happy hours

Despite our best hopes and efforts, sometimes things just don't work out. Take last night's game between Syracuse and Butler, for example. Although the second part of my first sentence is arguable, my friends and I congregated at Chuck's last night (along with a couple of random Cornell/Kentucky fans) to support our team in all of it's Orange glory. And then, we lost :(.

"The Sweet 16 turned sour for the Syracuse Orange." Okay, that's the last we'll speak of that. Nonetheless, I don't believe that we should be any more hopeful for bigger and better things in our future, both on and off of the court. I have only fifty days left until graduation (scary? exciting?) and I'm going to try to all that I can to make each one of those 1,200 hours, happy.

Ah, breakfast, a no-fail happy time. Strawberry and banana is my all time favorite combination and paired with a scoop of the delectable Marantha No-Stir Almond Butter it was a perfectly wonderful start to my day. By the way, this is my first time trying a Marantha nut butter, and I have to say that it blows my mind! I don't understand what took me so long to buy it either, it was the cheapest on the shelf. Anyway :) yesterday, I filled myself with other feel-good things too...

I enjoyed both of my classes, ate yummy things, called my Mom, had a great run as planned, cleaned my room, made further progress in the job search, and I spent time with friends. Not to mention that I recently discovered three things to be proud of, a sure-fire smile enhancer:

• - I'm published in Fitness for the 3rd time! Check out pages 134 & 138 in the April issue.
• - My first edited Lost Girls piece is live, 8 Ways to Love Dining Solo.
• - The latest Friday's Foodie Feature on Travel, Eat, Love is featuring yours truly.

And last but not least, if all else fails, some tips from a Women's Health self-help happiness article, How to Be Happier.

Find your good side -> " Finding ways to use your character strengths on a daily basis will directly lead to feeling better about yourself and your life in general... Doing good makes you feel good." 

Fuel your resilience -> "The more skillful you become at bouncing back, the less any kind of adversity will be able to shake your inner sense of well-being...'Shit happens, but that doesn't mean I have to stand in it.'" 

Engage in Mind-Bending Behavior -> "Studies now show that changes in behavior can also have positive effects on your brain chemistry... Those who completed the study [in meditation] showed increased activity in their brain's pleasure center and reported feeling more positive and at ease... [And] you won't be surprised to hear that exercise has also been found to change your brain — and disposition — for the better." 

Know that some things matter little... -> Not wealth, an advanced degree, youth, a warm weather environment, or having a family were proven to have any effect on overall happiness. 

And that some things matter big -> "[In a] survey of 909 women, the activity enjoyed above all others was socializing with friends... people enjoy themselves most when they're so fully engaged in what they're doing that they lose all sense of place, time, and even self."

"You have to make yourself happy." I'd don't personally find the term self-help to be all happiness-inducing but I do agree that it's in our best interest to actively work towards our own well-being. 

Q: What is it that you think or do simply to make yourself happy?

P.S. According the University of Kentucky, being optimistic can protect from disease.

a medley of bffs

Hello :) I think I'm loving this whole blogging thing all over again. I was talking to my roommate about best friends last night. Do you realize how much that definition has evolved? In elementary school, best friend was an inclusive word and heaven forbid the person who held that title changed. Now, it has become all too common of a label. Oh ridiculosity. 

This morning, as planned, I met Miss Laura for brunch at Funk n' Waffles. Friday, not Sunday, brunches have always been a regular thing for me; I've never had class on Fridays, I love the sound of going out on a Thursday night, and I believe that there is nothing better than catching up with best of friends over delicious food. This is not my photo, as I had their vegan buckwheat waffle with banana, but I wanted you to literally get a feel for the place. It's a musical venue with a chill vibe and garage sale finds... basically wonderful.

About a month ago, I dined with a best friend in the blogosphere and two other bloggies, Ada and  Jamie. It was spectacular, really. I've come to befriend most bloggers I've met, some of us are closer than others, and to be perfectly honest, there are a few of us that don't even quite click. 

