklace soon!
Sima makes everything from bracelets to necklaces, and everything is customized. I had "Ani ledodi vedodi li" written on mine. This phrase meaning "I am my beloved and my beloved is me" has significant meaning to me as it was my wedding vow, it is written on my Ketubah (Jewish wedding license that hangs above my bed) and is tattooed (in not so "Jewish" fashion) on my husband's under arm in remembrance of our sacred vows.
Sima will inscribe your jewelry with any name or phrase (English or Hebrew) and is wonderful to work with - she responded immediately to my questions (via email). I am very excited to be receiving my necklace soon!
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