Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween!

Oh how i love dressing up in costumes. I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween!!!!

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Recipe of the week-Apple Cinnamon Muffins

After vowing to not bake again until Christmas, I ended up caving last night. I broke my baking streak with a new low fat muffin recipe I recently came ac cross. Since it is fall and the season for apples, I figured a nice cinnamon, appley muffin would fit nicely into my food agenda. I was a bit scared though because there were several ingredients which I have not cooked with frequently like whole wheat flour, apple sauce and splenda.

But to my pleasant surprise the muffins were delish! They were super moist, sweet, I loved the chucks of apples in them and only ONE weight watcher point. The whole wheat flour didn't bother me one bit and the only qualm I sort of have is I can taste the fact I used splenda, so I may reduce the amount used by just a bit next time. I did replace 1% milk with skim milk, but other than that I followed the recipe exactly.

Cinnamon Apple Muffins

Ingredients
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup Splenda or other sweetener
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
2/3 cup 1% milk
3 small apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)

Directions

* Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
* lightly spray muffin pan with cooking spray
* Mix all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, splenda, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large bowl
* In a separate, small bowl, mix together the applesauce, egg, and milk.
* Pour applesauce mixture into flour mixture and stir until just blended (don't over-stir); fold in apples
* Spoon mixture into muffin pan
* Bake 25 minutes

Makes 12 muffins....1 muffin = 1 serving

Number of Servings: 12

-------------------------
Nutritional Info
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 85.7
Total Fat: 0.9 g
Cholesterol: 18.4 mg
Sodium: 190.2 mg
Total Carbs: 19.3 g
Dietary Fiber: 2.1 g
Protein: 2.9 g

Monday, October 25, 2010

Taylor Swift

If you consider me a friend, most likely one thing you have come to realize about me is that I have an inner tween. My inner tween (I should totally come up with a nickname for her haha) likes things like doodling hearts, squiggles, whatever while she is in work meetings, believes in fairy tales to some degree (she is def the naive side of me), can 100% be a drama queen about EVERYTHING, and of coarse loves pop music coming from the “now” prostitots (as I like to call youngster wild childs) such as Miley Cryus, Justin Beiber, and her favorite - Taylor Swift. Being an avid follower since she was a senior in college, Inner Tween has been anxiously awaiting the release of the new album “Speak Now” since she heard it was coming out a few months back. Yes, she downloaded the pre-release songs, and yes, downloading the album was the first thing she did this morning, and yes, she has been listening to it all day.

Why Inner Tween loves Taylor Swift. She writes her own music. And not only does she write catchy, relatable songs, but Taylor is brutally honest. She doesn’t hold anything back. In her latest album she has songs written about John Mayer, Kayne West, and Taylor Lautner. I can use her songs as something for me to relate to for my life, but she also offers insight into her life. I think that is exceptionally cool since so many famous people are quite the opposite. No Taylor may not have the best voice, but she makes up for her lack of singing ability with enthusiasm. She is good on the guitar and good at song writing and LOVES her fans. She didn’t go off the sluttly deep end like Britney or Miley (even though I love both of them too). She has represented herself with integrity and I hope she continues to do so. Last comment to make about Inner Tween’s love. Taylor fully believes in the fairy tale in her songs. And while my adultness begs to differ with these childish theories, my inner dreams are based on hope, and Taylor is just food for those hopes and dreams. AKA she makes me feel like there is something worth wishing for, even if real life Christy is a Debbie (Debbie doubter, that is).

Anyways, check out the new tunes. Hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I have! :o)

Friday, October 22, 2010

Interesting post

During my lunch break today, I decided to stay in eat lunch at my desk, be lazy and catch up on the latest on MSN.com. Anyways, I found this interesting article on there (from glamour.com) that was written by a 31 year old. The article was about the things she wished she had known about dating ten years ago and it honestly sounds like something I could see my self writing in 6 year. So in case you haven't already seen the article here is her list.

I have highlighted the ones I particularly already agree with, even if I have not necessarily mastered following these thoughts yet :o)

1. If you're confused about whether a guy likes you or not, that's probably not good. Confusion in romance belongs only in romantic comedies because it suspends the plot, but suspense in real life sucks. So try not to analyze the events. The truth will reveal itself without you having to do anything.

2. Sometimes guys flirt with you or pay attention to you because it makes them feel good about themselves. (Hey, we do it, too.)