Although I am more than happy to be nice to everyone, I've accepted it all as fact; we're all just real people with unique personalities and interests outside of healthy food, it's bound to be a hit or miss to a certain degree. Yet , eating at Blossom (always a pleasure) with these three was a one of the best blogger meet-up meals to date. Leslie and I shared the raw sweet potato rolls as our appetizer, followed by individual salads. I had the arugula salad, mainly because I was craving avocado, and wine, for no particular reason... at no surprise here I'm sure ;).

It makes me happy sad when I think of how many people I truly consider my best friends. One is Liz, my European traveling companion whom I think about as often as nostalgic memories of studying abroad come up (all the time). I don't know if she realizes how much I appreciated her thoughtful New Years present to me, an original headband by Mad Madam Mimi. 

I've never been a headband girl, I don't own any collared shirts, and I would not consider myself preppy. Still, I wore my new hair accessory with a new outfit (which I so awkwardly display in this picture) on my last day at Fitness (that would explain the sad face). And just like my best friendships with Laura, Leslie, Liz and others (who's names do not necessarily begin with an "L"-case in point, the visiting Courtney) now I can't imagine my life without it.

P.S. I officially got the Medley Magazine Web Editor gig :)

keepin' it real

A series of unfortunate events, similar to what happened to my blog history, can often lead to a newfound appreciation for basically everything  What can I say? It's Tuesday and I'm feeling reflective... this is me we're talking about :) you can't tell me you're surprised. 

Doing things for the very last time can have a similar effect.

I left Fitness magazine, my internship there, for good. I said goodbye to the wonderful men and women that  have given me opportunity upon opportunity to gain real-life experience in the magazine world and have encouraged me along the way.

I said goodbye to the boy at school and the family at home as I went back to my temporary home at school. I probably won't see them until March. And yet, it is when I really head home in May that will be the biggest transition as I'll be a college graduate. On the bright side, at that point I'll also officially, physically, be close to him. After such a crazy long-distance relationship, we certainly deserve it :).

I've been at school for my final semester ever since. I am loving the classes you've heard about and making the most of the last bout of a classroom-learning experience I'll most likely ever have. 

I'm spending time with the people that matter most while also enjoying the extracurricular clubs, organizations and activities that I enjoy. Currently, I find myself in the application process to become a web editor for Medley, I made a vow to attend each and every "Mix it Up" forum (an international conversation group), and I literally cannot wait to get back to my yoga studio for classes. Only two more weeks to wait for the latter! 

Oh yes, and the sorority and rush. How could I forget? Gotta show love for my Alpha Chis :).

Hold on a sec, back up again, we're not done yet with the truth card. As she gave me the most inspiring card, tea, and two Crumbs cupcakes, my former-boss, the nutrition editor, asked me what I wanted to do next. She has not been the first one. It's a horribly pressing question that I can't seem to get away from, and yet am constantly trying to answer. I thought about it a moment...

I would love to work for a magazine that has anything to do with health, travel, and/or culture. If it were to be an international publication, even better, because then I'd ideally be able to make use of my language skills that make me ever so slightly trilingual. 

Of course, with the less than promising state of the publishing industry, I'd be willing to look elsewhere. If something more corporate were fitting, perhaps an editing job at the UN? Or another world organization I admire and believe in?

But, I'll be straight with you. If it comes down to it, if I am still unemployed after six months, then I've decided that I will au pair or teach english in another country for a while, preferably one that is French- or Spanish-speaking so I can finally perfect my own. 

The last option would not come without any consequence though. Yes, uncertainty is terrifying, there's no its and or buts about it.

And finally, I am so genuinely  happy, that no matter how much time I have to stay away from the blog world, I am still very much apart of it. I have made a handful of true-to life-friends of bloggers and readers alike (you know who you are) that I adore in each and every way. 

As for the many others of whom I do not personally know, I am still always thankful to have readers that make blogging what it is, so enjoyable and fulfilling. It's because of each and every one of you that I have such a blast sharing my day-to-day life, no matter where I'm living.

This blog is certainly a personal one, but I have avoided such topics such as my own issues with disordered eating. Why? Because I was afraid of what others might think and to admit the problem to myself. Because I was just too embarrassed to be completely honest. I want you to know that as I put the pieces back together, I promise to be more so. Get really for all the nitty-gritty details ;).

I miss you and I honestly will be back to blogging by Friday (photos = last meals from home).

brown bag it

Ever since living abroad, I’ve become very conscious of my spending. I’m not complaining, of course, (as a poor student, I certainly can afford to save,) but it means that on most days at home, I pack my lunch for work, I often cook instead of eating out for breakfast and dinner, and I share non-organic produce with my family. Oh, and I eat a ton of leftovers! 

Yesterday I brought my mom’s potato soup with me. It was actually much better than expected with bits of celery and kale in it and spiced with red pepper, and filled me up faster than I thought. Alongside it I happily chomped on crudités and read a few pages of a pre-published book from the giveaway table. That’s the great thing about working at a healthy living magazine, the freebies are usually good for you ;).

As upsetting as it may be, for many eating healthfully is even too expensive. In my case, I focus on whole, unprocessed foods, bought in bulk, and only buy the other things (almond milk, Sunshine burgers, dark chocolate, etc) when they’re on sale or with coupons. Check brand websites, you can save a lot J. Still, there is definitely a problem within our country (the Dollar menu?) in which the, as much as I hate to use the world, bad food is “dirt cheap.”

Did you know that nearly 95% of U.S. health-care funds go towards treating illnesses, while only the remaining 5% is put towards prevention. Not even the (soon-to-be doctor) boy could argue that system reform is uncalled for. There are a countless number of problems with that figure, and it’s clear that our country could use a couple of  fund re-distribution right alongside more saving tips than I could ever begin to imagine.

Again on a lighter note: personal saving also usually means forgetting about happy hour… with the exception of tonight. I’m splurging with Steph! She’s a graduated friend of mine, we haven’t seen each other in almost 5 months, and some girlie conversation and drinks are well overdue. After we wrap-up our work days, we’re headed to Terroir for wine flights and small plates. I couldn’t be more excited :). Might be seeing you all later, we shall see! Have a great night!

taste the rainbow

"See ya in 2010!" The last words I said to my boss before leaving work yesterday. I truly cannot believe how quickly time passes. This is the year when the educational structure ends, when I graduate from college, when I become a real person, when the rest of my life begins... and despite how terrifying that may seem I think I will be, dare I say it, ready. In the past year and a half I've lived in four different homes, learned to speak two languages other than English, and have certainly had my fair share of challenges. How tough could it really be? ;) 

On the food front, I recently stumbled upon "the Top 10 Food Trend for 2010" courtesy of  the Food Channel. Out of the ten, it was only two that really stood out to me, but I think they're worth mentioning. The first is our countries' new focus from processed to real, "It is about pure, simple, clean and sustainable." I'm sure we all hope this one truly catches on, it's about time!

The second is redefining American food, because when it comes down to it, it is an exquisite cuisine in and of itself. "This is all about flavor delivery. Immigration has come to the plate, and we are now defining a new Global Flavor Curve. Part comfort, part creativity, the latest flavors are coming from the great American melting pot." I'm such a sucker for representation of diversity.

And with that in mind, a few months ago, a particular article from Women's Health sparked my interest, Healthy Lifestyles from Around the World. I found it fascinating, not just because it was written by my very own editor at the Lost Girls, Holly Corbett, nor based on the fact that it has half of my blog name in it's title (haha), but because it accomplishes exactly what I've been trying do all along: define the secrets of the world's healthiest women.

According to their findings women live the longest primarily in Japan, then Monaco, Andorra, Australia, and Spain. "At least 40 percent of the Japanese population eats miso soup made from soybeans for breakfast every day," says Letha Hadady, a leading expert on Asian herbal medicine and the author of Feed Your Tiger. With the soy controversy in mind, WH suggests sticking, to natural Japanese staples such as edamame and miso. They also attribute grean tea (More than half the population drinks it every day) as experts believe that its high levels of catechins—a powerful disease-fighting antioxidant—can destroy abnormal cancer cells and lower cholesterol.