3. Even a guy who will admit that you're better looking than him should still be able to tell you you're beautiful. If he holds back in order to control the situation, or to keep you, or keep you down, he's got issues.

4. Don't help him ask you out by texting him something nice or polite. I'm glad you're more outgoing and thoughtful than he is, but he doesn't want the help.

5. Guys want to get busy more than anything. They'll say anything to close the deal.

6. It's shocking how much guys will talk about marriage. Until there's a ring on your finger, it will be better for you if you pretend you're deaf.

7. It's better not to lift a finger in the beginning.

8. In the early stages, giving him presents is too much. Generosity looks desperate to guys. You may be a great shopper and gift-wrapper; it may be his birthday and you may be wild about birthdays — even still, he'll think you're just wild about him. Too wild.

9. Guys just do not think like girls. I wish I'd had a brother. Real boys are nothing like the boys in movies.

10. They might take a decade to mature. Don't hope they'll grow up or be ready in the next six months.

11. Even if your family thinks there's going to be a marriage, don't let them spoil your guy. Yes, he's grateful you gave him your car when he moved out of NYC, but he would rather have had to work for it.

12. Learn to cook. Learn to cook well. I see now that it would have won me a lot of points. A LOT.

13. Just because he might be smarter than you or more talented at certain things doesn't mean he's your servant and won't mind doing all your homework/research/chores.

14. Guys get resentful, too.

15. You're special, unique, and important, but you're not a princess — no matter what Daddy says (although for the record, my dad calls me "Erin").

16. It's okay to say no. It's more than okay. It's always okay. If he stops calling (and many, many, many will), you're only weeding out the guys who aren't truly interested in you as a person. Time saved!

17. Playing it safe guarantees you'll have more time and energy to think about your grades or your work. Less drama in your life will always be better and healthier for you.


18. You deserve to be treated like a human being.

19. Your wants and needs are just as important as his, and if you don't express them because you think it will scare him away, then you're saying you don't count as much as he does.

20. Even sophisticated people with professional jobs can have tempers or hit you or use foul language. I've known men who dressed like diplomats but they were ugly human beings.

21. You can't force chemistry. If you like him as a friend, the attraction might grow, but if it doesn't, don't force it. And don't waste his time.

22. Ease up on the sauce. Alcohol clouds your judgment.

23. No boyfriend-girlfriend relationship starts with a 1 a.m. booty text.

24. When a guy has taken you to Applebee's five times and you say you want to treat him, he'll be psyched. But secretly he'll freak out if you take him to Ruth's Chris, even just the one teeny time. Don't try to match him one Ruth's Chris for five Applebee's. Take him out, but go to T.G.I. Friday's.

25. Women love attention. A guy needs to be pretty crazy about you in order for him to pay enough attention to make you happy long-term.

26. My mom always said, "Men don't think." I thought she meant, "They are mistaken in their thoughts." But they're just not thinking anything at all. About you. They're watching the game. That's why they haven't called.

27. There should be a medium ground between workaholism and his absolute devotion. "The knight departing for new adventures offends his lady, yet she has nothing but contempt for him if he remains at her feet" (Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 658).

28. Never underestimate the quality of "interesting." Men want someone interesting. They really do. Find some hobbies.

29. What are you hoping to gain by hooking up with this guy? If the answer is "him," that's a bad deal for you. "The woman gives herself, the man adds to himself by taking her" (de Beauvoir 659).

30. Expectations? They'll ruin every dating experience you have.

31. You will never understand men. Just try to understand yourself.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Body bugg speaks the unfortunate truth....

Many of you read my original post about the body bugg I bought last November. At the time I was trying to get re-hyped about weight loss since I had gained some weight. I started off strong, and I loved my body bugg but unfortunately, I fell off the band wagon quite quickly. Using excuses such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, new years, traveling, and whatever excuse I could get my hand on which has now lead to me actually have gained about 20 pounds since then. Shocking right? I’m just inching closer and closer to my highest, most disgusting weight. I never dreamed I would let myself go like this. The only word that truly describes how I feel is utterly disappointed in myself. Now more than ever I need to get myself motivated- Excited about eating right, working out, making time for me and my health because the fact of the matter is I’m not getting any younger, I am putting myself at risk for so many diseases, and I miss my old wardrobe and getting to shop at all my favorites stores because they don’t carry they size I am currently wearing.