It is in Kirbati, France, Japan, Monaco, and South Korea where women have the lowest rate of heart attacks. For the French this may be related to the glass of wine that they sip daily; moderate drinkers (one glass per day for women) slash their risk of heart disease by up to 40 percent, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. And from South Korea, WH notes kimchi, specifically the raw garlic in it, thanks to an enzyme in the garlic that prevents cholesterol from sticking to artery walls. Heating weakens its effects, however, and it's released only when the cloves are finely chopped or crushed.

Moreover, women maintain the lowest healthy weights in Japan, Norway, Switzerland, Italy, and Denmark. How? Perhaps we should adopt Italian's afternoon naps. Melissa Kelly, author of Mediterranean Women Stay Slim, Too says, "Siestas help boost your energy, so you don't need a sugary pick-me-up snack in the afternoon." Studies also link too little sleep to increased production of the hormone ghrelin, which makes you crave comfort foods. And when we're not sleeping... walk like the Swiss. They make almost 30 percent of their trips on foot, 10 percent by bike, and just 38 percent by car. Compare that with how Americans get around: 1 percent by hoofing it, 9 percent on two wheels, 84 percent by car.

Colon cancer is a rarity among women in Senegal, Gambia, Fiji, Guinea, and Cameroon. Daphne Miller, M.D., author of The Jungle Effect: A Doctor Discovers the Healthiest Diets from Around the World,  found that most Cameroonian dishes call for folate-rich wild greens, which may slash colon cancer risk by 60 percent. Furthermore, "Fermented foods are diet staples throughout West Africa, and they're packed with probiotics, which maintain colon-protecting bacteria in the gut and may ward off cancer," Miller says.

And finally, last, but certainly not least, lies "the answer" to happiness. It is in Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Iceland, and the Bahamas where women are most notably happiest. Those from the land of long, dark winters, Iceland, can attribute their low rates of SAD to the hefty 225 pounds of cold-water fish per person per year. Omega-3s are no doubt powerful enough to "reduce your risk of depression by 50 percent." says Miller.

From the top dogs in the smiles section, WH promotes finding a lust for life, not stuff (amen.) "Danish people believe that experiences, not material possessions, are what bring contentment," says Kaare Christensen, M.D., Ph.D., professor of epidemiology at the University of Southern Denmark. Research backs them up: When scientists from the University of Colorado at Boulder asked study participants about their recent big-ticket purchases, they found that people who put their dough toward an experience—such as concert tickets or a romantic dinner—were twice as likely to be happy with their purchase than those who bought material goods.

No matter where you're from, no matter where you're going, I'd like to wish you and your family a very happy & healthy holiday! P.S. Photos from yesterday, I'll drop in again before the new year :).

bonus rounds

Hello darlings, how are you on this beautiful yet chilly Monday? I'm hoping not to Grinch-esque! I'm back at the Fitness magazine office (and super busy I might add) but I needed wanted to drop in and let you know where I'll be all day anyway. Hope to be back tonight :)
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Hola sugar plums. What a day! I am not used to interning anymore ;). Despite the exhaustion, I'm in a mildly-reflective mood so please bear with me as we take the trip through today's events and thoughts... I woke up early this morning, burned through 10-minutes of pilates practice and another 20 of stretching through yoga, ate breakfast, got ready, went to "work." 

Upon arrival I literally had butterflies. I had such an amazing experience over the summer and being back in that building, taking that same route up to the office had me beyond excited. I walked in to excitement from all of the staff that I came to adore. My boss and I were so thrilled to be reunited :) I nearly hugged her.

Then, as I made my way to my desk I received many a, "Oh, I'd forgotten you were coming back today, welcome back!" "We're so glad that you could come in over your break." "How has everything been? We're so happy you're here again!" I tell you, I could have not have felt better! And pretty soon I fell right back into place again and got down to business. But not with my usual fun and editorial projects, just a list of simple packaging and sending to-dos.

I whipped out my carefully-guarded fashion intern skills and got to finding the products, and the boxes they would fit in, securing them closed and filling out FedEx forms before they were swept away to their new and lucky owners.

The recipient of the first few Fitness products represented the winners of the magazine's 30 Days of Giveaways. There were women from each state, big cities, and small towns, and all Fitness-enthusiasts. It made me smile to think how excited the lucky women would be. Next, sneakers were sent to product testers, also diverse, and most definitely, lucky. 

Everything was provided, quite generously, by the manufacturers themselves, free gifts for free exposure. But then, I got to thinking about the relationship between many editors of all kinds and PR people. It's a close one I assure you! I can't tell you how many freebies each receives as gifts or incentives, I too have been spoiled by my fair share of goodies...  and yet there are so many people around the country and the world that do without the bare necessities.

Surely there is nothing fair about that! As much as I completely adore working in the publishing field, I fear that one day it won't fulfill me; I want to make a difference in the lives of those who truly deserve it, do my part in creating a better world and a better tomorrow; But, then again, I'm no super woman, or saint for that matter, I also want the means to travel, taste, and experience for my own well being.

And all the while I wish to continue with my magazine journalistic passions of reading, writing, researching, and editing, in addition to advancing in my understanding and fluency of the Spanish and French language, (and maybe even one more if possible, if I'm even capable). Even now, I have more than I need, and still, I crave the world.

I graduate in May with no idea what comes next. Thankfully there are a few things I am sure of: beginning each new day, full of promise and opportunity, with an energizing workout followed by the complete enjoyment of breakfast, ending it with a setting sun and heart-warming cup of tea, and then resting, and dreaming, until the cycle continues, again, and again, and again.

To be healthy, eat right, walk right, and talk to yourself right." ~Yogi tea

be thankful

Good morning! Are you a Bloggie Secret Santa yet? I don't have much time to chat because I've got to finish up a project, stop by my last class, and get on the road. Why so busy you ask? Oh, well, I'm just, going home... I finally made it to Thanksgiving break baby! Until then though :) I thought I'd pop in with a festive dose of gratitude!

I am thankful for my friends, both old and new. Some may now live apart, we may have separate lives but we always prioritize time spent together. A few days ago, before I drove one of them to their airport, all three of my best friends from freshman year went our for appeThaizing. The meal and the company was scrumptious. I feel lucky to know so much love, including that from the boy :).

I am thankful for bloggies. Yesterday I received a card from my sweet little loverbug, Gliding Clam. You are too wonderful, girl, expect something your way very soon! Speaking of ladies in blogland, I am going to be spending my American holiday with another very special one. I'm so glad to be a part of such a wonderful community, I appreciate each one of you oh so very much.

I am thankful to be young. I stayed in and caught up on work for most of this past weekend but on Saturday night my roommate, her friend from home, and I all went downtown to Daisy Dukes. Neither of us rode the bull but we did bump into more old and new friends, in addition to enjoying free drinks from generous strangers ;).

I am thankful to have a healthy body and mind. Unfortunately I was unable to sign up for this session at the CNY Yoga Center (won't be able to get my money's worth since I'm spending so much time at home in the next month) but these DVDs have been amazing. I just love the way I feel afterwards, yoga never fails to center me. Oh and I finally got a headstand!

I am thankful for my family. Last Friday, I met my graduated friend Laura downtown at the Black Olive. We spent a lot of time talking about our not-entirely-perfect situations at home. You'd think it'd be a little sad, but no, it was liberating. My family is certainly not perfect, but we are real, and we love each other and I can't wait to see them tonight.

I am thankful for my opportunities. Not only do I have a chance to try discounted SprouTofu burgers ;) but I will be interning at Fitness magazine for the second time this upcoming winter break. I may not have a plan for the future but I have faith in the fact that it will work out, and in the mean time, I will continue to believe, to do, and to experience... What about you?

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.  It turns what we have into enough, and more.  It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.  Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow."  -Melody Beatti

Happy Thanksgiving!