Anyways, the last two weeks I have tried to step it up. Keeping a food log, joined a fitness boot camp, going to as many zumba classes as I can fit into my schedule and yes I busted out the body bugg. This time I am using my sisters since she is 7 months pregnant. She isn't using hers and her subscription hasn't ran out yet… So why waste money already spent right!? Anyways, I have been logging in under her account entering all my info. Well this past weekend I got looking at all her stats and it came to my attention that she burns more calories than me on average…. In layman’s terms: she has a higher metabolism than me. Just sitting at her desk at work she burns more calories than me! Another reason life isn’t fair. LOL! I don't know why this upset me because she is like a whole person smaller than me, of coarse she has a better metabolism. But it was just like a reality check. It is like me walking around every day... I know I am fat, and I am okay with that but I get so upset when anyone else calls me fat. Why is that? It's not like it is news to me, or I don't agree. It is a fact, not just an opinion. Anyways, I came to the conclusion metabolism is an evil thing. Haha. So taking any tips on how I could work at raising it? One day hopefully, (even though I have supposedly gained 1.5 lbs over the last two weeks somehow) I will be way proud of myself when I am just as skinny as my sister or any other skinny biotch’s with high metabolisms, knowing I have had to work alot harder to get there and stay at that weight. No one said life would be easy, but I am sure it will be totally worth it!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Ironic, Don't ya think?

Not 24 hours after I posted quite a long post gloating about how awesome I think East Nashville is......... Someone drove behind my house, stole my roomates $450 stainless steel grill off my patio. Really East Nasvhille, REALLY!?

Guess it could have been worse, they could have broken into my house. Just sayin'.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

East Nasty

East Nashville: Surrounded by projects, crime, old homes, major social economic diversity, crowded by many races and mis-interpreted people therefore is often referred to by many Nashvillians as East Nasty. But for those of us that have taken the time to open our eyes to the east side realize we have found a diamond in the rough.

I wont deny, less than a little short two years ago I made my first venture over to a Christmas party in the east side. I was frightened for my life, driving with the car doors locked waiting to get gang banged.... Later to realize that East Nasty did not deserve the bad rap it had been given. (not saying 10-15 years ago it wasn't fully deserving). I wont deny that it took me a few trips and visits to understand that when it came to east Nashville you cant really judge the book by its cover because the pages of east Nashville, while rough around the edges, actually contained alot of awesome content. Of course I am not the only person that clearly feels this way. In the search for a home, houses in east Nashville were priced right and if were decent or better would be off the market before you could even consider to put an offer down. Now I have lived in east Nashville for 6 months and I love the life I have been building while I have been here. For those of you outsiders wondering WTF, here is why....

(DISCLAIMER: I already know I am going to leave out some awesome things-Sorry! And also this post refers to my current experiences (yes, living on the right, literally and figuratively, side of East Nashville. This is not saying that the left side is bad but I just haven't experienced it first hand)

What is great about East Nashville:
  • Old houses getting redone, houses getting flipped, a new generation moving in...Almost all of my neighbors are young, super nice, and are pretty much in the same disposition as myself and it seems like that is the trend all around 37206. Constantly seeing joggers and bike riders down my street, people walking their dogs, and lots of front porch and patio sitting. No, I will never join the "East Nasty" joggers but that is a perfect example of the population I am referring to.
  • GREAT (non-chain) restaurants. A few on the top of my mind. Sushi and fish at Battered and Fried, Brunch at Marche's, a sandwich from Mitchell's Deli (i like it for more than just its catchy name, lol), and today I had probably the best southern cooking and customer service at Southern Bred. Food was amazing and since we had to wait so long they comped our meals. Best of both worlds right there. Cheese dip and Marg's to make all my sorrows go away at Rose Peppers, cozy and uniqueness at Family Wash, and I don't want to forget about Glee Tuesday at Nuvo Burrito (really, glee on all tv's plus trivia during commercial breaks while you eat dinner, okay need I say more?!) And those are just (SOME) of the places I have tried... Other places I can't wait to try out Holland House, Margots, Pied Piper Creamery, Allium, and all the fried chicken places that are supposedly amazing. Plus for those of the picky persuasion they have places that serve all organic, vegetarian, and also other ethnicity's.
  • Unlike my old place in Oak Hill, East Nashville has a great bar scene. I mean 5 points alone provides bars for the liking. Trivia or watching the game at 3 Crowe or Beyond the Edge or just catching happy hour on the patio at Red Door east you have all your bar needs covered and that is just the tip of the iceberg. The beer garden in Riverside Village, Drifters, and almost all the good restaurants have a great selection of cocktails. I hear Holland House and the new bar on its way (Bar 308) are the places to hit up if you want the real deal when it comes to cocktails. But the best thing about the bar scene in the east is that its is such an eclectic crowd. Unlike midtown where you are surrounded by grown frats and sorority members ( i'm not hating since I have a deep love for the Greek system, just saying it sometimes nice to see something other than cookie cutter socialites). There are even bars such as Lipstick Lounge and Mad Donna's that are targeted towards LGBT communites. There literally is room for everyone all of shapes, sizes, colors and belief.
  • If you don't drink the booze, well they got lots of coffee... And no, not one starbucks. It's like a first to hear a growing community with ZERO starbucks. So refreshing! (even though I do love me some starbucks froo froo drinks.) Bongo Java, Portland brew....yumm!
  • Can't leave out the music scene. Not only will you spot a ton of musicians or songwriters on this side of town but there are several places to really get your tune on. The French Quarter or the 5 spot to name a couple.
  • The parks, green ways, dog parks, and all around animal friendly community. I think it is a requirement for all east Nashvillians to love or own an animal and love the outdoors.
  • It's actually city life with affordablity. It is only a mere few miles from downtown and the fast life of the city. A few miles from LP stadium for games or other events. Home prices, while some are astronomical, most are still way affordable!
  • Last but not least is the love and pride the patrons feel for their community. It is drawing a community that wants to make it safer, more beautiful, and the next hot spot when it comes to best places in Nashville to live. It is very original between its stores, food spots, bars, music, tenants.

Now don't get me wrong. I am not saying the east side is perfect because by all means it isn't. Some areas are still in the need of a major turn around. There are still break ins, the projects, tons of cops, and the random sketchy people that seem to always walk in them middle of the streets or hang out at the bus stops/gas stations but the fact of the matter is that there is amazing community hiding in the midst of all the madness. I hope East Nashville fully becomes the area I want it to and if you have the fear of the East Nasty, get out here and give it a try. You may just reconsider! :o)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Black light Zumba

Reasons why I love black light zumba

1) I get to get my jig on for an hour
2) In the Dark
3) With my clothes glowing.
4) People can’t see my wobbly bits jigging too
5) Plus I burn like 500 calories
6) And (in the dark) I dance as good as J. Lo.

Come check it out with me some Monday with Angie Knipp at Avenue 9 downtown. Black light zumba 7 pm.

Monday, October 4, 2010

lyrical soul

Nothing gets my lyrical soul going quite like a long car ride. I have had some of the deepest, wisest (and of coarse crazy) thoughts when behind the wheel. Yesterday was no different as I made the 2.5 hour trek from Louisville to Nashville. Had my sunroof open, my 6 disk cd player stacked with good tunes, and was in a particually great mood. One song, which I have heard a zillion times but must have been over looked by all the other amazing songs on the album ended up stricking a note with me yesterday.... Maybe it is because I finally listened to the words as I was belting them out in my car. Anyways, this song kinda reminds me of me.... jaded with an ounce of optimism.

Hiding My Heart Away by Brandi Carlile:

So this is how the story went
I met someone by accident
That blew me away
That blew me away

It was in the darkest of my days
When you took my sorrow and you took my pain
And buried them away, you buried them away

And I wish I could lay down beside you
When the day is done
And wake up to your face under the morning sun
But like everything I've ever known
I'm sure you'll go one day
So I'll spend my whole life hiding my heart away
And I can't spend my whole life hiding my heart away

I dropped you off at the train station
And put a kiss on top of your head
I watched you wave
I watched you wave
Then I went on home to my skyscrapers
Neon lights and waiting papers
That I call home
I call it home

And I wish I could lay down beside you
When the day is done
And wake up to your face against the morning sun
But like everything I've ever known
I'm sure you'll go one day
So I'll spend my whole life hiding my heart away
And I can't spend my whole life hiding my heart away

I woke up feeling heavy hearted
I'm going back to where I started
The morning rain
The morning rain
And you know I wish that you were here
But that same old road that brought me here
Is calling me home
Is calling me home

And I wish I could lay down beside you
When the day is done
And wake up to your face against the morning sun
But like everything I've ever known
You'll disappear someday
So I'll spend my whole life hiding my heart away
And I can't spend my whole life hiding my heart away